Should I stop trying to be nice?

That’s what I’ve been thinking: a lot of my problems with people is caused by me trying to be ‘nice’ and comply with social rules that they choose for the conversation. For example I answer questions that I don’t want to answer only because they asked. And it doesn’t bring me anywhere, I didn’t make a single friend this way.

But then, what should I do instead? I don’t want to be rude. Would it make sense to expect my instinct to guide me through those situations? I relied on it while going through various troubles and it somehow almost always took me where I wanted to be (although, I can think of one situation where that wasn’t the case and the price I paid for following my instinct was rather high). But I never rely on it in situations where social rules are important. What would happen if I did?

I almost feel like I want life to test me now, put me in a tricky social situation so that I can ask myself: what is it that I really want to do now? instead of seconguessing myself like I always do.

But then, my instinct in social situations is so wrong sometimes, it’s shocking. Sometimes it’s the instinct that tells me to say inappropriate jokes, or at least that’s how I see it, because I simpy have an urge to say them.

2 responses to “Should I stop trying to be nice?”

  1. Noooo… Don’t avoid people ! Just pause when someone asks you something. Go ‚hmm’ and then ‚ you know’ before you answer. That’s what I do. I gives me a moment to reflect on what they are saying and allows me to internally edit how much I want to share. I am an introvert, not autistic, but social situations such as groups of more that 3 or 4 make me anxious and I often find myself not talking at all because I don’t know how to ‚ jump into the conversation.’

    There are kind people out there – continue being as courageous as you are !

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    1. Oh, thank you for your kind words!

      I actually prefer being with 3 or more people, it’s much easier to navigate conversation by turning everything into a joke. While in 1-2-1 situations people like asking tricky questions and something I think, whatever I say, will always be wrong.

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