Are You Too Nice?
Is the word “no” not a part of your vocabulary? Do you end up doing most of the work at home or the office? Do you overschedule yourself regularly? While being “too nice” doesn’t sound so bad, being overly accommodating to everyone else can mean that you’re not taking very good care of yourself. If you fall into the too-nice trap, you are likely trying to be a good mom, a good friend, a good colleague, a good daughter, a good team player, good to everyone. All of which are good goals to have. However, you have to be good to yourself first. Women who are people pleasers often report greater incidences of depression, anxiety and stress, which can take its toll on both your mental and physical health.
If you know that you’re just a little too nice, make sure you take some time for yourself–whether it’s a walk outside, a manicure, or a cup of coffee and a book. Likewise, take some time to evaluate your relationships: Do you have a toxic friend or relative who only takes and never gives? It might be time to move on and spend more time with those who lift you up rather than drag you down. Avoid saying “yes” out of habit; instead, take a deep breath and give yourself a chance to consider the best answer when someone makes a request of you. You can learn to–nicely–say what you mean without hurting other people’s feelings or creating guilt for yourself. Being nice is a great quality, but it’s important to remember to be nice to yourself, too.
