being nice and kind has it's own reward

I was taught to respect all people, and not to hold grudges. This might seem tough at certain times but it really is a reward in itself. Maybe you're in a difficult situation, and someone you run into will help you out in return of a good deed you did for them. I also believe in the idea of 'bad things happen to good people' and I can count a handful of times when that has happened to either me or my family or friends. Karma eventually will find it's way back to you, and it repays three times.