Be careful with this kind of person

I've learned that if there's anyone you should be wary of, it's a person who tries very hard to be everyone's friend -- the kind who wants to be liked by everyone and his mother.

If they're that intent on gaining everyone's approval, it probably means that they are not genuine people. They will do and say just about anything just to curry others' favor.

Then, when being nice to you no longer benefits them in any way, they may fall off the grid. You may never see or hear from them ever again.

In other words, they're as fake as they come!

Chances are you've come across someone like this at work, in the gym, or someplace else.

Surely, there's nothing wrong with being polite to others.

But when people overwhelm you with flattery and nice gestures, it begs the question:
Why are they being so nice, especially if you've done nothing to deserve it?

Perhaps they're trying to overcompensate for their low self-esteem, or they're playing nice before asking you for a favor.

We will never be able to read people's minds, but one thing is for sure: If they aim to to be on everyone's good side -- even if it means giving up who they really are -- they're not someone you want in your life.

Do you really want someone telling you they absolutely love your haircut when deep down it isn't true?

Do you really want someone bringing you chocolates every week even after you've told them nicely that you're trying your hardest to lose a few pounds?

Disagreements are par for the course in even the healthiest relationships.

It's okay for people to tell us they're not big fans of the way we dress, the foods we eat, or other aspects of our lives (albeit tactfully).

It doesn't mean we're going to change ourselves just to appease them, but we still respect their point of view.

And even if they do dislike us (e.g., a coworker we're forced to work with), we can at least appreciate they're being honest.

It's better to be loathed for who you are than loved for who you're not. Among the most corrosive people around are those who are nice to your face, but who talk behind your back.

Forced niceness can backfire on those who are found to be insincere.

I much rather hang out with someone who wishes to be polite because that's just the way they are. Not because they are seeking anyone's approval, and certainly not because they want a favor.

Next time you cross paths with someone who appears overly nice, size them up for a bit before giving them your trust. You never know what they're machinating in their heads.