Yes, there are always three choices in your response to the suffering of others or your own: (1) compassion, (2) indifference, or (3) cruelty.
❤️ The compassionate person seeks to do what they can within their sphere of influence to comfort and alleviate the pain of others. Or responds with self-compassion to their own struggles.
🧊 The indifferent are insensitive and ignore the duty of care we owe each other as members of the human family. This denies our common humanity and weakens the social fabric.
😈 The cruel seek to inflict more suffering, take advantage of others when they are hurt or vulnerable. Whether this be in the workplace, the school yard or the public square, this response is callous, spreads fear and is inhuman. No way to live.