I think most people intend a compliment when they label a person "nice," but I'm not sure it is one. I hate to take a negative spin on compliments, but whenever I hear the statement, I can't help but believe they really mean "bland" in the place of "nice." I describe people as "nice" when I can think of no other characteristic to comment on.
I would, however, prefer to considered a boring nice rather than an off-putting mean or rude or inconsiderate.
I'm keeping this post short because well, I'm a tad bit sickly and colds tend to inhibit my ability to think clearly for long periods of time (or is that the medication?). I'll end with a quote from one of Austen's most enjoyable novels.
"I am sure," cried Catherine, "I did not mean to say anything wrong; but it is a nice book, and why should not I call it so?"
"Very true," said Henry, "and this is a very nice day, and we are taking a very nice walk, and you are two very nice young ladies. Oh! It is a very nice word indeed! It does for everything. Originally perhaps it was applied only to express neatness, propriety, delicacy, or refinement -- people were nice in their dress, in their sentiments, or their choice. But now every commendation on every subject is comprised in that one word."
"Very true," said Henry, "and this is a very nice day, and we are taking a very nice walk, and you are two very nice young ladies. Oh! It is a very nice word indeed! It does for everything. Originally perhaps it was applied only to express neatness, propriety, delicacy, or refinement -- people were nice in their dress, in their sentiments, or their choice. But now every commendation on every subject is comprised in that one word."
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