The Bank of Nice

photo credit: futureshape
Believe it or not, there’s an institution where your actions are tracked and either rewarded or penalized. Okay, so it’s not a real bank, but it has a very real affect on your life. It’s the Bank of Nice, a place where being kind pays dividends. It has simple rules. Each time you’re nice to another person, you’ve just made a deposit. Each time you’re cruel or petty to another person without justified cause, you just made a withdrawal.
I was able to get a hold of their current consumer guide, so I thought I’d share it with you:
What’s the Currency at the Bank of Nice?
The currency of the Bank of Nice is help. If you’ve made lots of deposits, you can nearly always count on receiving help when you need it. If you’ve made lots of withdrawals without contributing any deposits, future payouts will likely be given in the form of select hand gestures in your time of need.
How Does It Work?
It’s easy! Every time you’re nice to someone else, they become more likely to help you or be nice in return. The more people you’re nice to, the more the likely there is to be someone in a position to help you.
What Kind of Help Can I Receive?
There’s no limit to the amount of help you can receive by being nice! Benefits may include, but are not limited to:
- Food and lodging
- Free rides to and from the airport
- Birthday cards
- Shoulders to cry on
- No-fee smiles
What If I Never Need Help?
Don’t worry! You still get to enjoy the following benefits:
- Boosted immunity
- Increased circle of friends
- Advanced social opportunities
What Are the Limitations?
There are some limitations at the Bank of Nice. If you make deposits with the intention of cashing in within a short period of time, your deposit will be revoked. A withdrawal may be made in your name in accordance with the flagrancy of said violation. Also, if you remind investment recipients about your “generosity” on a regular basis, your deposits may be revoked, and a penalty assessed.
But What If I Don’t Believe in the Bank of Nice?
This is perfectly acceptable according to the bank’s bylaws. The bank isn’t Tinkerbell—you don’t have to believe in it to make it function. So by all means, be as hateful, rude, and vindictive as you need to be. After all, maybe you’ve had a bad day. Your coffee was cold, a patron was rude to you, traffic was murder. We’re certain you’ve got your reasons. The Bank of Nice recommends being overtly mean to the first 10 people you see at work today. This has been an effective solution for many previous clients who have, in response, become dedicated patrons.
Do I Need to Carry My Pollyanna Card at All Times?
Don’t worry. While the Bank of Nice recognizes members of Pollyanna International, Ltd., bank customers are not required to belong to any such organization. Members of Cynics, Inc; Reformed Naughties Anonymous; and both the Whiners and Haters branches of Excuses Conglomerate are also welcome members.
How Can I Make My First Deposit?
The next time you get an opportunity to be caring, polite, and/or kind, simply take it. You do not need to complete any additional paperwork or talk to a representative. Thank you and have a nice day!






This post has 24 comments
August 5th, 2008
Hi Sara. And the best part is that the Bank of Nice is open 24/7!
Over the weekend I was waiting in line to pay for something and the woman ahead of me was taking forever to decide on which lottery tickets to buy. I started to feel impatient and saw her as an object/obstacle instead of a person. She didn’t see when one of the tickets fell to the floor and for a split second I thought I might keep it.
But, I found myself picking it up and handing it to her. She smiled and thanked me and suddenly I wasn’t feeling impatient anymore. Just the simple act of interacting with people in the form of a friendly gesture can make a difference.
August 5th, 2008
And it’s funny how in the long run you remember other people’s random deposits far more than their withdrawals. And then that makes you more inclined to make more of your own deposits.
Excellent post!
August 5th, 2008
Great concept. You seem to have given this a lot of thought. I enjoyed it.
Small “nice” things can certainly go along way.
Shamelle
August 5th, 2008
I love the analogy, Sara!
Let’s hope the Bank of Nice is one financial institution that continues to grow in these tough economic times… and that the rate of interest is sky high
August 5th, 2008
This is a great bank and making deposits has its own reward for making one feel good about themselves.
However I just recently read a quote from Ben Franklin addressing the receipt of one of those deposits -
“If you want to make a friend, let someone do you a favor.”
You need to allow someone to help you to make them feel needed and trusted in some way. This is an example of being selfless by being selfish. You are putting yourself in the position of being indebted to someone. Therefore I would add that deposits should be made willingly and withdrawals be made graciously. Of course deposits have to exceed withdrawals!
August 5th, 2008
Oh my this made my day! Sara, you are so creative and charming.
August 5th, 2008
This was some great stuff! I love the Excuses Conglomerate, hilarious!
But I totally live by this. Not many people understand the feeling of giving and the way it always comes back to you when you need it most.
August 5th, 2008
I’m a new subscriber and I totally loved the analogy.
It’s true, being nice to somebody, does pay a lot.
Sky high interest than what you see in the banks today.
Have a good day!
August 5th, 2008
Wonderful post Sara!
The Bank of Nice - we can never invest too much here! And the dividends we earn are better than we can get anywhere.
I know that when I’ve not invested properly (most of us have done this at one time or another) at the Bank of Nice, I feel the effects later on. And am not happy with myself. And have had negative repercussions.
What’s so “nice” is that people that bank regularly at the Bank of Nice are all wonderful people. And, just from my reading here, Sara, I know you are one of those regular investors at the Bank of Nice!
August 5th, 2008
I *love* this post! The analogy is fantastic!
I think this will help with some people when I tell myself that they are simply making a withdrawal. We’ve all needed to make a withdrawal at some point, and I’m sure the deposits will come back in soon.
Thank you for posting this - this was a very clever way to get the point across.
August 5th, 2008
Love it!
And the picture was a great one to start the day off to!
August 5th, 2008
I love this post. It often seems like too many people are dead-broke when it comes to their nice account!
Sort of on point: I find that when I’m having a bad day and am grumpy/mad/frustrated etc., I am usually able to feel better by consciously going out and doing something nice for someone.
Keep up the great blog and have a wonderful day!
August 5th, 2008
Ok, can I print this out to share with my students during character education? Pure genius!
August 5th, 2008
Hi Sara,
I like that, “The Bank Of Nice”. What a great reminder to be nice and make someone’s day. A kind gesture or smile go a long way, plus you almost always get a smile back. That makes for a great investment.
Smiles to all!
August 6th, 2008
I love the Bank of Nice. I probably don’t make as many deposits as I should, and I really need to fix that. Just like any other bank, a lapse in deposits means the account will be empty when you really need it.
I know I’ll need to cash in on some of it eventually, and I’d much rather start making my deposits now than try to stock up when hazard is on the horizon. Besides, I’m sure there’s someone around me who’s made plenty of deposits and needs to cash in as well.
August 6th, 2008
Hey…I sure like the sound of Bank of Nice. I’d like to open an account rightaway!!
August 6th, 2008
Well thought out. Kindness 24/7… now that’s something to work towards.
August 6th, 2008
Great post! Thanks for the smile.
Reminds of me the book - How Full Is Your Bucket?
August 6th, 2008
I guess the Bank of Nice is another word of karma. Whatever you put out there will come right back to you. Very clever post!
August 6th, 2008
How wonderfully creative! This is some great personal investment advice. Thanks!
August 6th, 2008
Hey Sara,
I like your metaphor. It serves to remind us all that what goes around comes around. Usually that saying is connected only to negative deeds. But I truly believe it works both ways. The Bank of Nice is somthing that everyone can understand. Inspiring!
August 6th, 2008
How lovely to write this post so creatively. Paying it forward is what I try to live by every single day. I’m a regular customer of that bank (heck, I might even have shares there) but I’m not doing it in the hopes of getting in return, I do it because it comes from my heart and I love to make people happy.
The bank of nice should be in all our hearts, regardless where we are or what we do. It would make the world a better place.
-ohm
August 6th, 2008
I also wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog Sarah. I might not come by often, but I do read your RSS feed.
August 10th, 2008
Thanks for the comments, everyone! I got a big kick out of writing this, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I actually wrote it after a few people were very rude to me, and I wondered what they thought they would gain by acting that way.
Also, thanks to everyone for recognizing that despite the analogy, being nice isn’t about personal gain, it’s about doing the right thing.
I also think Mark made a great point: sometimes accepting help or asking for a favor is the nice thing to do. I definitely saw that in play over the weekend, where pitching in and helping made everyone happier.
Your stories about busting a bad mood by being kind were very inspiring, and something I’ll definitely be keeping in mind the next time I get cranky.
And Katie, I’m glad you enjoyed the picture; I was worried that the clowns might freak some people out!
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