Nice is a word that has several meanings, ranging from politeness to thoughtfulness to kindness. A genuinely nice person embodies the latter definition and goes out of their way to help others. This could be as simple as holding the door for a stranger or helping a coworker move a heavy box. It also involves being a positive influence on the people around them and avoiding gossip and toxic behavior.

While there are many benefits to being a genuinely nice person, some individuals can be too focused on maintaining this image that they ignore other aspects of their character. In some cases, this can even have negative consequences.

To be a good person, you need to have healthy emotional boundaries and be able to express your own thoughts and feelings. If you constantly repress your emotions to present a nice face, these feelings will eventually rise to the surface, possibly in the form of an outburst or a resentment.

In addition, if you’re too focused on being nice, it can be difficult to hold yourself accountable. For example, if someone is not meeting performance expectations, you should be willing to confront them privately and respectfully instead of just “being nice.” Avoiding conflict or stigmatizing dissent may seem like an act of niceness, but it will only breed frustration for everyone involved in the future.

A genuinely nice person also has the courage to stand up for their beliefs and values, which means that they are not afraid to say no to people who don’t share their same viewpoints. They are not worried about the potential loss of friendships, as they know that being true to their values is more important in the long run.

One of the most common reasons for organizations to promote a culture of niceness is because they believe that this is synonymous with inclusion. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When leaders encourage an overly nice culture, they may create a self-segregating workplace where certain groups are favored over others. This can lead to a lack of diversity and a feeling of exclusion.

Lastly, being a genuinely nice person is about taking the time to make each person feel valued and appreciated. This can be as simple as smiling at everyone you encounter and making eye contact when possible. It can also be as elaborate as giving a gift to a stranger or volunteering for a charity.

Being a genuinely nice person requires compassion, empathy, and respect for all people. It also requires establishing and upholding clear boundaries. By following these tips, you can be a more considerate and genuine person. If you are concerned that you’re becoming too nice, take the time to reflect on your values and ideals so that you can ensure that being nice is a reflection of who you truly are. You will find that once you’re honest with yourself, being a nice person will be much easier to maintain.