If you display these 9 behaviors, you’re a much kinder person than you realize (2024)

There’s a subtle difference between being nice and being kind. Niceness might lack sincerity, while kindness comes from the heart.

Being kind is about more than just surface-level pleasantries. It’s about showing empathy, understanding, and respect for others. It’s actions over words.

Sometimes, we are kinder than we give ourselves credit for. You might be displaying certain behaviors that show you’re genuinely kind, even if you don’t realize it.

In this article, we’re going to explore 9 behaviors that indicate you’re a much kinder person than you think you are. So, let’s dive in and discover the unexpected signs of true kindness.

1) You’re always available

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget the significance of availability.

Being available doesn’t just mean physically being there. It’s about mental and emotional availability too.

True kindness is about being present for others, even when it’s inconvenient for you. It’s about showing up, listening, and offering your support or assistance when it’s needed the most.

Do you find yourself dropping what you’re doing to help out a friend in need? Are you constantly juggling your schedule to make time for others? If this sounds familiar, then you’re displaying a key behavior of a kind person.

2) You’re often the peacekeeper

It’s interesting how life experiences can shape us.

Take me, for example. Growing up in a large family, disagreements were inevitable. But I found myself always playing the role of the peacekeeper, trying to mediate and find a solution that pleased everyone.

This behavior continued into my adult life. Whether it’s a heated debate at work or a friend arguing with their partner, I always find myself stepping in to diffuse the situation.

And you know what? It’s not because I enjoy meddling in other people’s business. It’s because I genuinely believe in creating harmonious environments and resolving conflicts peacefully.

If you also find yourself playing the role of the peacekeeper – smoothing over rough patches, stepping in to mediate conflicts, or just generally trying to keep things pleasant and harmonious – then this is a clear sign of kindness.

It shows an innate desire to maintain peace and happiness around you, which is a true mark of a kind person.

3) You practice active listening

Active listening is a crucial component of effective communication. It’s not just about hearing the words, but truly understanding and empathizing with the speaker.

In fact, research shows that only 7% of communication is based on the actual words we say. The rest is all about tone of voice and body language.

So when you’re engaged in a conversation, do you offer your full attention? Do you try to understand the other person’s perspective and make them feel heard?

If you find yourself frequently nodding in agreement, providing thoughtful responses, or paraphrasing what the speaker has said to ensure you understood it correctly, then it’s clear that you’re an active listener.

This behavior is a great sign of kindness because it shows that you genuinely care about others’ thoughts and feelings. It also means that you’re willing to take the time to understand where they are coming from, which is a sign of respect and empathy.

4) You forgive easily

Holding grudges is easy. Forgiving? That takes a whole lot more strength and character.

One of the hallmarks of a truly kind person is the ability to forgive. It’s about understanding that people make mistakes, and not letting those mistakes define them.

If you’re someone who tends to give people the benefit of the doubt, who forgives easily and doesn’t hold onto resentment, then you’re showing a significant sign of kindness.

Remember, forgiveness isn’t about letting people walk all over you. It’s about choosing peace over conflict, understanding over judgement, and love over anger.

So if you’re someone who forgives easily, take a moment to recognize this as a sign of your inherent kindness.

5) You often put others’ needs before your own

Selflessness is a characteristic that’s deeply rooted in kindness.

If you often find yourself putting others’ needs before your own, this is a clear sign of your inherent kindness. It’s about making sacrifices, big or small, for the well-being of others.

Do you often take a backseat to allow someone else to shine? Do you go out of your way to make someone feel comfortable, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?

This behavior doesn’t mean neglecting your own needs or becoming a doormat. It’s about being considerate and thoughtful, and ensuring that those around you are cared for.

So if you’re someone who frequently puts others’ needs before your own, give yourself credit for being much kinder than you realize.

6) You’re generous with compliments

Compliments are like verbal sunshine. They have the power to brighten someone’s day, boost their self-esteem, and make them feel valued.

If you’re someone who generously sprinkles compliments around, not for flattery but from a place of sincerity, then this is a beautiful sign of your kindness.

It’s about noticing the good in others and making an effort to acknowledge it. It’s about making people feel appreciated and seen for who they are.

So whether you’re complimenting a friend’s new hairstyle, a colleague’s presentation skills, or a stranger’s kind gesture, you’re spreading positivity and uplifting those around you.

This habit of yours doesn’t just make others happy; it reflects the warmth and kindness in your heart. So keep shining your light and making the world a brighter place with your words.

7) You’re patient with others

Patience. It’s one of those virtues that’s easier said than done. I remember a time when I was stuck in traffic, late for an important meeting, and the driver in front of me was moving at a snail’s pace. Instead of honking or expressing my frustration, I took a deep breath and reminded myself that everyone has their own pace and reasons.

Showing patience towards others is a clear sign of kindness. It’s about understanding that everyone has their own journey, their own challenges, and their own pace.

If you’re someone who gives people the space to be themselves without rushing them or making them feel pressured, then you’re displaying a great deal of kindness.

Patience isn’t about passivity or complacency. It’s about respecting other people’s timelines and providing them with the room they need to grow.

8) You’re empathetic

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in their shoes and feeling what they feel.

Empathy is a cornerstone of kindness. It’s what allows you to connect with others on a deep, emotional level.

If you’re someone who can easily sense other people’s emotions and respond with understanding and compassion, then you’re displaying a significant sign of kindness.

Remember, empathy isn’t about taking on someone else’s emotions or problems as your own. It’s about acknowledging their feelings and offering your support.

So if you’re an empathetic person, give yourself some credit. You’re showing more kindness than you might realize.

9) You do good deeds without expecting anything in return

The true measure of kindness is doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return.

It’s about selflessness, generosity, and genuine care for the well-being of others.

If you’re someone who frequently does good deeds just for the sake of doing good, then you’re displaying the most important behavior of a truly kind person.

This doesn’t have to be grand gestures or elaborate acts of charity. It can be as simple as helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries, or picking up trash on your morning walk.

Remember, kindness isn’t about recognition or rewards. It’s about making a positive impact on the world around you, no matter how small.