Image by Matthias Böckel from Pixabay

In a world where kindness is often praised, it’s surprising how being "too good" can sometimes become a silent suffering. We’ve all heard people say things like, “He is so nice, so sweet, accepts everything easily.” But have you noticed how the same people react when someone shows anger or behaves rudely? They often dismiss it with, “It’s okay, that’s just how he/she is,” or “That’s their nature, let it be.”

This is where the problem begins. Society unknowingly feeds anger issues, ego, and wrong behavior by making excuses for them. But when it comes to goodness, patience, and kindness, we take it for granted. Why? Because we assume that the “good person” will always adjust, always forgive, and always be there, no matter how they are treated.

The Psychological Impact Starts in Childhood

This behavior doesn’t start in adulthood; it begins in childhood. A child who is always obedient, kind, and adjusting is often overlooked. Their good behavior is expected, not appreciated. On the other hand, if a child throws tantrums, demands attention, or misbehaves, parents and teachers rush to address it. The child with good behavior is silently told, “You don’t need attention because you’re already good.”

But what about their feelings? Their small sacrifices? Their silent tears? Over time, this child starts believing that their value comes only from pleasing others. They suppress their emotions, fears, and even anger because they fear losing the “good” label. This suppression can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and a lifelong struggle to feel worthy.

The Unfair Balance

As adults, these “good kids” grow into “nice people” who continue to suffer silently. They are the ones who say “yes” when they want to say “no.” They are the ones who forgive easily, adjust quickly, and rarely demand anything for themselves. And what do they get in return? Often, neglect or being taken for granted.

Meanwhile, those with anger issues, ego problems, or a demanding nature get more attention. Their flaws are accepted as part of their personality. People walk on eggshells around them, trying not to upset them. But the “nice person”? No one worries about hurting them because they assume, “Oh, they’ll understand.”

Breaking the Cycle

It’s time to change this mindset. Kindness is not a weakness. Goodness should not be a reason for suffering. We need to:

  • Acknowledge the Goodness: Appreciate kind people genuinely, not just as a passing comment. Make them feel seen and valued.
  • Stop Excusing Bad Behavior: Don’t normalize anger issues or ego by calling it “just their nature.” Everyone is responsible for their actions.
  • Teach Emotional Balance: From childhood, teach kids that it’s okay to express their feelings. Being good doesn’t mean being silent.
  • Value Boundaries: Support people when they set boundaries, even if they’ve always been the “yes” person.

Final Thoughts

Being good should feel fulfilling, not draining. Let’s create a world where kindness is not taken for granted, where being nice is celebrated, and where emotional needs are respected—whether someone is “too good” or not. After all, everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

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