The Difficulty Of Being Nice
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Difficulty Of Being Nice

Since when did it get so difficult to do a kind act?

93
The Difficulty Of Being Nice
Flickr

We have all heard enough times the benefit of “one kind act” and to always be nice because you never know what someone is going through. Somewhere amidst all the inspirational words that we have heard over and over, I feel as if being nice has become a difficult chore as opposed to an easy habit. When did it get so hard to just do something nice?

Trust me when I say I don’t consider myself a martyr because there was a time when I was cynical about smiling at anyone on the streets. Somewhere between technology and the growing dangers that news channels spend hours going over, I lost trust in the world around me. I isolated myself into a world where I didn’t have to look up from my phone, and the minute I finished reading about a kidnapping story on Facebook, I’d look up to see someone who I would glare at from sheer fear.

Somewhere along the line, the cynicism got to my mind. I’d be scared over everything — walking down the street, hearing someone say hello, or even someone pulling out a cellphone before an airplane took off.

I don’t dispute the fact that bad things happen. I don’t dispute that there are some people who we think are homeless but instead choose to act in harmful manners. But I’m tired of walking around as if everything that moves is a blinking hazard sign. Because for every unpleasant person out there, there is a pleasant person who is just the way they are due to external factors.

So I decided to change my ways and walk around with a constant smile as much as I could. This didn’t mean I didn’t mind my safety. I was still cautious, but I tried to warm up a little bit more. I realized that I was in no position to judge another because, for some reason, I am fortunate to not be in that situation.

Someone who seems “creepy” might say hello to me and I’d still try to give a tight-lipped smile, yet walk away with caution. I gave money to the homeless or at least bought them water or some small food item whenever I could. I know that there are probably many who pose as homeless to take our money, but I do not believe that it is a fair generalization.

Because I imagine if I were that person, where there were so many others out to ruin my chances. I imagine if I had a terrible day and all I wanted to do was merge into the next line but no one was letting me through. I imagine if I had no money left in my debit card and I just needed a little extra change to finish my bus ride.

What I realized was that being nice has become incredibly difficult in this world but it is not impossible. And the effects were incredible, because for every nine people who would ignore me, there was usually one who would smile back.

As far as I can tell, you could call me naïve and stupid. You could tell me that I’m careless and far too optimistic for my own good. Regardless, I’ll still smile at you, help you anytime you need it, and continue to have just a little extra faith in humanity.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46300
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29330
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953654
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

162124
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments