Dr. Robert Glover, author of 'No More Mr. Nice Guy', discusses the negative effects of being a 'nice guy', the concept of covert contracts, the power of therapy in personal growth, and defining masculinity through the 'Healthy Male Rule'.
Being a "nice guy" can be detrimental when it comes at the expense of your own needs and desires.
Facing fears and taking action is crucial for breaking free from the anxieties and controlling tendencies of being a "nice guy".
Deep dives
The Myth of the Nice Guy
In this podcast episode, Dr. Robert Glover discusses the concept of the 'nice guy' and how it can be detrimental to a man's well-being. He explains that being nice is not inherently bad, but problems arise when it comes at the expense of one's own needs and desires. Glover explores the idea of covert contracts that nice guys often operate under, which create unspoken expectations of reciprocity. He emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and being assertive. By asking the question 'What would a healthy male do?' and facing fears, men can break free from the cycle of being a 'nice guy' and live a more fulfilling life.
Overcoming Fear and Controlling Tendencies
Dr. Glover highlights the importance of facing fears and taking action in order to overcome the anxieties that often plague 'nice guys.' He shares his personal experiences and the lessons he learned in therapy that helped him break free from his own controlling tendencies. Glover encourages men to let go of the need to control things outside of their control and focus on what they can control: their own choices and actions. By embracing discomfort and pushing beyond their comfort zones, men can grow and develop into healthier, more assertive individuals.
Creating Win-Win Relationships
The podcast delves into the idea of creating win-win relationships by asking the question 'What would a healthy male do?' in various situations. Dr. Glover explains that being assertive and prioritizing one's own needs doesn't make a person selfish, but rather allows them to fill their own cup and bring something valuable to relationships. He emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and building mutually beneficial connections with others. By letting go of the need to control others and focusing on being true to oneself, men can establish healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
Defining Masculinity
In the podcast, Dr. Glover shares a powerful story that influenced his understanding of what it means to be a man. He describes a situation where a man confidently intervened and resolved a potential fight between two teenagers. This experience helped Dr. Glover realize that being a man means being present, conscious, and taking action in every situation. He emphasizes the importance of making the world a better place by aligning one's actions with personal values and striving to create a positive impact.
If you're anything like me, you're a recovering "nice guy", or maybe you still are a "nice guy." A lot of men may hear that and wonder what's wrong with being nice. There's nothing wrong with being nice until it comes at the expense of your own well-being. My guest today, author of the book No More Mr. Nice Guy, Dr. Robert Glover, joins me to talk about the myth of the nice guy, common negative symptoms the nice guy experiences, how to implement the "Healthy Male Rule," and how you can eliminate the nice guy once and for all.