8 behaviors of genuinely kind people who also command respect

Respect and kindness are two traits that often seem to be at odds. Some people believe you can’t command respect if you’re too kind, while others think being kind means being weak.

But I’m here to tell you, that’s simply not true.

There are folks who’ve mastered the delicate balance of being genuinely kind while also commanding immense respect. They’re proof that ‘nice guys’ don’t always finish last.

In this article, we’ll look at 8 behaviors of genuinely kind people who also command respect. So, if you’re ready to learn how to be both kind and respected, keep reading.

1) Authenticity

Picture this: a bustling coffee shop where the barista is having a meltdown over spilled soy milk, customers are tapping their feet impatiently, and the Wi-Fi is on a lunch break. In this caffeinated chaos, enter Kind-hearted Karen, a beacon of authenticity in a world that sometimes feels as rehearsed as a middle school play. 

Karen doesn’t just order her latte; she engages the frazzled barista in a genuine conversation, asking about their day and offering a kind word about the spilled soy milk incident. While the rest of us are scrolling through our phones, Karen is spreading warmth like a portable bonfire. It’s not a performance; it’s just Karen being Karen, and people can’t help but respect her kindness and authenticity. 

The moral of the story is: Authenticity is like a rare unicorn in a world of mundane horses – it grabs attention, and no one doubts its magical powers.  

2) Generosity

In the world of genuinely kind and respected individuals, generosity plays a pivotal role.

When we talk about generosity, it’s not just about giving money or material things. It could be as simple as offering your time, lending an ear, or sharing your knowledge.

Studies have shown that being generous has a positive impact on our own happiness and well-being.

This is known as the ‘helper’s high’ – a state of euphoria followed by a longer period of calm, experienced after helping others.

People who are generous are often admired for their selflessness and willingness to give without expecting anything in return. This selfless behavior commands respect from those around them.

Practicing generosity doesn’t just make us feel good, it also elevates our standing in the eyes of others.

3) Patience

If you’re wondering whether a kind soul like you command respect, ask yourself if you possess the most hyped virtue of all – patience.

Think about it: lack of patience – like making snap decisions or getting offended easily – makes you look weak and immature. People who lack patience are like human alarm clocks set to snooze every five seconds – annoying and destined to drive everyone around them bonkers.

In an era where everything is constant – from noodles to online purchases – patience is a rare virtue that commands nothing but respect. 

Being patient means you’re willing to wait and give others the time they need. Whether it’s waiting for someone to understand a concept, or giving them time to express their thoughts and feelings, patience communicates respect for the other person’s process.

This makes people feel valued and respected, which in turn commands respect for the patient individual.

4) Respect for others

This might seem obvious, but it’s important to remember: to command respect, you must first give it. Kind people who are respected universally respect others.

This means respecting people’s time, boundaries, opinions, and experiences. It means understanding that everyone has a unique perspective and that their feelings are valid, even if they differ from your own.

When you show respect to others, you communicate that you value them as individuals. This makes them more likely to respect you in return.

5) Compassion

People who have compassion for others always command respect.

It’s simple: While the rest of the world might be operating on a “me, myself, and I” policy, the compassionate ones are out there, breaking the mold like a ninja in a china shop. They’re a rare breed.

They go out of their way to assist others in their moment of need, providing comfort or aid without a second thought.

But compassion isn’t just about grand gestures during tough times; it’s also about small acts of kindness in everyday life. It could be as simple as offering a smile to a stranger who seems to be having a bad day, or lending an ear to a friend who needs someone to talk to.

This heartfelt empathy and understanding is what earns genuinely kind people immense respect. Because when you care for others, they can’t help but care for you too.

6) Accountability

Everyone respects a person who passes the credit and takes the blame. 

I remember a time when I made a mistake in a project at work. Instead of trying to hide it or blame someone else, I owned up to it. I apologized to my team and took steps to rectify the error.

It wasn’t easy. Admitting your mistakes never is. But in the end, it not only helped me grow as a person but also earned me the respect of my colleagues.

People who are accountable are not afraid to admit their mistakes. They take responsibility for their actions and make amends where necessary.

This level of honesty and integrity commands respect. Because when you’re accountable, people know they can trust you to do what’s right, even when things go wrong.

7) Consistency

Consistency is the unsung hero of the respect brigade. Imagine life as a chaotic sitcom, and consistency is that reliable character who never misses a punchline.

Being consistent in your actions, words, and values shows people that you’re reliable and trustworthy. They know what to expect from you. It tells them that they can count on you to be the same person today as you will be tomorrow.

The truth is, people can only count on the person they truly respect.  

8) Humility

Do you know what’s the most underestimated sign of strength? Humility. And this always commands respect.  

When you’re humble, you show others that you value their input and appreciate their knowledge and experiences. It means you recognize that you don’t have all the answers and that you’re open to learning from others. 

Humble people don’t need the spotlight to shine, and they’re certainly not empty vessels. They prefer letting their actions speak for themselves instead. 

In essence: Kindness commands respect

The behaviors we’ve discussed – authenticity, empathy, generosity, patience, respect for others, compassion, accountability, consistency, and humility – are not just characteristics of kind individuals, they’re also pillars of respect.

As you navigate through life’s journey, remember that kindness isn’t a sign of weakness – a reason for people to treat you like a doormat. 

On the contrary, it’s a testament to your strength and character. And when paired with respect for others, it transforms you into a beacon of positivity and inspiration.