People who are genuinely nice care about other people and make an effort to help them. They are a pleasure to be around and inspire others to be their best. Nice is a virtue and everyone should strive to be nice. However, not everyone defines “nice” the same way. Some people may use the word as a code for being rude and manipulative, but it can also be a sign of compassion, generosity, and thoughtfulness. Some of the most popular ways to be nice include being punctual, listening attentively, and giving compliments. These acts of kindness are known as prosocial behavior, which psychologists define as actions that promote the well-being and safety of other people. Performing prosocial behaviors is good for your mental health, too. It triggers the release of serotonin and oxytocin, which make you feel loved and connected to other people.

Being punctual shows that you respect other people’s time. Whether you are meeting friends or coworkers, you should always arrive on time. Becoming late causes a negative impression on the other person. If you’re running late, it’s okay to call or text the other person. However, don’t excuse yourself or act as if you don’t mind being late. Being respectful means showing empathy to other people. When someone is having a bad day, try to understand their feelings. You can also encourage them by saying positive things and reframe their negative thoughts.

A nice person is open and honest with other people. They don’t lie or manipulate for their own benefit. They can also easily see the positive side of any situation.

Some leaders pursue niceness as a means of being liked. They believe that they are being humane by avoiding conflict and stigmatizing dissent. However, this is deceptive because it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. It can also lead to a culture of mediocrity, which bestselling author and Wharton professor Adam Grant calls one of the most deadly sins of work.

Being a nice person can be exhausting. Trying to please everybody can backfire, so you should be selective about who you consider your true friends. If you notice that a person is only nice to you when it benefits them, that could be a red flag.

You can practice being nice by smiling when you interact with other people. This can be hard to do if you’re not in a good mood, but it will make other people feel better about themselves. You can also show empathy by listening to other people and asking them about their problems. Moreover, you can practice being helpful by helping out other people in simple ways such as holding the door or lending a hand when needed. Practicing kindness every day is a great way to be a nice person. These acts of kindness will not only make you happy but will also help you improve your life. So, start being nice to other people today.