Does 'killing with kindness' work?

Question

Mom says I should be nice to people even if they're mean/nasty/rude to me. I tell her I'd be walked over or people would just use me if I was that way. She herself is always nice to people.

So my question is: Should you be nice to people if they're mean/nasty/rude to you?

Answer 1

be nasty back, what goes around comes around, don't let people walk all over you

Answer 2

No.  t*t-for-tat is the proven best strategy.

Answer 3

Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't.  You have to use your own judgement depending on the situation.  I've learned one thing for sure:  It does work with people who are jealous/envious of you.  With those who are just plain ol' grouches, well, I just try to stay out of their way.