The word nice is often used as a synonym for kind, and it’s easy to see why. It has a gentle, pleasant, and warm sound to it, much like sunshine or a hug. The word has a few different meanings, though, and it’s important to differentiate between them. Being a nice person means being polite and caring about other people. It’s not the same as being a kind person, which is more about giving back to those around you and pouring good into the world.
The first and most obvious definition of nice is being polite. This includes using a please and a thank you when interacting with others, as well as being respectful and listening to their opinions and feelings. Being polite is a great way to make someone feel happy and can also be helpful in diffusing arguments or confrontations. Being a kind person, on the other hand, is going out of your way to do something for someone, whether it’s picking up their groceries, helping with a project at work, or simply wishing them a good day over text.
One thing to note about being nice is that it can often be a mask for other issues, such as insecurity and perfectionism. People who are too nice are afraid to admit when they’re wrong, which can lead them to avoid confrontation or hide their flaws. They might even lie to cover up their mistakes, which can cause them to become resentful of other people. They might also be insecure and think that being nice is the only way they can get what they want, such as sex or approval from others.
If you’re a genuinely nice person, you’ll be able to put yourself in other people’s shoes and understand how they feel. This compassion can help you be more sympathetic when your friends and family are having difficulties. A genuinely nice person will care about your problems, regardless of how big or small they are.
A genuinely nice person will never take advantage of other people and always try to do what’s best for them. You might be able to tell that they’re being genuine by how they respond to your requests for help. For example, if they know you’re traveling abroad for work, they might ask how your trip is going. You can’t be a genuinely nice person without being compassionate, and this can be very beneficial to your mental health. In fact, a study published in 2019 found that kindness was the single most important characteristic people look for in a partner. This is in contrast to other traits, such as wealth and physical attractiveness, which people find less important.