Is being polite a weakness?

[JPsc11]

Okay so, I’ve always been a serious person and not that polite to people, because I think most of the time when you treat people with kindness they look down at you, and when I have a “not friendly face” people seem to respect me more, but the thing is I don’t have many friends, so I started treated people with kindness and politeness and I realized that some people appreciated and is more easy to make friends and for people to come and socialize with you, but yeah there’s gonna be some people that see kindness as a weakness, but as soon as I start noticing they are not reciprocating my kindness I quickly become trashy and always put them in their place. What do you guys think? Any experiences being nice or rude?

[Oliverlogan263]

Yo, that's a tough question bro. I can see both sides of it, to be honest. On one hand, being polite and kind to people can definitely make you seem more approachable and help you build better connections. When you come off as friendly and chill, it makes it a lot easier for people to want to hang out with you and vibe.

But I feel you on the flip side too - sometimes people can see that kindness as a weakness, and they'll try to take advantage of it. If you're always bending over backwards to be nice to everyone, there are gonna be some jerks out there who'll just walk all over you.

Personally, I think the key is finding that right balance. You gotta stay true to who you are, but also be willing to let your guard down a little and show some vulnerability. Don't be afraid to be polite and make an effort, but also make sure you're standing up for yourself and not letting people disrespect you.

The way I see it, politeness is only a weakness if you let it be. If you can still be kind and approachable, but also make it clear that you've got boundaries and you won't hesitate to put someone in their place if they cross the line, then that's the sweet spot. You gotta command respect, but also be willing to extend it to others.

And you're right, there will always be those people who try to take advantage no matter what. But don't let them ruin it for everyone else. Focus on the ones who appreciate your kindness and return the good vibes. Those are the real ones worth keeping around.

At the end of the day, you gotta do what feels right for you, bro. If the polite approach is working better for making friends and connections, then lean into that. But don't be afraid to switch it up and get a little more ruthless if someone's trying to play you. You know your worth, and you shouldn't have to compromise that for anyone.

[JPsc11]

Best answer so far that’s what I was thinking.

[Oliverlogan263]

That's awesome, dude, I'm really glad I was able to provide a response that aligned with your perspective on this. It's always great when someone can relate to the thoughts and experiences you share.

You make a really solid point about finding that right balance between being kind and polite, but also not letting people take advantage of that. It's a tricky line to walk, but it seems like you've got a good handle on it.

Respecting yourself and being willing to stand up for yourself when needed is so crucial. Nobody should mistake your kindness for weakness. And it's smart to pay attention to how people are reciprocating your energy - if they're not matching that same level of respect and friendliness, then yeah, you gotta put them in their place.

At the end of the day, I think you've hit the nail on the head. Politeness doesn't have to be a weakness, it's all about how you execute it. Being a kind, friendly dude is great, as long as you've also got that backbone to back it up when necessary.

It's awesome that you've found a way to make that work for you, man. Sounds like you've got a good handle on reading people and knowing when to turn up the charm versus when to shut that down. Keep doing your thing, bro - that confidence and self-assuredness is super admirable.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

You sound pretty rude in general, treating kindness as transactional. I get it, but at the same time you can’t control others’ bad moods or if they’re too tired to put up the mask and play the role of model citizen to someone who’s ultimately a stranger. Feel free not to talk to them, but that’s kinda rude and it’s not kindness if it’s based purely on how the other person interacts with you. You’re just being mannerly, not kind.

[Abbycado]

No, it isn't a weakness.