The Difference Between Being Nice and Being Kind

You've been told your whole life to be nice. To stay quiet when something bothers you. To go with the flow. Perhaps say yes when you want to say no. To keep everyone comfortable, even when it costs you your peace.

But niceness isn't the same as kindness.

Niceness is performance. It's agreeing to plans you don't want. It's laughing off comments that sting. It's saying "I'm fine" when you're falling apart inside. Niceness is exhausting because you're constantly managing what other people think of you.

When you're being nice, you smile through the pain. You help everyone else but never ask for help yourself. You apologize for things that aren't your fault. You make yourself smaller so others feel bigger.

Kindness is truth wrapped in love. It's saying no when you need to, and doing it in a way that honors yourself. It's showing up as yourself, not who you think you need you to be. Kindness includes you. It honors your feelings, not just everyone else's.

Kind people set boundaries. They care deeply but don't disappear in the process. Kindness fills you up.

Does this sound like something you’d like to work on? Click here to book or set up a free 15 minute consult call with me.