Better Than Happy 557. What Being Nice Is Really Costing You
Mar 20, 2026
They unpack how excessive niceness can lead to being taken advantage of and predictable, stagnant dynamics. The conversation explores balancing cleverness with kindness and choosing powerful yesses and nos. There is a focus on honesty over politeness to improve group decisions, deepen relationships, and spark real progress.
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Politeness Erodes Power And Play
- Over-politeness drains power and playfulness, blocking your clever and authentic self.
- Jody Moore uses Taylor Swift's 'Marjorie' lyrics to show being too kind removes cleverness and being overly clever can remove kindness.
Make Yeses Powerful With Questions
- Ask clarifying questions before committing so your yes is powerful and intentional.
- Jody Moore illustrates with her daughter asking about time, tasks, and expectations before accepting a church social media role.
Nice Often Equals Dishonesty
- Being 'nice' can be dishonest because it often hides true feelings and intentions.
- Jody Moore calls yeses that mask reluctance a form of lying, from babysitting to forced politeness at checkout lines.