If you consider yourself a nice person, it’s likely that you place a high value on being kind and thoughtful to others. You show your friends and family members respect, listen to their concerns, and are always ready with a compliment or an ear when they need one. And that’s a great thing! People who aspire to be nice can use their kindness and compassion as tools to bring about positive change in the world.
But there’s a downside to being too nice. If you take nice too far, you can end up sacrificing your own happiness and wellbeing in the pursuit of doing good. You might also find that you’re putting more emphasis on being nice than is necessary in your life, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
The word nice has a long semantic history, and it’s full of surprises. For example, in its earliest usage, it referred to “a foolish or stupid person.” It then evolved into something more ingratiating and conciliatory, and by the 16th century, it was starting to be associated with a sense of refinement and politeness. It’s an interesting story that shows how the word nice can be a double-edged sword when it comes to being considerate and kind.
Nice people know how to read subtle cues and understand underlying emotions, which makes them effective mediators and problem solvers. They can diffuse conflict and resolve misunderstandings, all while maintaining healthy relationships. However, they’re not pushovers — nice people have the ability to assert themselves when needed and can balance their own needs with those of others. In this way, they’re powerful warriors for justice who use their influence and compassion to dismantle systems of oppression.
Another key trait of nice people is empathy. They’re able to put themselves in other people’s shoes and view situations from their perspective, which allows them to connect with others on a deeper level. They’re also able to understand that everyone has their own challenges and experiences, and they don’t judge those differences.
In addition to being empathetic, nice people are reliable and dependable. They follow through on their promises, are prompt in meeting up with friends, and call their loved ones regularly. Whether they’re dealing with the waiter, the doctor, or their plants, they treat each person with respect.
Nice people often feel overwhelmed and underappreciated, as they’re frequently taken advantage of. To protect themselves, they follow a 3-strikes rule and end interactions with people who don’t treat them with kindness and consideration. This may seem harsh, but when someone tries to take advantage of you over and over again, it’s time to set some boundaries.