Whether you’ve known someone for a matter of years or minutes, there are certain tell-tale signs that you’re dealing with a truly kind soul. If they happen to tick all these boxes, remember to never let them go.
Celebrates Other’s Success
A mark of a truly good person is their natural reaction to someone else’s accomplishments. When they show genuine excitement at even your most minor wins, you know you’ve found a gem. Bonus points if they share opportunities and resources if it means that they will contribute to another person’s development.
Acts with Kindness
Consider how they treat people. A high-quality person will give without expecting anything in return and may often go out of their way to rescue friends, family, or even strangers who are in need. As Psych Central informs, kindness ‘represents actions and behaviors aimed to improve someone else’s lived experience.’
Shows Compassion
Empathy and compassion go hand in hand when looking closely at character traits. The ability to have a genuine understanding of someone else’s misfortune and the willingness to pick someone up when they’re down are sure signs that the person in question has a good soul.
Demonstrates Integrity
It can be misleading when a person’s words do not match their actions or when it feels as though their behavior does not consistently match their spoken values. A genuine individual will remain true to what they believe in even in the face of conflict or pressure to compromise.
Practices Forgiveness
When a good person is done wrong, they may criticize as normal, but they can also free themselves from resentment and recognise that forgiveness is the only way to move forward if they wish to do so. They often believe that everyone has the potential for personal growth, and they can see others are more than their mistakes.
Acknowledges Differences
Not only will a kind-hearted person value diversity, but they will also actively fight back against prejudice when it shows its ugly head – yes, even when the subject is not about them. They never discriminate against others based on race, gender, or religion and will open meaningful conversations to encourage mutual understanding.
Forms Positive Relationships
Good people will surround themselves with others just like them. They create bonds that promote uplifting energy and will always invest a lot of time and effort into these friendships to ensure their longevity. Psychology Today reminds us that each person in a friendship must be an ‘active participant in helping create the other one’s positive future.’
Shows Humility
Self-assured people are aware of their good qualities and flaws yet don’t boast. They accept constructive criticism about themselves, seeing it as an opportunity to understand more and improve personally.
Takes Responsibility
Knowing how and when to say sorry is a powerful thing. Instead of attempting to dismiss themselves of responsibility, genuine people will own up to their mistakes and try to learn from them. They are likely to apologize sincerely when they have hurt you and will do everything in their power to make amends.
Shows Gratitude
If you do a good deed for a kind person, they tend to make as much effort as possible to show their appreciation and will even find joy in returning the favor. Where a project requires a group effort, they will give full credit to all involved and thrive in the success of a collaborative unit.
They Don’t Gossip
NBC News shares the findings of social scientists who have noticed that as a survival skill, it has ‘always been necessary to know about the lives of those around you.’ However, there is a fine line between being in the know and speaking badly about people behind their backs. Those with a kind heart will never participate in such conversations.
Practices Empathy
Connecting with the emotions of others is a trait that comes very easily to good-natured individuals and is particularly common among people who are morally well-developed. There is a misconception that empathy is seen as simply agreeing with others, but there is so much more to it. It requires the ability to view every experience and feeling as valid.
Exceptional Listener
In a room full of noise, a good listener will be your greatest ally. You may not realize it, but they aren’t just listening to your words—they are working to understand your perspective and reading your emotions to truly be present in the moment with you.
They Have Good Manners
There are countless benefits to having good manners. Headspace states that manners can make you ‘appear more confident, maintain more fulfilling personal relationships, [and] lead to us prospering at work.’ Those who are kind-hearted are aware of these benefits and implement even the simple “please” and “thank you” into their everyday vocabulary.
Respectful Nature
If you’ve ever dined out with someone who treats service workers with contempt, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can be. You will never have to tolerate this kind of behavior with a sound person. They interact with no judgment attached and view people as equals regardless of their own status.
Honest but Considerate
Often, people may use the term honesty to cover up their offensive ways of referring to people or things. Kind-hearted people can differentiate between being truthful and being cutthroat when it comes to giving constructive criticism. They will deliver even the harshest truths in a compassionate and sensitive way.
Self-Improvement
Even the best of us aren’t perfect human beings. It is seeking opportunities for growth that really makes someone truly good. When giving tips on self-reflection, Harvard Business Review notes that when it is at its most effective, it is ego-bruising. If someone is putting in the work, examining their flaws, and embracing change, you’ve found yourself a good one.
Practices Patience
A very subtle sign, but an important one nonetheless, is showing patience. When you are around a good person, you will never feel rushed into an action or decision because they understand that pushiness will not make things happen faster. They will show their kindness as they come along for the ride with you with any problem that you have.
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