No More Mr. Nice Guy Seminar
Fall 2025

Block 1: Understanding the Nice Guy Syndrome
 

• The Nice Guy Syndrome—how it’s rooted in seeking approval, hiding flaws, and avoiding conflict to feel safe. “Nice guys” often feel unlovable and use people-pleasing to cope. (40 mins)

• Group activity: write down three ways you’ve acted “nice” to gain approval, like always saying yes or hiding their true opinions. Share an example in small groups to spark discussion. (20 mins)

• Deep dive into Chapter 1 of Glover’s book, focusing on the myths nice guys believe— such as, “If I’m good, I’ll be loved.” (30 mins)

• Journaling exercise: “What’s one ‘nice guy’ behavior I want to change?” (20 mins)

Break (10 mins)

Block 2: Breaking Free from the Nice Guy Pattern

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• Chapters 2 and 3, Prioritizing putting personal needs first and facing fears. Discussion on how nice guys avoid conflict to feel safe, but it traps them. (30 mins)

• Role-play activity: in pairs, participants practice saying “no” to a request assertively but respectfully, like declining a favor they’d usually accept. I’d guide them to notice how it feels to prioritize themselves. (40 mins)

• Group discussion on toxic shame—how it drives nice guy behaviors. (30 mins)

• Reflection: write a letter to yourself forgiving one past “nice guy” mistake. (20 mins)

Lunch break

Block 3: Building Confidence and Authenticity

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• Confidence, using Chapters 4 and 5. (40 minutes)

• Honest relationships and expressing emotions. Nice guys often hide their true selves, so we’d do a 30-minute exercise called “Truth Telling.” Each person shares one thing they’ve hidden from someone close—like a frustration or desire—in small groups

• Self-worth outside of others’ approval. I’d highlight Glover’s advice to pursue personal passions. (30 mins)

• “What’s one goal or hobby you’ve put off to please others?” 20 mins

• Write a concrete step to start pursuing it, like signing up for a class.

10-minute break 

Block 4: Creating Healthier Relationships 
 

• How nice guys can form equal, honest partnerships by setting boundaries and expressing needs. (30 mins)

• Creating a “relationship contract” with themselves, listing three non-negotiable needs in their relationships, like mutual respect or open communication. They’d share and get feedback in small groups. (40 mins)

• Handling conflict without reverting to nice guy habits. (30 mins) Case Study—disagreeing with a partner—brainstorm kind, assertive responses. 

• Wrap-up: (20 mins) revisiting morning journal entries — write how they’ll apply one lesson from the day moving forward. 

10-minute Q&A, letting participants share insights or ask for clarity.
 
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