The Price of Nice

 

“There’s no room in my home for hypocrites,

for I can’t stand chronic liars who flatter and deceive.” (Psalm 101:7 TPT)

Buffer zones can be extremely useful in interpersonal relationships. When you meet new people, it is wise to take time to assess how close you want to be. Certain individuals can be trusted to respect your boundaries, while those who are abusive need to be kept at arm's length. Learning to recognize the signs of a breach can also be helpful: 

--Be alert to hypocrisy, chronic lying, flattery, and deception.

--Do not dismiss passive aggressiveness as uncalculated behavior. 

--Check to see if you are constantly making excuses for being disrespected.

The desire to be seen as tolerant and kind is universal. However, the price of always being ‘nice’ can be steep. Unfortunately, there are those who take advantage of others. They seek to bolster their own ego by manipulating and diminishing those who are willing to let them get away with it. People with unclear perimeters need wider buffer zones. They are at higher risk of allowing others to define their identity and behavior. Like immunocompromised patients who are more susceptible to pathogens, ‘nice’ people may benefit from personal protective barriers. They must be extra cautious not to allow untrustworthy individuals into their inner circles.