People who help others out of genuine kindness usually share these 8 traits

There’s something undeniably special about people who help others out of pure, genuine kindness.

These are the people who lend a hand without expecting anything in return. They’re the ones making the world a little bit brighter, just because they can.

Now, these generous souls aren’t randomly kind. They often share some common traits that make them naturally empathetic and giving.

In this piece, we’ll explore the 8 traits usually found in those who offer help out of sheer kindness. Let’s dive in and discover what makes these kind-hearted folks tick.

1) Empathy

Empathy is at the heart of genuine kindness.

It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, to put yourself in their shoes. Individuals who help others out of genuine kindness are often naturally empathetic.

They see a person in need and can almost feel their struggle. This emotional connection fuels their desire to help, not for their own gain, but simply to alleviate the distress of another.

Emotional intelligence plays a big role here. It allows these kind-hearted individuals to recognize and understand emotions in themselves and others. They know when someone is hurting, even when they’re trying hard to hide it.

Empathy is not something everyone possesses, but those who do often find themselves driven by a genuine desire to make things better for others. It’s a trait that forms the foundation of their kindness.

2) Patience

If there’s one trait I’ve noticed in all those who are genuinely kind, it’s patience.

Take my grandmother, for example. She was the epitome of patience. No matter how chaotic things got around her, she remained calm and composed. I remember one time when I was a child, I accidentally spilled a whole jug of freshly made lemonade on her newly cleaned carpet.

Instead of getting angry or scolding me, she smiled gently, calmly saying that accidents happen and it was no big deal. Then she patiently cleaned up the mess, even letting me help so I could learn how to handle such situations in the future.

That incident stuck with me. I realized that her patience wasn’t just about keeping her cool in the face of inconvenience or adversity. It was also about understanding that everyone makes mistakes and needs space to learn and grow.

People who help others out of genuine kindness often have this level of patience. They’re able to remain calm even when things don’t go as planned because their primary concern is the well-being of others, not their own convenience or comfort.

3) Altruism

Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others. It’s going beyond just understanding other people’s emotions – it’s actively wanting to make a positive impact on their lives.

Did you know that there’s a scientific term for those who help out of genuine kindness? They’re often referred to as ‘prosocial’ individuals. Prosocial behaviors are actions aimed at benefiting others, such as helping, sharing, donating, co-operating, and volunteering.

And here’s something intriguing: studies have shown that performing prosocial behaviors can actually improve our own mood and overall well-being. It seems there’s some truth to the adage that when we help others, we help ourselves too.

People who exhibit altruism are not doing good deeds to receive something in return. They’re driven by an innate desire to improve the lives of others. It’s a profound trait that truly sets them apart.

4) Generosity

Generosity is another common trait among those who help others out of sheer kindness.

Generosity isn’t always about material things. Yes, it might involve giving money or gifts, but it also extends to giving time, energy, and attention. It’s about being willing to share what you have with others, be it tangible or intangible.

Kind-hearted people understand that generosity is more than just a one-time act. It’s a way of life. They’re generous with their praise, their time, their knowledge, and their resources.

The truly generous don’t give expecting anything in return. They give because they genuinely want to see others happy, healthy, and thriving. They get joy from the act of giving itself, not from what they might receive in return.

It’s this selfless generosity that makes them so special and so effective in making a positive impact on the lives of others.

5) Compassion

Compassion is a trait that runs deep in the veins of those who help others out of genuine kindness.

It’s more than just feeling sorry for someone who’s going through a tough time. It’s a deep, heartfelt desire to alleviate their suffering and make things better for them.

I’ve seen compassion in action, and let me tell you, it’s a powerful thing. It’s a warm smile offered to a stranger on a bad day, a comforting word when it’s needed most, or a helping hand to someone who’s struggling.

Those who are compassionate don’t just observe pain or suffering, they feel it with the person and are moved to action. They can’t just walk away when they see someone in need – their heart won’t allow it.

This compassionate heart is what drives their acts of kindness, making them an anchor of comfort and support for those around them. Through their compassionate actions, they show us all what it truly means to be human.

6) Resilience

Resilience is a trait that’s often overlooked, but in my experience, it’s crucial for those who help others out of genuine kindness.

There was a time in my life when everything seemed to be going wrong. I felt like I was drowning in problems, unable to catch my breath. But then, amidst the chaos, a friend stepped in. She was going through her own struggles, but she never hesitated to offer me support.

She’d sit with me during my darkest hours, offering words of comfort and encouragement. Despite her own problems, she was always there for me. When I asked her how she managed to stay strong despite everything, she simply said, “Life knocks us down, but we have to get back up and keep going.”

Her resilience was inspiring. It wasn’t just about bouncing back from her own challenges, but also about being there for others despite them. Her strength showed me that even when life gets tough, we have the ability to rise above our circumstances and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Resilience is the silent strength that allows kind-hearted people to keep going and keep giving, no matter what life throws their way.

7) Humility

Humility is a defining trait of those who help others out of genuine kindness.

These individuals do not seek recognition or applause for their good deeds. They don’t help others to boost their own ego or to be seen as a “good person”. Instead, they offer assistance quietly and selflessly, often preferring to stay in the background.

Humility allows them to focus on the needs of others rather than their own desire for accolades. They understand that the act of helping is not about them, but about making a positive difference in someone else’s life.

Their humility is what makes their kindness so genuine and their impact so profound. Through their quiet, selfless actions, they teach us that the greatest acts of kindness are often those done without expectation of reward or recognition.

8) Integrity

Finally, the most crucial trait shared by those who help others out of genuine kindness is integrity.

Integrity is about being honest, being true to yourself, and doing what’s right even when no one is watching. It’s about staying true to your values and principles, regardless of the circumstances.

Those with integrity don’t help others because they feel obliged to or because they want to appear kind. They do it because it aligns with their core values. They believe in the importance of kindness and compassion in a world that often seems void of it.

Their integrity is the compass that guides their actions. It ensures their kindness is genuine, their intentions pure, and their impact profound. Because at the end of the day, true kindness comes from a place of integrity, and it’s this authentic kindness that can truly make a difference in the world.

Final reflections: The heart of kindness

As we delve deeper into the human psyche, we find that kindness is more than just a trait. It’s a conscious choice, a way of life.

It’s fascinating to know that neuroscience has found a link between acts of kindness and the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone”. This hormone is associated with feelings of trust, bonding, and happiness. It seems that our brains are indeed wired for kindness.

Those who help others out of genuine kindness embody these eight traits – empathy, patience, altruism, generosity, compassion, resilience, humility, and integrity. But remember, these traits do not exist in isolation. They intertwine and coalesce to form the beautiful tapestry of kindness.

These individuals are not saints or superheroes. They’re ordinary people choosing to make an extraordinary impact. And the most beautiful part? We all have the capacity to be one of them.

As we conclude this exploration, ask yourself – what traits resonate with you? What can you cultivate further? Because at the end of the day, every act of genuine kindness adds up, making our world a little kinder and a little brighter.