The word nice has more meanings than a lot of other four-letter words. It can compliment, sneer, or dismiss; it can express strong emotions or no emotion at all. It can describe the weather, a person, or an action. It can also describe the kind of shot a hockey player makes: “That was a really nice goal!” People use it all the time, but what does it mean to be nice?

People are naturally nice. They are kind and thoughtful, and they want to be a positive force in the world. They’re not just nice to their friends, they’re nice to strangers, too—the cashier at the grocery store, the person sitting next to them on the train, the neighbors who mow their lawn. They’re nice to the animals they own, too, and even to their plants.

Niceness is a personality trait that psychologists call prosocial behavior, which refers to actions that are concerned with the safety and well-being of others. It’s a big part of the social-supporting subscale of the MBTI personality inventory, and it’s an important factor in the formation of healthy relationships and friendships.

One of the most important characteristics of a nice person is patience. They can hold a grudge for very little time and have a lot of empathy for other people’s situations. They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles and they try to make it easier for them by offering compassion and kindness.

Another trait that naturally nice people have is generosity, which is the ability to give without expecting anything in return. It can be something as small as sharing a snack with someone who forgot their own, or as big as volunteering for a cause they believe in. They’re always looking for ways to make a difference in the lives of other people.

Nice people are genuine in their words and actions. Their compliments are sincere, their apologies are heartfelt, and they keep their promises. They’re dependable, too, which is something you can count on when dealing with a nice person.