You might be too nice if ...

You might be too nice if ...

• You apologize frequently for things you aren't responsible for.

• You take what you're given instead of asking for what you want.

• You are preoccupied with what other people think of you.

• You do favors for people with the hope they will reciprocate.

• You are prone to feel sorry for yourself rather than take action to fix a problem.

• Your emotional state mirrors your partner's.

Source: "Anxious To Please: 7 Revolutionary Practices for the Chronically Nice," by James Rapson and Craig English, Sourcebooks, 2006; $14.95.

You're definitely too nice if ...

• Cleaning the house, washing the dishes and scrubbing the toilets are your idea of foreplay.

• They've reserved a chair for you outside the women's dressing room at Nordstrom.

• Your cousin who you haven't seen in five years asks you to help him move, and you feel honored.

• You get lots of compliments on the outfits your wife picks out for you.

• You have a bumper sticker on your car that reads, "Angels Are Watching Over Me."

Source: "No More Mr. Nice Guy!" by Robert A. Glover, Running Press, 2000; $16.95.

You could curb your chronic niceness if ...

• You tell your boss about your accomplishments at work and ask for what you need to do the job even better, rather than waiting to be recognized.

• You stop being afraid of what other people think, and stop seeking their approval.

• You avoid overwhelming your date with expensive gestures, and instead just take time to get to know her.

• You found a good therapist or support group for men.

• You stop being overly nice in order to get something in return.

• You start to set boundaries with others and with yourself.