People have always told me that I'm "too nice" and that maybe that's why I let people walk all over me.
They're probably right.
Still, I can't stop being "too nice." It's a part of me.
I'll sit with you for hours trying to comfort you because I care. I'll offer to tutor you (for free) because I care. I'll send you the notes from class when you were sick because I care. I'll do that again and again.
The key words here are "I care."
I've had people use me for help on homework. Honestly though, those people don't stick around. I never expect them to. Although some people may think I'm "too nice," I've made deep connections with people because I care so much. It's an integral part of me that I never want to lose.
Believe it or not, everyone isn't out to get you. Sometimes a random act of kindness makes a huge difference.
Although some people ask me for notes repeatedly with the intent to use me solely for that purpose, usually that is not the case. The truth is that sometimes people simply need help.
That is all. It's that simple.
Why let people telling you that you're "too nice" hold you back from doing nice things for people? Is there really such thing as being too nice?
Yes, there is such thing as being too nice when you're abandoning yourself in the process. It used to be that way for me. I used to give, give, and give some more without taking care of my own health. Now, though, I've learned that it's okay to give for no reason. It's okay to care for no reason.
It's okay to draw the line and stop if people use you for being nice. But it's not okay to stop being nice because you are afraid people will use you. It's okay to have a full heart that wants to give. The world needs kindness. The world needs love.
Here is a quote from Jamie Tworkowsi, founder of the nonprofit organization To Write Love On Her Arms and author of If You Feel Too Much, that sums up my views:
"We are all a people in need.
We are not perfect. We are not machines.
We make mistakes.
We need grace. We need compassion.
We need help at times.
We need other people.
And that's okay."
We are not perfect, just as Jamie Tworkowski writes in If You Feel Too Much. We are not obligated to care all of the time. Just remember not to ignore the pull of your heartstrings for a cause that matters to you or a person that matters to you.
Loving each other is what makes us human. It's what makes a difference.
