How to Be Nice Without Becoming a Pushover

I’m a pretty nice person. Modest, too! Seriously though, being nice is something I pride myself on. I like to do things for other people, because seeing them happy makes me happy. I send cards and give presents, I draw attention to the achievements of my loved ones when they’re too shy to do it themselves. I usually have to change the channel if I’m watching something where the main character keeps getting made fun of or embarrassed.  I give compliments often, recognize those who inspire me, say thank you, and make sure the people in my life know that they are important to me. Frequent topics on this blog include friendship, appreciation, kindness, and overcoming obstacles.  I try my best to be open and honest, and I have shared some pretty personal stories because I believe others can learn from my experiences. 

People have told me that I’m too nice sometimes, and they’re probably right. But, let me make one thing clear, I am not a pushover. I don’t see the world with rose-colored glasses, and honestly, I’m not always nice. I do nice things because there is so much going on in our world that isn’t nice. Watching the evening news has become so depressing, and it’s easy to lose faith in humanity. People deserve to have some happiness in their lives, especially when they’re doing great things and making a difference. 

You may be thinking, “Wow, what a sap! People must walk all over her.”  But, you’re wrong. Yes, I admit, I’m probably too nice sometimes. I put a lot into my relationships with people, and it’s rare that my effort is fully reciprocated. I make a big deal of birthdays, but sometimes my own special day passes by with only a few phone calls from friends. I’m there for people, I listen, I give pep talks, and do my best to be supportive when someone is down. Sometimes people do the same for me, sometimes they don’t.  

Here’s the thing, I do all of these things because I want to. I do it without wanting anything in return, and without expecting it. Maybe this is weak or stupid, but I believe in the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There are too many selfish assholes in the world. And, my niceness is not without limits. There have been people who have totally taken my friendship for granted, and they are not in my life anymore. It’s one thing to never send me a birthday card or thank me for the ones I send you, but it’s quite another to tell lies about me to cover your own butt.

I’m sure there are people who visit my blog once and never come back because they think it’s too hokey, too fluffy, too nice.  That’s okay, I’m not looking to please everybody. What matters most is that this blog represents me, and the person that I am, and that I’m able to bring something to the blogosphere that people get value from reading.  I believe that this blog does represent me, but it’s certainly not all that I am.  If you want to know more, I’m always open to chat. As for bringing value to my readers, I really hope that I am, but I can’t speak for you. So please, speak to me:  

Have I written at least one thing on this blog that spoke to you? Are there things I write about too much? What about things I haven’t written about enough or at all? What makes you keep coming back to this blog, or others for that matter? Is there anything I can do to improve? (Honesty is always welcome and expected, but please be nice (fitting, I know))

I write because I love it, but the reason I write here is so I can reach people like you. Thank you for reading, I truly appreciate it!

Tagged as: bloggers, Learning, Relationships