So lately I have been thinking about the differences in the words Kind and Nice. Here are my thoughts on each of these words.Nice
First of all, the word nice was derived from the Latin word nescius, meaning "ignorant." That is not a good start. The word was then transfigured into describing someone that was careful or timid. Again, not so good. The word has started to show more of a positive meaning. However, I have reason to define it as momentarily trying to please another person or being permissive. For example, if I want to be a nice mother then my goal would be to make my children happy in the moment. This could likely lead to spoiling my children and not teaching them important life lessons. Another example is the phrase "make nice." This phrase implies that someone is going to forfeit their own feelings and thoughts for a small season in order to make things around them more pleasant.
Kind
Now lets look at the word kind. One of the definitions of kind is being of a benevolent nature. The word nature implies a deeper meaning and to be longer lasting. To go more off of this word you can use the phrase "one of a kind" referring to characteristics. I also believe that to be kind to someone is to do or say something that may or may not be pleasing but is in their best interest. Take the above example of parenting. If I was kind to my children, I would be loving, gentle, and tenderhearted but in order to make a lasting effect I would provide consequences and structure. I believe the father above was a kind father. I witnessed him giving his daughter constructive criticism and he is warmly holding his young sons hand.
I am not saying that we should not be nice. We should be nice to those around us. We should give people the benefit of the doubt, be careful about what we say, and sometimes we need to be permissive. We should make nice in order for a better good. However, nice is not always the best policy. However, we always need to be kind. This is especially true in relationships that are long lasting or affect a person greatly.
I am nice. I like making people happy because it makes me happy. I like being a peacemaker. I like to give momentary happiness. However, sometimes I can not be nice.
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2 comments:
I am not nice.
But I also think that in some cases it is better to be trusted than loved. Just think about it...
mandy... you're so wise, you're like a miniature Buddha.
the power of words is a subject that has visited my mind often recently.. Thank you for clarifying the meaning of two that I once falsely considered synonymous.
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