James Carter
There’s quite a gap between being kind and feeling like you’re kind.
Often, the kindness we extend to others seems so natural that we don’t even recognize it as such.
But here’s the truth: genuine kindness isn’t about grand gestures and public recognition.
No, it’s about those subtle actions that often go unnoticed.
Think you’re not all that kind? I beg to differ.
Just because you don’t feel it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
In fact, there are certain telltale signs that show just how big your heart truly is.
Even if you don’t think you fit the bill, stick with me—you might just surprise yourself:
1) You’re a good listener
Listening is a rare quality in a world where everyone wants to be heard.
If you have this quality, then there’s a high chance that you’re a genuinely kind person.
But what does being a good listener really mean? It’s not just about hearing the words that are spoken.
No, it’s about understanding what the other person is trying to convey.
It involves empathy, patience and the willingness to put your own thoughts aside for a moment.
You see, when you truly listen, you’re showing the other person that they matter to you, that their thoughts and feelings are important.
Believe me, in today’s self-centric world, this is a rare and precious gift.
If you find yourself sincerely interested in others’ stories and if you’re patient enough to hear them out without interrupting or imposing your own views, then pat yourself on the back.
You’re showing one of the key signs of being a genuinely kind person, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Kindness isn’t always about doing something.
Sometimes, it’s simply about being there, lending an ear and offering your understanding.
2) You find joy in helping others
I’ve always had this thing where I feel an immense sense of joy whenever I’m able to help someone.
It could be something as trivial as helping a friend move furniture or as significant as guiding someone through a rough patch in their life.
Once, I was heading home from work late at night when I saw an elderly man struggling to carry his grocery bags.
Without a second thought, I rushed over and helped him carry the bags to his car.
The gratitude in his eyes was worth more than any compliment or gift I had ever received.
That’s when I realized that true kindness is not about expecting something in return.
It’s about extending help simply because you want to make someone’s life a little bit easier.
If you can relate to this, if you find happiness in the happiness of others and if lending a helping hand feels more like a privilege than a chore, then trust me, you are a genuinely kind person.
Even if you think it’s just what anyone would do, remember not everyone does—your kindness matters.
3) You’re compassionate towards animals
It might surprise you, but how a person treats animals can say a lot about their kindness.
Animals, especially ones that are not our pets, don’t hold any immediate benefit to us.
So, being kind to them is a true reflection of our character.
In fact, there’s a strong correlation between how people treat animals and how they treat their fellow humans, suggesting that kindness towards animals often translates to kindness towards people.
If you find yourself going out of your way to ensure the well-being of animals, be it feeding a stray cat or stopping your car to let a family of ducks cross the road safely, it’s an undeniable sign of your genuine kindness.
You’re showing consideration for all forms of life, not just ones similar to you.
4) You practice random acts of kindness
Random acts of kindness are those little things you do for others without expecting anything in return.
They could be as simple as holding the door open for a stranger, leaving a kind note for a co-worker, or buying coffee for the person behind you in line.
These seemingly small deeds might not seem like a big deal to you, but they can make someone else’s day.
You see, kindness has a ripple effect.
One act of goodwill can inspire others to pass it on, creating a wave of positivity that extends far beyond the initial act.
Consistently performing these random acts of kindness is a strong sign that you’re a genuinely kind person.
It’s not about how grand your gestures are, but about how sincere your intentions are.
When kindness becomes a habit, it’s clear evidence of a good heart.
Even if you don’t feel like it’s anything special, know that to someone else, it could mean the world.
5) You feel other people’s pain
There was a time in my life when I was called ‘too sensitive’ or ‘too emotional’.
Whenever a friend shared a tough experience, their pain felt so real to me, as if it was my own.
A movie scene could bring tears to my eyes and news of suffering in the world would leave me heartbroken.
Over time, I realized that this ability to feel deeply wasn’t a weakness.
It was empathy, a form of kindness not everyone possesses.
Being able to understand and share the feelings of others is a true gift.
It allows you to connect with people on a deeper level and provide comfort in their times of need.
Your empathy is a testament to your big heart.
While it might feel overwhelming at times, remember that it’s this very trait that makes you uniquely kind.
6) You’re non-judgmental
In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about everything, being non-judgmental is a rare quality.
It’s about accepting people as they are, without trying to change them or impose your beliefs on them.
Being non-judgmental means understanding that everyone has their own journey, their own struggles, and their own perspectives.
It’s about respecting individual differences and offering your acceptance and kindness regardless.
If you’re the kind of person who listens more than you speak, who tries to understand before jumping to conclusions, then you’re likely a genuinely kind person.
Your ability to withhold judgment and accept others unconditionally is a true sign of kindness.
7) You practice self-kindness
The most important sign that you’re a genuinely kind person may come as a surprise: It’s how you treat yourself.
You see, kindness isn’t just about how we treat others—it’s equally about how we treat ourselves.
Practicing self-kindness means taking care of your own needs, respecting your feelings, and forgiving yourself for your mistakes.
It’s about acknowledging that you, too, are deserving of kindness and compassion.
If you’re someone who is patient with yourself, who knows how to take a step back when things get tough and show yourself some love, then you’re undoubtedly a genuinely kind person.
True kindness starts within, and only when you learn to be kind to yourself can you truly extend that kindness to others.
Final thoughts: Kindness is a choice
The essence of genuine kindness lies not in grand gestures, but in the subtleties of everyday life.
It’s found in the patience with which you listen, the empathy with which you feel, and the acceptance with which you embrace others.
But perhaps most importantly, it’s found in the kindness you extend to yourself.
As you go about your day today, remember this: Kindness is not a trait that you’re born with or without—it’s a choice you make.
If you’re practicing any (or all) of these signs we discussed, then be assured, you’re making the right choice.
You are a genuinely kind person, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
