The fine line between kindness and boundaries

PEDDLER OF HOPE BY MISTER ANGKAS

- GEORGE ROYECA

I have been thinking a lot lately about the nature of relationships. Friendships, family ties, professional partnerships. Over the last year, especially with the campaign, I have seen relationships lost, gained and some left in a strange limbo. And when you are moving at the speed of politics and business, you do not always have the luxury to stop and reflect. But now that the noise has quieted, I find myself looking back and asking: What makes a relationship truly sustainable?

This question has brought me to one of the most important balances in life. The balance between kindness and firmness. Between generosity and the courage to say no. Between vulnerability and self-protection. And perhaps, most critically, between healthy expectations and the slow creep of entitlement.

The campaign taught me that kindness is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it opens doors, builds trust and creates bonds that endure storms. On the other hand, without boundaries, it can leave you open to being taken advantage of, misunderstood or quietly disrespected. And I realized something that is both simple and difficult to practice: kindness without self-respect is not kindness at all. It is compliance.

Vulnerability is a perfect example. I have learned that vulnerability is powerful when offered intentionally. It is the bridge to deep connections because it shows people your real self without the armor. When I have been vulnerable with people who have earned my trust, the relationship has grown stronger. But when I have opened up to those who see vulnerability as an opportunity to exploit, I have paid the price. Vulnerability without discernment is not courage. It is leaving the door open to those who might harm you.