If you do these 10 things, you’re a kinder person than you think you are

Ever wonder if you’re a good person?

We all have those days where we think we could be kinder.

But guess what?

You’re probably doing better than you think!

I’ve got a list of 10 things that show you’re actually a really kind person.

If you’re doing even a few of these, give yourself a pat on the back.

1. You Listen More Than You Speak

Ever been in a conversation where the other person just won’t stop talking about themselves? Yeah, not fun.

But if you’re the kind of person who listens more than you speak, that’s a big deal. Listening is a rare skill these days.

It means you care about what the other person is saying, and you’re not just waiting for your turn to talk.

By giving someone your full attention, you’re showing them respect and kindness. And don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you’re a pushover or too quiet.

It means you know the value of hearing someone out.

So, if you find yourself really listening when someone else is talking, you’re already a kinder person than you might think!

2. You Hold the Door Open for Others

Now, this may sound like a tiny thing, but small gestures often speak volumes.

Holding the door open isn’t just about manners; it’s a quick and easy way to show you care about the people around you.

You’re basically saying, “Hey, your time and effort matter too!”

I’ll be honest, I get a little burst of happiness whenever someone holds the door for me.

It’s like a tiny reminder that there’s still kindness in the world.

And guess what?

When you’re the one holding the door, you’re spreading that same good feeling to someone else.

So the next time you catch yourself holding that door, smile a little.

You’re doing a kind thing, and it totally counts.

3. You Apologize When You’re Wrong

Saying sorry is hard. Owning up to a mistake feels like swallowing a bitter pill, especially when your pride really wants you to do the opposite.

But if you can push past that discomfort and actually apologize when you’re wrong, you’re showing a level of kindness and maturity that’s rare.

This isn’t just about making peace; it’s about acknowledging that you’re human, flawed, and still worthy of respect.

It takes guts to look someone in the eye and admit you messed up. I’ve been there, and man, it’s tough.

But every time I’ve done it, I’ve felt lighter, and the respect between me and the other person grew a notch or two.

So if you’re someone who can say “I’m sorry” and mean it, don’t underestimate how kind that makes you.

It’s an honest action that helps mend bridges and heal wounds.

4. You Know When to Say No

Hold up—saying ‘no’ is kind? You bet it is!

While it may seem counterintuitive, knowing your boundaries and respecting your own time and energy is a form of kindness, not just to yourself but to others as well.

Saying ‘yes’ to everything might make you seem like a people-pleaser, but it can also lead to burnout and resentment.

When you’re burnt out, you can’t be there for people in the way you’d like to be.

Plus, let’s be honest, nobody likes a flaky or resentful friend.

When you say ‘no’ to things you really can’t or don’t want to do, you’re being honest.

This means that when you do say ‘yes,’ people know you really mean it, and that’s a powerful form of kindness.

So the next time you’re wrestling with whether to agree to yet another commitment, remember: a respectful ‘no’ can be just as kind as a ‘yes.’

5. You Share What You Have

Sharing isn’t just about giving away stuff; it’s about creating a sense of community and connection.

Whether it’s your favorite book, some handy life advice, or even just a smile, sharing adds a little warmth to someone else’s day.

Personal confession: I used to hold onto things tightly, thinking that keeping all my stuff and knowledge to myself somehow made me more valuable.

Boy, was I wrong. When I started sharing more—whether it was a helpful tip or just splitting a dessert with a friend—I found that the joy in giving was its own reward.

If you’re someone who freely gives of what you have, even in small doses, you’re sowing kindness like wildflowers in a field.

You never know what small act will make a huge difference in someone’s day.

So keep sharing, because it’s one of the truest forms of kindness there is.

6. You Forgive and Let Go

Alright, let’s strip it down to the bare bones—forgiveness is not for the faint of heart. It’s easy to hold onto grudges, to let that dark cloud of resentment hover over us indefinitely.

But forgiving someone? That requires an emotional muscle that not everyone is willing to flex.

Forgiving doesn’t mean you forget or condone what happened. It means you’re choosing your own peace over prolonged anger.

And let me tell you, I’ve carried grudges that felt like carrying heavy stones in my pockets.

The moment I decided to let go, it was like setting down a burden I didn’t even realize I was carrying.

If you can forgive and move on, you’re not just being kind to the other person; you’re being profoundly kind to yourself.

This doesn’t mean you have to become best buds with the person who wronged you.

It simply means you’re giving yourself permission to be free from the weight of resentment.

And that’s raw, honest kindness at its core.

7. You Cheer Others On

In a world that often feels like a competition, taking a moment to support someone else is like a breath of fresh air.

You don’t lose anything by celebrating another person’s win, but you gain a whole lot of goodwill and positive energy.

It’s easy to think, “Why them and not me?” when someone else succeeds.

But if you find yourself genuinely happy for other people’s accomplishments—whether it’s a friend who landed a new job, a sibling who graduated, or even a stranger on the internet who reached a personal milestone—you’re showing an incredible amount of kindness.

Cheering others on means you understand that life isn’t a zero-sum game.

One person’s success doesn’t mean your failure.

By lifting others up, you lift yourself up too, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.

So go ahead, be that person who claps the loudest, sends the congratulatory text, or shares someone else’s good news. It’s a kindness that both you and the world need more of.

8. You Remember the Little Things

You might not think it’s a big deal, but remembering small details about someone’s life can mean the world to them.

Whether it’s asking about their sick pet, remembering their birthday without a Facebook reminder, or even just recalling their favorite color, these little nuggets show you care.

Life is busy, we all know it. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own worlds and forget that other people have lives full of ups and downs, just like us.

But when you take a moment to remember something small about someone else, you’re sending a message loud and clear: “I see you, and you matter to me.”

No grand gestures needed.

Sometimes kindness is as simple as saying, “How did that big meeting go?” or “Did your mom’s surgery go alright?”

When you remember the little things, you make people feel big in the best way possible. And that’s a true act of kindness.

9. You Offer Your Help Without Being Asked

We’ve all been there—overwhelmed, swamped, or just plain stuck.

It’s in those moments that an unsolicited offer of help can feel like a lifeline.

If you’re the kind of person who steps in to assist without waiting to be asked, you’re a walking, talking example of kindness in action.

I remember a time when I was moving apartments and was absolutely drowning in boxes and stress.

A friend showed up unannounced with packing tape and snacks.

She didn’t wait for me to reach out; she just knew I needed help and came over.

It was such a small act, but it made a massive difference to me that day.

So, whether it’s helping a neighbor carry groceries or offering to babysit for a friend who needs a break, these acts of kindness don’t go unnoticed.

You’re making someone’s day a little bit easier, and sometimes, that’s everything.

Keep offering that help, because it truly matters.

10. You Make Time for People

In our fast-paced world, time is often the most precious thing we can offer.

If you’re someone who willingly sets aside moments—big or small—to spend with others, that’s a testament to your kindness.

It shows that you value relationships over convenience, and connection over isolation.

Let’s face it, we’re all busy. There’s always an email to answer, a chore to finish, or a show to binge-watch.

But when you make the conscious decision to put all that aside—even if it’s just for a coffee catch-up or a quick phone call—you’re saying, “You’re important to me, and I want to be present in this moment with you.”

Making time for people might not seem like a grand act of kindness, but in a world where everyone is rushing around, it’s a genuine gift.

By choosing to be present, you’re offering something that no amount of money can buy: your undivided attention and care. And that’s a beautiful thing.