I have 3 short words of advice for all of us – just be nice.

It’s short and simple.  And it doesn’t take a college degree, or a high IQ, or lots of money to do it.  All it takes is common sense.

To me, it’s Life 101.  If you’re kind to people, and speak to them with respect, you will never go wrong.  In business, in relationships, at the bank, in the grocery store, to strangers and family members – treat people as you would want to be treated.

I know it’s not easy to do all the time – or to do with people who are mean or negative or who have hurt us – but it’s in those moments we need rise above it and continue to act in kindness.

One of the first things we teach our children is to say please and thank you – we ingrain it in their daily responses – and I’m lucky I have that in me.  It’s important not to take those simple words for granted – because they can be as precious as gold.

And what does it take to just be nice?  Nothing but a little thought – that’s it.  I sent an email to a business contact recently,  inquiring about her client….her response was “He’s not available.”  That’s it…no “thanks for asking”, or “I’m sorry, he’s not available” – no warmth at all – just cold.  The reality is this person doesn’t care what I think and that’s fine….my point is that it would’ve only taken a second to add a word or two to the email to alter it’s tone and thus alter my opinion.  And to just be courteous.

Here’s the deal – if we treated everyone as equals, as fellow human beings just trying to make their way in this life, we would all be better off.  We would feel better about ourselves – and our friends, family and co-workers would feel better too.  Don’t just treat the boss nicely and speak disrespectfully to your co-worker…don’t speak harshly to a family member or good friend.  You can say what you have to say, even if it is something you are upset about, with kindness and humility.  It will go such a very long way.

None of us are perfect…not one single person.  But we all have the ability to make everyone we know and work with and love feel good and feel respected – all it takes is the desire.