This past Sunday, someone told me that I was very nice, but that I should be careful no one takes advantage of my niceness. I simply smiled and replied “Thank you for the compliment!” as we parted ways.

When did being nice turn into a disadvantage? I find it sad that someone would equate being nice with being naive. While both begin with the letter ‘n’ their meanings are completely different. Smiling and being nice to someone (even a stranger) is simply another choice. Growing up I would frequently roll my eyes and think to myself that my parents were too nice or that they smiled all the time for no reason.

*Please note that this was while I was an angst ridden teenager who was determined to be cool and aloof.

College and adulthoood have showed me that enjoying life, having fun, and being randomly silly is not a bad thing at all. Life without joy is a life endured. How much better to live your life with joy and fun!

So, the next time you have a chance to be nice to a stranger (I just helped a lady with kids carry her groceries out to her car) take the chance. Spread a little more nice around the world. Maybe start a trend.