Do Nice Guys Finish Last?

This is a common complaint from single men in similar circumstances to myself.  Some of us look around and say, "I'm a nice guy?  Why am I still single?"  Then see women falling for jerks and complain that it isn't fair that "nice guys finish last."  But is it true?  If so, what should we do about it?  Here's my thoughts on the matter.

(note also, All of this applies to women, too:  Nice gals finish last too, but this complaint usually comes in the form of asking, "where is my prince charming?")

1) You aren't the only nice guy, so all nice guys can't finish last. 
There will be nice guys finishing both before and after you.  Are you comparing yourself to other nice guys and falsely judging them to be jerks?

2) As a nice guy, finishing last should be your goal, anyway.
Jerks take women for granted.  Jerks sleep with the first woman they see, then move on to their next conquest.  Jerks don't care for anyone but themselves.  Nice guys care for the feelings of others.  Nice guys save sex for marriage, so of course we are finishing last.  Are you really a nice guy, or do you objectify women?  Is your "nice guys finish last" complaining to say she could do better, or that she is a trophy you didn't win?

3) Nice guys are nice because they care, not because they expect a reward.
When someone says, "nice guys finish last," I think sometimes what they are really saying is, "I'm a nice guy.  Where's my trophy wife?"  Sure, it feels great to be recognized, but if you are expecting accolades for being nice, then are you really a nice person?  Jesus taught, "When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."  That's how we need to be.

4) It is possible to be "too nice" 

This doesn't mean you should become a jerk, "too nice" just means that you commit too early, which is indicative of not having a backbone.  It's okay to say "no," to set boundaries, to have a life outside of this girl you just met.  "Too nice" is another common complaint I have seen, but really, I don't think I could love a woman that saw me as a doormat anyway.

Women do like nice guys.  You and I are single for reasons other than being nice.  I'm somewhat shy and unfamiliar with normal social human interaction.  But I'm learning.  Maybe you need to show responsibility, confidence, or commitment.  Or maybe you need to improve your hygiene, develop your talents, or enhance your emotional expression.

You can't change other people, but you can change yourself:  Be the type of person that can attract the type of person you are attracted to.