Dear Nice Girl:
You know who you are.
You’re the one who doesn’t raise your voice in argument. You raise your hopes that understanding will prevail.
You’re the one who helps the elderly couple struggling to carry their luggage.
You’re the one who tidies the dishes on your table at the restaurant to make it easier for the server.
You know who you are, Nice Girl.
You pick up the fallen peanut package off the airplane floor so the other passenger – a sleeping soldier – can eat them when she wakes.
You’re the girl who calls after a truck full of strangers, waving them down to give them the book that flew out the back. Your boyfriend will look at you and shake his head saying, “Nobody does that.” You, Nice Girl, will think he’s weird because you do stuff like that all the time.
You:
- Smile at the person frowning with sad eyes in the grocery store … just to help them feel a little less lonely.
- In fact, make yourself a bet that one day, by the end of the year, the grumpy, foul butcher will smile back at you. You make it your mission and smile bigger, brighter each time you see him.
- Didn’t conform at school. You didn’t have one clique. You fluttered between all groups, getting along with everyone: the cool kids; the smart kids; the nerds; the gangsters; the jocks…everyone.
- Giggle and laugh without abandon until you snort and juice spurts out your nose after you’ve succumbed to the floor, tears rolling down your cheeks.
- Pull forward in the drive-through to put your cash back in your wallet so the car behind you doesn’t have to wait a fraction of a second longer.
- Always check behind you and around you to see how you can move out of another person’s way. You’d never dream of making someone get out of your way. (Maybe you should.)
Dear Nice Girl, you have a unique capacity for love and compassion. This is uncommon. See, it’s not usual for a person to:
- Consider at one point, a taxi driver and a young, poor boy who shines shoes, your closest friends.
- Feel gutfuls of sorrow watching people beg. You will want to give everything you have to help them while finding a way that truly helps rather than makes the situation worse. It will hurt your tender, aching heart.
- Give up (without question) your job, your home, your possessions, and your family/friends for the man you love because you stand, always, bravely, in love.
- Keep others’ secrets. Nice Girls are professional secret keepers.
- See the truth behind façade, see the person behind the mistake and continue to root for them – even if you got hurt.
You attract those with war and conflict on the soles of their feet. You recognize complex Achilles-aches and provide calm. You lay down a peaceful salve and they’re grateful; but their feet are too tired and too wounded to carry you. Their war too bloody.
After helping conflicted men, hurt men, men in crisis, they’ll ask you to let them go; so, with love, you do – even with your heart full of confusion and cracks – you bless them, holding them in your hands, and blow them away to freedom.
But … dear, kind, Nice Girl:
You have to, you must, learn that not all people are nice.
You must learn there are others who genuinely admire your niceness. They may even care about you. Perhaps love you. But they also know that because of your unique ability to forgive, to understand them, to see the big picture, they can make choices that may bring you a level of discomfort and pain … then not work hard to rectify that or perhaps even acknowledge it. Maybe they’ll push the boundaries of hurt … because they can. Because they know you’re nice.
They might betray you. They may not keep their promises. They may not show up for you. They may not be your friend, be there for you because they’re too deep in their own hurt (all while you, Nice Girl, are empathetic about their pain and try to help them through it … even if they were the cause of your subsequent pain, too).
What about you? Really, you just want someone to heal your hurt, to reciprocate and show you the same kind of love. Often … mostly … you won’t get that from romantic relationships until you learn some lessons.
Maybe you will get a thank you, though. And sometimes, the Nice Girl will carry that gratitude around in a pearl box knowing it’s precious, that words and thankfulness matter. That will be enough. For awhile.
Your pearl box overflows with the kindness you have given others. You put your pearl boxes in a meadow of gold filled with abundant light.
Learn, please … soon … that not everyone earns the honor of going to your golden meadow. Don’t you know this?
It’s a hard lesson. You think everyone should see a beautiful meadow warm with wildflowers.
But not everyone can appreciate wildflowers, gold, and pearl. They may “Ooh” and “Ahh” over those flowers so colorful and rare. They might pick some – possibly without asking – and make an arrangement for their kitchen table, then forget to invite you for tea, to sit with them. You smile despite the lack of invitation with the hope your flowers bring some beauty; but you deserve to be invited for tea. To be asked how you are. You deserve that.
See, you learn that “You’re one of the nicest people I’ve ever known,” comes with a slap-down and “But…” You’ll disappear from their lives. Nice can mean lurgy.
Look, some people click their words and snap their tongues at Nice Ones.
You must begin to see that there are even some, who at worst, will instantly see your gentleness and know how to turn your compassion inside out – just to squeeze something for themselves. Why? Because they know they won’t have to try hard to do it.
They know you will graciously, openly, without pause, simply and beautifully hand over whatever may help them. You’ll do that without considering the possibility that it might burn you.
They may even set fire to your meadow and rub ashes on you; but you know those ashes will fertilize the soil and gold will grow again.
Those that prefer arson will try and burn your soul. You’ll burn, yes; but you’ll burn brightly and the moon will smile at you from afar and know you are the fire.
You know ashes are story kindling. Stories that will alight, stories you will share because … you’re nice.
Not everyone wants a meadow, peace. They might like the steel cut of a knife or the desert sting in the wind. They might like sparse, edgy, storms.
You know how to do storms, too. Nice Girls are storm experts. You see the front coming in and unlike most – who retreat – go straight out. You see how far you can go and swim in the middle of it. The waters change from warm to cold. The rains come and smooth across your sweet face. You smile and brace for those winds and let it rip through your hair. You want to spread your arms out and scream, “BRING IT!” It’s in those storms that you can feel alive and feel the energy, the hot, raw, visceral energy of storms piercing through you. They give you compassion, calm, patience, understanding, love, gratitude. Perspective. They always brew deep in your soul – but most people don’t know that. I do, though.
You have to learn how far to go out and when to come back in. You know – always know – the sun will break through the gray, heavy clouds. Once again, you’ll tilt your head back and let the sun spill on your face, dry the rain and salt.
You know the ache is worth it … that you’re imperfectly lovely. The salty film can be washed, even if you are left feeling a little scratched up.
See, Nice Girl, you will get scratched up. The storm has its beauty, but driftwood has left splinters under your nails. It pokes you and reminds you that you went deep and hard. You’re a survivor and know the splinters will come out when they’re ready.
You’ll put them in a special box – not pearl – but with wood from pine, eucalyptus, breadfruit, palm, evergreen, oak, and acacia trees. You know you can grow something beautiful from driftwood splinters … and you know you’ll get a lot of them.
You’ll build a unique, salt washed, wind-torn door.
You’ll build that strong, glorious door in front of your golden meadow. Only you can open it.
You will learn to decipher the deserving.
See, you’ve been so busy watching out for those to take care of, you don’t know how to let others care for you. Let them.
At some point, you’ll feel restless and want to yell (but you’re too nice to yell) “I just wish people could stand in their truth and be HONEST and communicate!” A friend will tell you most people don’t. You’ll decide from then on only to let the minority come close enough to touch.
You will watch for those who seek you (not those you have to go after). You’ll watch them climb over dunes, swim, go down a path unknown. They’ll be the brave ones – the ones that go out into the storms.
You’ll watch on the horizon for the storm chasers, for those who feel alive through love. The ones that show up. The ones whose hearts are filled and open.
They won’t have hearts with something else etched into it: another name, a job, a dream, freedom.
Their hearts will be etched with only one word: Courage.
Nice Girl, you’ll begin to recognize the courageous heart because it is you.
Look for the few who go it the way you do. The ones who will drive hours to just have coffee and see your face.
The ones who would move for you.
The ones who notice things: the tiny mole above the knuckle on your index finger and the one under your toe; that you curl your toes and move your mouth to the side when you’re nervous. They’ll love this and kiss your crooked mouth still until they know, you know, that you are loved. Just the way you are.
The ones that not only love you, but accept you.
You’ll see the ones that open your door, smile, hold you, tell you you’re beautiful, that you matter. The ones that kiss your face, your forehead, hold your hand and walk in stride.
The ones who connect and recognize your heart … then stick around and don’t get scared.
The ones who know how to love in quantities the galaxies hold – the ones who go so high, they grab handfuls of stars to put in your golden meadow for when you have nights that go dark (because they know you get them).
Their soul clicks and their arms spark when they see you.
They’ll fly to you.
They’ll watch your children and hold your hand.
They return your calls.
They tell you the truth.
They know who they are.
And if they hurt you, they apologize.
They always try to understand themselves, others … you.
They’ll show up when you’re on your knees.
They’ll stay.
And when – if – the time comes they leave – they’ll say, bravely: they love you; they see you; and they are better for your meadow.
They won’t pick your wildflowers … and you’ll have stars.
There are times you’ll want to quit the Nice Girl gig. Maybe you’ll even try; but don’t. It’s not who you are and that kind of pain – the type where you pretend to be something else – destroys your soul.
So, be nice … but be smart.
You’re a treasure, Nice Girl.
Go on being her.
Go on keeping your palms open to the sky.
Build your door. Carve beauty all over it. Place a crystal knob with glitter there. It will let others know it’s a happy place.
Stay in your meadow. Don’t venture out to another’s place.
Let them come to you.
And then, decide, Nice Girl, if they have enough Courage for you to open the door.
Deep and so worth the read. Thank you, Becky.
From one Nice Girl to another… this is simply beautiful. I loved every word! <3
Oh. My.
Tears.
Becky, thank you.
I will read this again and again.
And share it with all four of my daughters.
Beautiful. You are a word magician, Becky.
Becky,
I have a treasure box.
Today, I will put your words in that treasure box!
Tomorrow and the next day and the next…I will reread those words.
You are a treasure!
This is truly a profound piece of art. Your wisdom shines through brilliantly in this piece Becky. Thank you for sharing it with us. xo
So, so lovely!
Thank you x
No words… but a big, warm hug <3
This is beautiful. I really enjoyed it Becky, you are an amazing nice girl. <3
"You will learn to decipher the deserving." Woah. So many gems. Thanks for putting this out there. Hello, radiant soul.
I am a nice girl….and sometimes I hate it. I'm going through a divorce because I gave everything to my husband but he took it all without even saying thank you. It hurts a lot. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing while reading this, but they are good tears. This is exactly what I needed to read right now.
You have such a wonderful way with words. Thank you.
^ ^ ^ Wow. Calm down, Negative Nancy Anonymous – Start your own blog rather than trolling someone else's and bashing their point of view. ^ ^ ^ Becky, your blogs are wonderful and uplifting. Thank you for being you, and bringing hope and joy.
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lovely post, just discovered now, a beautiful time to be reminded of who we all really are. none of us mean to be mean, but sometimes we slip up at times when we are stressed and it comes out all as distress. some of us are hiding old wounds inside, others never learnt how to love or be loved, but you sure show us how in this lovely long post. thank you for your fireside chat. 🙂
Thank you. This means soo much to me. I hope that in 2014 I can take these words and live them.
Thank you, Robin! <3
Sending you lots and lots of love, Jane! <3 Thank you!
… I feel honored. Thank you, sweet Laura! <3
You almost made me cry, Sara. Thank you! <3
Ruth, your words really touched me. Thank you. You are a treasure, too. <3
Suzanne, thank you for always being so supportive and loving. <3
Thank you! And thank you for stopping by to comment. 🙂
<3 <3 <3
Thank you, Kina. I love you. <3
Thank you, Jenny! <3
I am sending you a lot of love your way. I am so sorry for your hurt and pain. Maybe he doesn't know how to say thank you; but you can garner all the wisdom necessary to move your heart forward. I hope that your sweet heart will heal – I am sure it will.
Much love to you.
<3 Thank you, Tara! You are sweet to get all defendy for me. 🙂
You are right, Suzi. We don't mean to be mean.
I think of you so much. Much love.
Oh, thank you for stopping by, Nessa, and leaving a comment. Trust me: I re-read this post too, and am always working on taking parts of it in. Totally understand.
Hugs. 🙂
I came here from a link on a HuffPost piece about how to treat us big girls. I clearly followed that link to get to this because this spoke to me so personally and compellingly. I see so much of myself in this and it has helped me understand not only more about myself but others as well. Thank you so very much for your words.
ı want the whole world to read this! I want banners up, aerial ones too and leaflets put through all doors, mails sent out-the whole lot!
I cannot possibly tell you how much your words stood out and stand out in my life at present.
'You’re the one who tidies the dishes on your table at the restaurant to make it easier for the server' -invited me in for sure!!
Thank you for the healing salts-again!
Chi x
K, thank you for reaching out and commenting. I feel honored and blessed that the words touched you in some way. Thank you for reading and for sharing. 🙂
Big hugs to you, Chi. Thank you. I'm honored. 🙂
I've never had anyone speak to soul like that becky, I'm fresh out of a break up once again wondering what I did wrong and how will I ever find someone to love me again. Your words made me realise I need to stop looking and the love I deserve will find me. Thank you for opening my eyes x
Hi Becky, thanks for this lovely article. I read it on Huff Post only today and was captivated by your words. I am a dedicated and passionate father to my two teenage daughters and I will share this wonderful article with them as a gift, thank you. Have you thought of extending this to a book? Glad you're working on the novel. Good luck. and keep writing deeply and lovingly, xx Keith from Sydney Australia
Your article touched my heart and came at the right moment! Went trough this once again…and once again I'm smashed down to the ground by all the hurt I'm feeling. I hope that one day love will find me…
Greetings from Germany
Nice one 🙂
Dear Madjellyfish –
I am so sorry that I have only seen your comment just now. Wow. HUGE apologies. I hope you end up seeing this response.
Yes – the kind of love you end up wishing for will come in your world, when then the time is best for you. A kind of love that gives to you what it is that you need. Sending you so much love.
Keith, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share your feelings/thoughts here. I feel incredibly honored that you'd share this article with your two teenage daughters.
I have thought of extending this into a book and am considering the ways in which to do that; at the moment, I'm thinking of a beautiful eBook (PDF) people could download immediately, but also would really love to see it in a gift book form. We shall see. 🙂 Open to ideas!
Thank you so much for your kindness. I truly, truly appreciate it!
Sending you so much love and healing to your hurt heart. I promise that hurt will flow into something else and bring you a beautiful strength…but until that time, it's SO OK to feel the hurt you're feeling. To be honest with yourself about your experience right now. I understand that smashing down feeling.
I wish I could give you a great, big hug. Sending you lots + lots of love. <3
Thank you, Dorothy! 🙂
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Dear Becky,
Thank you. I was sent this piece by a friend who said she read it and immediately thought of me.
This beautifully written, heart wrenching letter has changed my life. I read it often, and every time I do it gives me hope, and strengthens my resolve to wait, for something better, to love myself more, and to take pride in, and treasure my gift of empathy.
You have changed my life, and probably many more with your gift, and I couldn't even begin to find the words to thank you for that. I have nurtured too many broken soldiers in my time, and your letter has given me the tools to evaluate what will grow me, and what has the potential to burn me.
You have a gift, and there are so few who can claim the honour of having actually made a life changing, valuable difference in the life of another, and especially one so far across the oceans.
I wish you every success, you most certainly deserve it.
Yours, Mandy
South Africa
Dearest Mandy,
I must admit a few things. A) I generally take a long time to ever see if anyone has commented on my posts … because I want to make sure I write from my heart and not for the responses (from this ego place, if you know what I mean). B) I saw your comment a month or so ago and was so blown away, that I did not know how to respond.
The truth is, your comment and the time you took to write such a beautiful note here, has changed ME. You have deeply touched my heart (I'm crying)!
It is truly humbling and an honor that you have found these words to bring comfort to you and also give reverence to your beautiful gifts.
Thank you, Mandy, for receiving the words and I am grateful beyond words for the kindness that you extended here. I still really do not know what to say – except thank you. And that it is clear you are an incredibly beautiful person.
So much love to you,
Becky