Why do people think the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated means treating people nicely and not literally?

[jongreat46]

for example, if a bully treats you like crap why do people condemn you for getting even and doing the same thing to that person, yet you are supposed to be nice because somehow the bully was a victim of abuse as well, why can't people admit that maybe a bully is just a mean and evil person.

[dynamicyandere]

Reciprocating exactly how someone has treated you when they’ve treated you badly is no longer the golden rule. That’s an eye for an eye.


Neither is the golden rule being a doormat to everyone and giving everyone whatever they want and being nice.


The golden rule, fundamentally, is about empathy. To be empathetic and considerate of other people whenever you do anything. This doesn’t mean always catering to their wishes.


It’s just being mindful that they are a fellow human being who is going through their own struggles, just like you. But, you can definitely be assertive and firm and establish boundaries.


You can stand your ground, agree to disagree, refuse to cater to them. Yet, still treat them with courtesy and respect, as a fellow human being. Not someone beneath you, but an equal. And, you, equally as valuable, can demand to be respected as an equal.

[SAMI_DABBAB]

It's only true when you have a bit of leverage