Abandoning Being Nice

With Boundaries, Kindness, and Emotional Resilience

This is the essay version of my Note of Daring podcast episode.

One lovely summer evening years ago I went to a Nationals baseball for my friend’s birthday. And it changed my perception of what it means to be nice.

For me, when I’m out in large groups or loud places, and especially when I’m cold, there’s a moment when I’m just done. My energy hits a wall and plummets. When my introvert starts showing and wants refuge.