Niceties

I thought I made that word up, but Webster claims it's been used in real sentences before. Anyway...

I wonder why it is that I (and I would agree that the majority of society) practice niceties with people we really don't like. At work, I am nice simply because I like my job. That is not to say that I am a softie or that I don't stand up for myself, but it is to say that I refrain from saying the words that run through my head because "The Office" is a TV show, not a way to keep your job. So instead of telling Joe Accountant that I freaking hate ( I would drop the F-bomb because I hate it that much but I am trying still to steer clear of it ) when he uses the acronym BAJE (pronounced badg-ee) instead of saying book journal entry. I also refrain from telling some of the less couth at the office that bringing in microwavable fish is pretty gross and keep smiling. But these niceties serve a purpose--to keep my job.

But how about those people (and I don't mean the random jackass on the subway--see some of my previous blogs) in our lives that we just don't care for. I can think of a few people I know that I would put in the acquaintance category that I am nice to yet I really don't like. And I even go as far as to say pleasant things and compliments. Why do I do this? Is it because I'd rather not deal with saying "I could really care less if I ever see you again?". Is it to keep the social circle a more pleasant haven?

I thought a little about this (oh what a Saturday night!) and I've come to the conclusion that I just have never been asked. You see, I turn these people down every time they ask to do something (although I do use nice excuses). So long as it doesn't come down to being ask frankly "do you like me?" or "why don't we ever do anything together?". I suppose then I should have to tell the truth, wouldn't you say?

I wonder, does being nice make me a liar? Or am I simply attempting to make the world a more pleasant place by only being a bitch in my head?

Oh well, just another saucy Saturday night anecdote...