What's the Harm in being Nice?

When did people stop being nice? Being nice has somehow become a novelty instead of the norm. Maybe we all need to take a step back and consider this.

Today, I had a doctor's appt. before work at a new office. My doctor, who I had seen for many years, joined a new practice and moved about 15 miles away from her old office, and about 35 miles away from where I live. I like my doctor, so I decided that I would take the extra time to go to her new office.

I got to my 8:30 a.m. appointment about fifteen minutes early. Since it was the first time I was visiting this practice, there was a lot of paperwork to do. After I filled out the paperwork, and provided my insurance card and ID, I thanked the administrator for helping me, and she looked at me with wonder. She said "Are you always this nice? No one ever thanks me for helping them." I just smiled, and then I felt really sorry for her. I know working with the public is never easy. As I sat in the lobby waiting for my appointment, I noticed that the majority of patients in that office did not say "thank you" or even smile.

When they called me into the examining room, I had to answer a long list of questions -- again since it was my first visit to the office. I was happy that they took an interest in my health and wanted to make sure they had my correct medical history. I politely answered the questions, and at the end, the nurse said: "I wish all of my patients were nice like you."

Twice, in about thirty minutes, someone commented on the fact that I was pleasant and polite. Is being nice such a novelty?

Let's all try to be nice. I am sure the world will be a better place.