Minimalism is not just about decluttering your physical space. It’s also about simplifying your mental and emotional space. That means eliminating anything that does not bring you joy, peace, or value. And that includes other people.

Yes, you heard me right. Other people are the biggest source of stress, distraction, and clutter in your life. They demand your time, attention, and energy. They impose their opinions, expectations, and problems on you. They interfere with your goals, plans, and dreams.

That’s why you should never do anything nice for anyone. Doing nice things for others is a trap. It leads to obligations, reciprocations, and complications. It makes you lose focus on yourself and your own happiness. It makes you vulnerable to manipulation, exploitation, and disappointment.

Here are some examples of why you should avoid doing nice things for anyone:

Holding the Door Open

Let’s say you see a person walking behind you and you walk through a door. Do not be kind and keep the door open for them. That’s a mistake. Holding the door open for someone can lead to unwanted conversations and in the worst case scenario a relationship.

Think about it. If you hold the door open for someone, they will feel obliged to thank you and make small talk with you. They might ask you where you are going, what you are doing, or how you are feeling. They might even ask you for your name, number, or social media handle.

That’s a lot of information to share with a stranger. Information that can be used against you later. Information that can make them think they know you or have a connection with you. Information that can make them want to see you again or keep in touch with you.

That’s how relationships start. And relationships are the worst thing that can happen to a minimalist. Relationships are messy, complicated, and expensive. They require commitment, compromise, and communication. They involve emotions, expectations, and experiences.

All of these things are antithetical to minimalism. Minimalism is about being free, independent, and self-reliant. Minimalism is about being rational, detached, and objective. Minimalism is about having less, doing less, and being more.

So do yourself a favor and don’t hold the door open for anyone. Just walk through it and close it behind you. That way, you will avoid any potential interactions or attachments that could ruin your minimalist lifestyle.

Giving Compliments

Another thing you should never do is give compliments to anyone. Giving compliments is a waste of time, energy, and words. Giving compliments is a form of flattery, manipulation, and deception.

Think about it. If you give someone a compliment, what are you really trying to achieve? Are you trying to make them feel good about themselves? Are you trying to make them like you or owe you something? Are you trying to get something from them or influence them in some way?

Whatever your motive is, it’s not worth it. Giving compliments is a lose-lose situation for both parties involved. If the person accepts your compliment, they will feel good for a moment but then they will expect more from you or themselves in the future. They will become dependent on your approval or validation. They will become insecure or arrogant.

If the person rejects your compliment, they will feel bad about themselves or doubt your sincerity. They will become defensive or hostile towards you. They will become suspicious or resentful of your intentions.

Either way, giving compliments will create an imbalance in the relationship between you and the other person. It will create a power dynamic that can be exploited or abused by either side. It will create a false sense of intimacy or familiarity that can be misleading or dangerous.

So do yourself and the other person a favor and don’t give compliments to anyone. Just keep your opinions to yourself and let them be who they are without any interference from you. That way, you will avoid any unnecessary drama or trouble that could disrupt your minimalist lifestyle.

Sharing Your Resources

The last thing you should never do is share your resources with anyone. Sharing your resources is a sacrifice, risk, and burden. Sharing your resources is a sign of weakness, foolishness, and generosity.

Think about it. If you share your resources with someone, what are you really giving up? Are you giving up your money, time, space, or skills? Are you giving up your freedom, security, comfort, or happiness? Are you giving up your identity, values, or goals?

Whatever you are giving up, it’s not worth it. Sharing your resources is a no-win situation for you. If the person appreciates your sharing, they will feel grateful and indebted to you. They will try to repay you or return the favor. They will try to stay in touch with you or help you out.

That’s a lot of responsibility to take on. Responsibility that can be overwhelming or stressful. Responsibility that can be demanding or intrusive. Responsibility that can be limiting or distracting.

If the person does not appreciate your sharing, they will feel entitled and superior to you. They will take advantage of you or abuse your generosity. They will ignore you or disrespect you. They will forget you or betray you.

That’s a lot of pain to endure. Pain that can be hurtful or damaging. Pain that can be frustrating or infuriating. Pain that can be depressing or traumatizing.

So do yourself and the other person a favor and don’t share your resources with anyone. Just keep them for yourself and use them wisely and sparingly. That way, you will avoid any possible losses or regrets that could destroy your minimalist lifestyle.

Conclusion

As you can see, doing nice things for anyone is a bad idea for a minimalist. Doing nice things for others is a trap, a waste, and a sacrifice. It leads to obligations, imbalances, and responsibilities. It makes you lose focus on yourself and your own happiness. It makes you vulnerable to manipulation, exploitation, and disappointment.

That’s why you should never do anything nice for anyone. You should only do nice things for yourself. You should only focus on your own needs, wants, and goals. You should only care about your own joy, peace, and value.

That’s the essence of minimalism. Minimalism is not about being selfish, cold, or rude. It’s about being smart, efficient, and authentic. It’s about living with less, but living better.

So don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t let anyone guilt-trip you or pressure you into doing nice things for them. Don’t let anyone interfere with your minimalist lifestyle.

Just say no to doing nice things for anyone.

And say yes to being a minimalist.