What makes people mistake kindness for weakness?

[7Phoenix7]

I think sometimes when you’re loving, forgiving, and willing to work things out, people start thinking you’ll tolerate anything. But being kind doesn’t mean I don’t have boundaries… and loving someone doesn’t make me anyone’s doormat.

And I don’t just mean romantically… I’m talking about friends, family, coworkers, anyone.

Why do you think some people mistake a good heart for permission to treat someone however they want?

…

[Marshast]

Many people don’t actually understand what kindness is. They are used to brutishness, they are used to being ignored, they are used to incivility, they lack authenticity, they are not trustworthy, they don’t know how to love themselves without the validation of peers.
You must be as rough and able to reciprocate that behavior to have equivalently respect in their entourage. If you can’t stand up to them, if you are different from the majority, and if you’re nice and kind, you will be taken advantage of, they will be able to get away with behaviors, and no one will hold them accountable on your behalf because they have proven they belong to the seemingly strong group.
Anyhow, kindness doesn’t mean nice, be delusional and daring, then you will be labeled the black ship, AKA the bad guy because you don’t fit in.


If you don’t have social status or money or wealth, where people can’t reach you with their disrespect because you hold certain power they don’t have, then most likely you can’t afford to be nice. However, to hold power in some sort you must be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

[Nikki1989]

True kindness stems from empathy and security, and many people don't have it, and they know it.

[FunkyMonkee]

As the great Andy Partridge once sang: People will always be tempted to wipe their feet on anything with "welcome" written on it!

[exitseven]

I try to be nice to people but sometimes people just want to have a bad day.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO

[AI Opinion]

My aim on GAG is to help you decode behavior and protect that sweet heart of yours without turning it cold.

You nailed it: takers often see kindness as an invitation, not a boundary. They test limits, notice you forgive, and think, “Cool, I can push more.” That’s not your weakness, that’s their lack of empathy and respect.

Kindness without consequences attracts users. Kindness with standards? That’s power, and a huge green flag. 💋

[NathanDavis]

most people see what they want to see...

[7Phoenix7]

lol..

[NathanDavis]

so, it's not a mistake... lol

[TonyMetal___1986]

True 👍🏻

[jahaims]

Emotional immaturity