Thank you for sharing a detailed, well written and thought-provoking piece. I certainly agree there is a time and a place for nice. But I guess sometimes, “Nice” is just easy. I understand this is the thrust of your argument and eloquently stated with your subtitle,” The way we act should reflect our core values”.

I am saying this without fully knowing the facts but I wonder and think It would be interesting to know if, “Ellen” simply did not have the appetite for an argument and was choosing to be diplomatic or perhaps coming from a place of forgiveness and compassion.

Ultimately as you say, when at the top or you no longer need to fight. It can be all to easy to forget to look back and offer a helping hand up or platform for those behind you.