Being Nice

Which is harder?

Being nice or being a dick?

For me being nice is less involved. Sure it takes time to help someone out. But I think there is a higher cost associated with being a prick. Don't get me wrong, if I can't help, I apologize and move on (I am a very frank person). If I wanted to be a dick (which in some cases is justified), I would have to think of something snappy to say (for me it isn't hard haha), make crap up and find some way to spite the other person. LAZY.

Being nice is easy. And it helps develop character and leadership. Sure you can have leadership by fear (traditional boss who strains vocal chords regularly). But again that is demoralizing and takes too much effort (as well as physical toll - age faster, pop veins, etc). But I won't babble on about management theories (oh I could go on! - Management is a great passion of mine - interrelates real well with the person I am). It also builds respect. Currently, I have a rather visible injury (my right hand) and my co-workers ask about it every morning. Oh how's it feeling? How's it feeling? They even joke about it and are empathetic if I am in pain. It creates a culture as well because I am exactly like that when one of them is down as well. We all know it's nothing too serious (umm tendonitis fucking hurts!) but it's nothing life threatening. But we ask anyways. Sure it may be cordial. It's definitely a conversation starter. We joke about it all the time. My property manager asked about it and when I told her about it she advised me to stay off the computer more (everyone knows my hardware '1337ness' I guess) and when I just grinned back (in a fiendish manner), she quipped back and said "yeah right huh?". I in turn replied, "Psh this stop me? Come on now!". Sure informal relationship of leaser and tenant but such a small act increased my respect for the other.

Small things add up fast.

Also today, I learned once again why it is important never to burn bridges. I personally prefer to build bridges (and maintain relationships with everyone I know). Very few people in my lifetime has prompted me to 'napalm the bridge' and sever ties. Future is never certain and you never know when you may be in need. As much as one would like not to believe, very few things in life (or in this world for the matter) can happen without another. You never know who that other is.

On a side note, a buddy of mine (Abe), has a buck on his car's center console. When we were at this burger joint just now (XXX Rootbeer - Ugh I had their huge ass burger and it's gonna sustain me till tomorrow LOL) I asked him what the heck. Why does he have that. he said that was his "Hobo Dollar" to give to the panhandlers at random intersections. Fascinating.