If we open a door for someone are we upset if they don’t say thank you? If we give someone a gift are we disappointed if they don’t reciprocate? If we compliment someone are we upset if they don’t give us one back?
If we are answering ‘yes’ then that’s not kindness, more manipulation.
Kindness has nothing attached and we are doing to bring ourselves inner joy. We don’t need reward or recognition. If we seek recognition then it is ego.
Be and be kind because we can and it brings joy to ourselves and others without obligations or burdens.
Kindness is from the heart with no strings, anything else has an agenda and comes from the mind.