The Nice Girl Syndrome
2008 November 11
“A nice girl should never go anywhere without a loaded gun and a big knife.”
~ “Sarah Agnes Prine” — Nancy E. Turner
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m a Psych major and also an avid reader. As such, I have read MANY psychology and self-help books. There are lots of good ones that I would (and probably will at some point) highly recommend. However, there is one in particular that even prompted me to send an e-mail to EVERY woman I know, pretty much insisting that they read it. It’s ok, they already think I’m nuts.
The book is The Nice Girl Syndrome by Beverly Engel. There are many reasons that this is a great book. First of all, we (women) were all raised to be “nice” no matter what we are actually thinking or feeling. You know, “sugar and spice, and all that other bullshit…”. Well, this book discusses all of that and much more in a direct concise way. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of reading, this one will be easy to get through. Don’t worry, the author does not suggest at any point that we all turn into raging bitches either. Although, if that’s the route you want to go…more power to you!
If you do read it, or have read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. The only thing I like better than reading a good book is discussing it.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Sounds like a great read…I might have to try it out!
I once was told that there’s only one thing I need to work at – that I’m “too nice”. All I wanted to do was turn around and punch that person in the face.
Sure, I’m nice…genuinely, but when I need to be a bitch or need to put my foot down, I have no problem doing so – if the situation calls for it.
Indeed, I usually try to go the other route first – the nice route….because I don’t see why we all can’t be nice to each other & treat each other w/respect, but sometimes people seem to think of “nice” as being “naive” – and that’s one thing I’m not.
I’m NOT a pushover…and I don’t let people walk all over me…however, in big corporate world, I guess it pays to be a jerk. Ask Steph – she’ll tell you my working at the casino story. Whatever – I’m going to continue being me whether corporate world agrees or not…because in the end, it PAYS to be nice…it just takes a little longer for people to “get” it!
Cheers, thanks for the book rec (& for letting me vent..lol whoops)!
-Jaim