When you think of nice, you likely envision someone who treats others with kindness and respect. However, there is more to being nice than meets the eye. Throughout history, the word has evolved to mean different things. It was once used to describe foolish or stupid people. Over time, it grew to be more positive and became a synonym for pleasant or agreeable. Today, the word nice is often used to describe a person who treats others well and has a positive impact on their community.

People who are considered nice typically have an open mind. They accept and appreciate people who have different views, opinions and lifestyles. They also show a lot of empathy for those who are going through hard times in their lives. Having an open mind also means nice people don’t criticize other people for their actions or decisions. They believe everyone deserves a fair shot at happiness.

Being nice involves a lot of small actions, such as smiling at strangers in the grocery store or helping a coworker with their workload. They also pay attention to the details of each conversation and try to remember the names and important aspects of the other person’s story. Nice people always look for ways to help other people. They might offer an encouraging word to a friend who is feeling down or text their friend to let them know they are thinking of them. They also go out of their way to lend a helping hand, such as picking up a dropped item or helping a neighbor carry groceries to the car.

Whether it’s a family member, coworker or friend, nice people don’t gossip about them. They avoid speaking ill of other people when they aren’t around. They know that talking badly about others can damage their reputation. Nice people don’t point the finger at others when they make mistakes, but they will admit when they’ve done something wrong, even if it makes them uncomfortable.

While being nice is great for other people, it can be difficult to practice in one’s own life. If a person is constantly repressing their true thoughts and emotions, it can take a toll on them. It may eventually lead to a meltdown or an outburst of anger, which is not nice at all. To be truly nice, it’s important to allow yourself to feel your emotions in a healthy way.

Practicing niceness isn’t easy, but it can be very rewarding. Nice people make the world a better place, and they have a large circle of genuine friends. In this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, shares why seeing the best in other people benefits you.