How to be kind without overstepping your boundaries?

How to be kind without overstepping your boundaries?

We could call it “nice guy” syndrome and we bet you’ve already experienced it. You may not know it, but too much kindness can have serious consequences on a person’s life and mental health. No, it’s not a joke.

When we show kindness, some people can take advantage of it, so much so that it can have an impact on our personal life, our emotions and our feelings. So, how can you avoid being invaded by others and not exceed your own limits?

What is kindness?

According to the media VeryWellMind, “the golden rule of kindness is to treat others the way you want to be treated.” However, kindness should not be confused with kindness. According to Larousse, kindness means “show courtesy, politeness, kindness towards others”. Conversely, kindness is defined as “be of a sympathetic or forgiving nature and be agreeable”. Of course, kindness has many benefits, including making it easier to develop authentic and friendly interpersonal relationships. But that’s not all.

Being kind is good, but you must not forget to impose your limits and make sure not to exceed them while showing indulgence with yourself: “The kindness we show to others should be reciprocated to ourselves.” In short, don’t be too hard on yourself if you answered “you too” to a waitress at a restaurant who said “bon appetit” or if you forget to hold the door for someone who follows. Note ?

When are the limits of kindness crossed?

The American media reminds us: “If someone disrespects you and attacks your personality, your origins, your culture or your sexual orientation, nothing obliges you to accept this behavior.” We repeat: it is not meanness to impose your limits, but rather respect, towards others and yourself.

So, in order not to exceed your own limits, it is important to become aware of the nature of a conversation or a request in your interpersonal relationships and to ask yourself if your involvement will have a positive impact on your mental health and your feelings. . What you absolutely must remember: “the kindness we give to others should never impact our personal and mental balance”. You have been warned!