When people advise you to “be nice” in relationships, it's usually well-intentioned, emphasizing the importance of kindness, empathy and compromise in fostering harmony. While these traits are undeniably valuable, there’s a delicate balance between being nice and being overly accommodating.

When we focus too much on being agreeable, we risk neglecting our own needs, suppressing our true feelings or allowing others to take advantage of our kindness. This can create an unhealthy dynamic where boundaries blur and resentment quietly builds.

It’s crucial to differentiate between being nice and being nurturing. While both may appear similar, being nice often involves self-sacrifice and avoidance of difficult conversations, whereas being nurturing fosters mutual care and honesty. When niceness comes at the expense of your own well-being, it erodes the very foundation of the relationship, leaving little room for true connection or growth.

Here are three hidden costs on how the pursuit of niceness in relationships can sometimes backfire.

Self-sacrifice in a relationship often feels noble, as though prioritizing your partner’s needs over your own is a pure expression of love. You may find yourself consistently agreeing to their........

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