The Difference Between Being Nice and Being a Pushover

For a reason I can't quite understand, the biggest and most pathetic weakness in my life is being unable to fight back, or refuse at any thing being done to me. I meant that in a negative sense. Have me do your homework, make me do your projects, heck, you'll never hear me complain. You can call me an idiot anytime, and I know for certain that I'll never talk back or fight. Instead I'll say, "Okay." In fact, that's why when my teachers and superiors would look for someone to run their errands for them, they would always come looking for me.

I can't remember the last time I answered back at someone for giving me work. Because I know that when I have nothing else to do, I would rather stay in a corner and read a good book, other than causing a stir (which is quite common for teenagers these days). But if in a rare case that I would refuse to do something for someone, I'd tell it in a calm, reasonable manner. But I know in my heart and mind that it's not the act of "being nice." Instead, it's having other people call you a "pushover," and you won't even give a hoot about it. Honestly, I may be quite stern, upright and logical, but then there comes a feeling of sympathy that leaves me unable to refuse anything. This. This is my deadly plague, caused by big puppy eyes and baby faces.

"Rasler, you're too nice." That's always the sentence I hear when I complain to someone about my situation. I'm getting tired of it. I knew it was time for me to act, but I didn't know how.

But I don't know what I've been doing wrong. I try my best to practice good discipline, respect and being more firm in every little decision. Once I thought that by being like this, I would actually, earn some respect from other people; but unfortunately, the complete opposite is happening, and I'm beginning to see myself as a helpless little packmule. But I also know that being a bit more mature in both mind action would really work wonders, the only problem is that I don't know where to start, since it's something I'm not used to doing. That's bad.

So the difference between being nice and being a pushover? Being nice is being forgiving, obedient, disciplined and logical with the right amount of patience and doing things at the right time. While being a pushover is the same, although all the adjectives I have mentioned are excessive and exaggerated, which is bad for the mental and emotional state. If you don't want to end up like me, I suggest you try being a nice guy.

- Rasler