Do you consider yourself to be a nice person?

[robvalue]

My way of dealing with people is this:

Everyone gets the minimum package of respect. If I need to interact with them for whatever reason, I will be polite. I won't try and harm them or their feelings. I will listen to what they have to say. I don't respond "like with like": if someone starts being verbally abusive, I end the conversation. I don't sling back at them.

Once someone has shown they are worthy of my friendship and trust, they get more from me. I open up to them. I'm warmer. I'll go further to help them.

I try to only criticise people (where they will hear/read it) when I think it's constructive to do so. I don't do it just to be mean. I do it because I see a purpose to it. Sometimes I feel people need to be told certain things, and that it's in their best interest to hear them. If I'm wrong, and they're too much of a jerk to take constructive criticism, then no skin off my nose.

I rib people, but I never mean it to be hurtful. My apologies if I've ever gone too far and upset anyone.

As far as this forum goes, I try to give everyone several chances. I try to let them show they have something to offer. I try to have reasonable discourse with them. But after a certain point, I decide they aren't worth it anymore. I have to look after my mental health. I'd rather save my time for people who are interested in being decent people, and who care about what I have to say. Talking to people who aren't like this takes a toll on me. So instead of saying negative things, I say nothing at all. Of course I will deal with them in an official capacity as staff, when needed.