You don't have to be nice.
Nice is the Botox of human dispositions.
It's an injection of switchblade smiles to cover up the truth that we don't know how to be kind or civil. A true smile is in the eyes, but when we're nice, the paralysis only allows for a slight crease in the lips.
Kindness, however, is that kind of natural beauty stopping people on the street. Because it's rare. And it's cultivated. It's attractive. Magnetic. It leaves you with an impression. It comes from a deeper place.
Kindness comes from authenticity and unshakable identity.
But not like Instagram authentic, where you're "real" because there's a trending hashtag. And not like your grumpy-ass friend who is just "being real" whenever she/he barfs up criticism.
The real woman has molten iron in her veins. She's warm to the touch but is metal inside. She's not nice. Not even close. She might swear. Probably, actually. And she's either fearless or has more courage than you or I.
Real people are not nice, they're kind.
They're not agreeable, they're straight-shooters.
They're not pushovers, they're resolute.
Real people don't smile unless they want to and when they do, it's in the eyes.
Be real.
And be known for your kindness.