Let's talk about the difference between being nice and kind. The rudimentary dictionary definition of being nice means to be "pleasing, agreeable, and delightful", whereas being kind means to be "of a good or benevolent nature."

The way I interpreted this was a nice person appeals to people and agrees with them. Now, this is a great trait to have. Who doesn't want some encouragement and a "No, you look awesome!" even when they aren’t feeling their best? I sure do.

A kind person treats everyone with respect, regardless of how they are treated by others. Being kind means to have the best interests of others in mind. A kind person shows respect towards another individual regardless of how that individual had treated them in the past.

While it is possible to be nice and kind at the same time, there are some situations in which being nice isn't enough. Sometimes, you can't always smile, nod your head, and agree with others. No. That's when the importance of being kind kicks in.

A kind-hearted person looks out for others and is well-intentioned. A kind-hearted person tries to make others feel valued. A kind person does this regardless of their personal feelings towards another individual.

Why? Because a kind person recognizes that each and every person deserves to be treated with the same respect.

I will make every effort to be kind, but I won't always be nice. I try my hardest to be respectful towards everyone, to acknowledge people I might not enjoy being around, to have the best interests of others in mind.

However, I refuse to be nice to others who have not treated me with the same respect that I treat others with. While I consider myself to be a happy, approachable person, I don't find it necessary to be "pleasing, agreeable, and delightful" to each and every person.

Throughout the past few years, I've learned that it's so important to have a backbone and that I need to stand up for myself from time to time.

With that said, I do try to be nice whenever I can. Opening the door for others, throwing around a few compliments, smiling and saying hi to people I pass - this makes me happy. The difference between now and the past is that I now know that I am not obligated to do this.