kind to me vs. kind of you

[faryan]

If you need to explain the reason for using these two prepositions in the sentences below, what would it be?
Jean was very kind to me when I was in the hospital.
It was kind of you to remember my birthday.

[5jj]

Why would want one to explain them?

[faryan]

Why would want one to explain them?

well, to be honest I was asked about it and couldn't answer precisely. Maybe there's no specific rule but I need an answer if any.

[5jj]

Prepositions are often a law unto themselves, and it is not a good idea to try to explain why a particular one is used. In English, for example, we see things 'on television', while Germans see them 'in the television' and French viewers 'at the television'.

However, in your examples, the prepositions are not used too idiosyncratically.

Jean was very kind to me when I was in the hospital. The kindness flowed from Jean to me.
It was kind of you to remember my birthday. The kindness was on the part of you.

[BobK]

Perhaps faryan would find it helpful to consider who's being kind, and who they are being kind to.

b