11/08/2025
The Fine Line Between Kindness and Weakness
Growing up, I’ve experienced this bizarre catch-22 firsthand.
The happy demeanor and selfless ideals I was taught from day one have worked in my favor many times — but they’ve also been the root of some painful downfalls.
When you’re “too nice,” you give people the benefit of the doubt. You assume everyone is looking out for your best interest simply because you’re looking out for theirs.
You go out of your way for others, constantly wondering if they’d ever do the same for you — and, in most cases, they won’t.
At the end of the day, you weigh your choices on karma. You believe that for every good deed you do, something good will eventually return.
In a perfect world, it would.
Maybe then, kindness wouldn’t be mistaken for weakness.
But the truth is, there’s a fine line between being a nice person and being a doormat.
After many sleepless nights of overthinking my naïve thoughts and actions, I finally realized how to conquer the “nice person” façade — without becoming a total jerk.
And because of that, I’ve become a lot stronger.
Don’t get me wrong: being kindhearted is still the best way to live. You won’t get far in life with a bad attitude.
But you also need to balance your compassion with the courage to demand respect.
Now, before I go further, let me be clear — I’m not trying to act like I’m some sort of saint. I’ve just seen enough of the nonsense that comes from bad people taking advantage of good ones. And honestly? I think it’s lame. Super lame.
So take it from me, the “nice friend” — don’t be afraid to add a little salt to your sweetness. Because every overly-nice person can fix their biggest struggles by simply growing a backbone.
⸻
Gilany Leadership Gold
Our foundation is built on truth — and truth doesn’t always feel good.
You may not always like what I have to say, because the truth hurts sometimes.
But we will never lie to our friends, employees, or customers.
Because in the end, the truth shall save the righteous man.
Arif Gilany
Www.camelcare.ca