ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some stories to explore the research basis of how helping others can help the self, and offers case examples of showing compassion, and examines the issue of when one may need to show tough love. The Dalai Lama says that inner peace and happiness come from reducing self-centeredness and increasing compassion. Compassion naturally promotes a positive atmosphere, it leads to positive relationships, and, in turn, facilitates feelings of peace, contentment, and well-being. Love, caring, and compassion alone are not always the best or most helpful option. Genuine compassion is based on the recognition that others have the same right to happiness as oneself-including their enemies. Sometimes it is about tough love, about making the hard calls for the very fact that a person do love and care. Happy people are interested in others, care for others, and stretch out their hand to offer help when it is needed.
