Good Intentions: The Nine Unconscious Mistakes of Nice People Hardcover - 1997

Renowned minister Duke Robinson says that while well-meaning, considerate behavior is essential to a humane society, it carries a down side. In being nice, we consistently behave in self-defeating ways. We take on too much, strive to be perfect, tell little lies, try to rescue self-destructive friends, and fall prey to other futile behaviors. In this book, Robinson outlines the nine unconscious mistakes nice people make on a daily basis. He also shows how to stop these negative patterns dead in their tracks and replace them with life-affirming ones. Learn how to say "no" and save yourself from overload and burnout, be nice and honest at the same time, tell others what you want from them and actually receive it, express anger in ways that heal and maintain your valued relationships, respond effectively when people irrationally criticize or attack you, accept imperfection in yourself and others, and liberate your true self, stop rescuing self-destructive loved ones so they can save themselves, empathize and provide helpful information rather than give advice all the time, and effectively support people you care about who are grieving. Good Intentions will empower you to relieve your frustrations, be direct and effective in relationships, get what you want and deserve out of life - and still be a nice person.