The cost of being good

It’s nice to be nice to other people – who would argue with that? I would. Well at least some times in any case, particularly so when you are in the middle of making some personal deal, monetary or otherwise. If you are one of those types who have a compulsive need to have people like you, who can’t rest in peace knowing that there is someone you know out there who you have pissed off, turned down, or disappointed in general, watch out! On the surface, it seems like a good quality to have, but can have serious consequences if stretched too far. I am not suggesting being too selfish, just a wee bit – call it “looking out for oneself” if you may. It might be something negligible - making some unnecessary purchases simply to get rid of the nagging sales guys, all because you are too nice to simply but rudely say “Thanks, but No Thanks”, or some important decisions you take to keep others happy, at the expense of your own peace of mind. In either case, the goodwill comes with some price tag attached. For all you know, you might have been taken for a ride. Unfortunately, the art of achieving that fine balance is subtle, and till such time that you master it, you have to keep paying.