Being Nice Goes a Long Way

That title seems rather simple--but recently I witnessed someone that I like attack another person that I like via the Internet. I'm not going into detail because the less said about the actual incident the better.

Unfortunately, the whole thing blew up with others in on it, and possibly more consequences to come--though I certainly hope not.

In our lifetime we run into people we don't care for, but it's best to keep our opinions to ourselves. We aren't going to like everyone who crosses our paths.

Years ago, I thought that everyone should like me, and if they didn't I could work harder and change his or her opinion. Wrong. The truth is there are folks that you are going to rub the wrong way no matter what you do to change their opinion.

My philosophy about this, is be kind no matter what. It isn't going to hurt you, and not being kind will. You ask how? Because others will see how you act and judge you. As the old saying goes, "Don't shoot yourself in the foot." And just for your own sake, you'll feel better if you are nice instead of being nasty.

I've seen too many people get their feelings hurt by someone being mean when it wasn't necessary. It certainly didn't make me like the one being mean.

To bring this around to the subject of writing, I'm asked to read a lot of books and review them. Do I like everyone? No. If the book has nothing whatsoever going for it, I won't do the review. However, there haven't been many of those. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to books. Even if the one I'm to review isn't to my liking, I can always find something that I did like about it to write in my review.

One of the reasons I do this is because someone else might love the book--and I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to discourage him or her from reading it.

No, I'm not perfect, and I know I've been guilty of not being as nice as I should at times.

A good rule is what the Bible says, "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you."


Marilyn


Comments

Thonie Hevron said…
So true, Marilyn! I also like to consider it "professional." On the job, you can't let your personal feelings intrude on doing the job the right way. It's humbling, sometimes, but I've gotten commendations for situations where I was able to do this. Not that my goal was a commendation, but that means someone else noticed my behavior. "Do unto others..." is a good way to live your life, both personally and professionally.
Right on, Marilyn!
Thanks, I've seen so many that lash out at folks for the dumbest reasons.
Billie Johnson said…
Thanks for you comments, Marilyn. Wise words, for sure!

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