Mark Manson nails the difference in this 42-second clip: Nice guy → desperately wants to be liked Good man → wants to do what's right, even if it costs approval -Nice guy avoids conflict to keep peace Good man faces conflict to create peace - Nice guy says yes... to everything out of fear Good man says no because he respects himself and you - Nice guy hides truth to seem kind Good man tells truth because he is kind “The goal isn't to be nice. It's to be good, even when it costs you being liked.” This hits deep for both men and women. Which side resonates more with how you show up in relationships? Or who in your life is a true “good man/woman” vs. just “nice”? Share below.show more

Credit: @Markmanson

"Deep" is the language of the sentimental. ​"Nice" and "Good" are both horizontal measurements. A man of authority doesn't seek to be "kind"; he seeks to be aligned with the Order. If you are still weighing your actions against how they "resonate" or how they are perceived in a relationship, you are still seeking a reflection in the eyes of others. ​The "Nice Guy" is a coward. The "Good Man" is a servant. The Sovereign Man is a law unto himself. He doesn't face conflict to "create peace", he enforces peace as a byproduct of his presence. ​Stop asking people which side they resonate with. Most will lie to protect their ego. Look at their results. The results never lie.

A core pattern for the nice guy is he doesn't have anything of his own going on. He says "yes" because he has no agency or agenda of his own. The good man has something important, he's obsessed with it, and he does not have time to say "yes" to everyone around him.

Beautiful distinction—being liked isn’t the same as doing right. True goodness often costs popularity, but it builds trust, respect, and real connection. I try to be “good” over “nice,” even when it’s uncomfortable.