The Real Reason You Hate ‘Goody' People

Nice people got you on edge? In a world of negativity, this is what’s stopping us from letting lovely in...

- Joshua Joynes

CHARLOTTE YORK, SATC

She’s conversational, quick-witted, and a great friend, but is overlooked in a group of strong-minded women who take a more blunt approach.

BETTY COOPER, RIVERDALE

She’s kind, emphathetic, and a great friend...almost to a fault. People dislike her because they can’t seem to believe in her goodness.

ELLE WOODS, LEGALLY BLONDE

She’s the Harvard newbie who gets herself into strife with her positive attitude, fun-loving wardrobe, and unassuming charm. Turns out she’s a genius. Take that!

It might be cool to be kind, but it can also often lead to being resented. Call it the ‘Nice Poppy Syndrome’: as a society, we tend to immediately look down on do-gooders. If this applies to you, there’s no need to feel guilty. Turns out, we’re conditioned to view nice people as a threat, because they expose our own flaws. As Australian psychologist Natalie Turvey explains, “It’s a social process to bring down those who make us look bad.” Human nature? Yes. But conducive to good relationships? Definitely not. Here’s why you feel so suspicious, and how to overcome the good ol‘ goodness grudge.