Quote My father had taught me to be nice first,...

My father had taught me to be nice first, because he believed that kindness should always be the default approach in any interaction. He instilled in me the importance of treating others with respect and compassion, regardless of the circumstances.

He emphasized that you can always be mean later, if the situation calls for it. However, once you have been unkind to someone, it is difficult for them to trust your kindness again. This is why it is crucial to prioritize being nice in all your interactions.

My father's advice was simple yet profound: be nice, be nice, until it is no longer possible to continue being nice. Only then should you consider taking a different approach.

He believed that being nice should be a consistent practice, a reflection of your character and values. It should not be something you turn on and off based on convenience or personal gain.

However, there may come a time when being nice is no longer effective or appropriate. In those instances, my father taught me that it is okay to stop being nice and take necessary action to protect yourself or others.

But even in those moments of necessary assertiveness or confrontation, it is important to remember the value of kindness and empathy. It is possible to stand up for yourself or defend others without resorting to cruelty or malice.

Ultimately, my father's message was about balance and discernment: knowing when to be kind and when to be firm, when to show compassion and when to take a stand. It is a delicate dance of navigating human relationships with integrity and grace.

So, be nice, be nice, until it's time to stop being nice, but always remember the power of kindness and the impact it can have on those around you. And if the situation calls for it, do not hesitate to take a stand and protect yourself or others from harm.

But above all, strive to be a person who embodies both kindness and strength, someone who can navigate the complexities of human interactions with wisdom and compassion. This is the true essence of my father's teachings, and it is a lesson that I carry with me always.