I could be wrong in this assumption, but I would wager that most of us can agree that it is entirely possible to be too nice. I’m not making reference to the idea that if we are too kind to someone, our kindness can be taken for granted and abused; rather, I am making reference to meeting someone who is a little too nice, to the point it’s actually irritating.
I’ve been questioning whether or not I’m just a raging bitch for believing that someone can be too nice, so I decided to Google it, as ridiculous as that sounds. I was curious if I am isolated in thinking kindness has its limits and that overly kind people can be a piss off, and, as it turns out, I’m not.
According to an article from huffingtonpost.co.uk, being annoyed by someone who is excessively kind is referred to as “…a psychological phenomenon known as Do-Gooder Derogation. Those who appear to be morally and inherently good should, in theory, be liked by everybody but it’s actually just really annoying … When people are good like this, they can make you feel judged. As if you are supposed to live up to who they are,” the article explains.
I feel even more conflicted on the matter after reading this. Am I, like anyone else who relates to this idea, feeling judged by these sorts of people because I feel guilty that I’m not matching their standards? If that is the case, that is an indication of insecurity on my own behalf. On the other hand, if this is the truth behind this thought, should I feel threatened by someone who is simply just inherently good? Absolutely not, and maybe I should strive to practice some of their own habits for the benefit of others.
What’s your take on the matter? Can people honestly be too nice?
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
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