Ethan Sterling
Kindness is a trait that is often misunderstood.
It’s easy to mistake kindness for weakness, and the truly kind are often overlooked or misunderstood because of it.
I’ve noticed that the kindest people — those who are genuinely kind-hearted, not just putting on a show — often display certain behaviors that might be misunderstood by others.
In this article, we’re going to explore nine distinct behaviors that incredibly kind people often display, which can lead to them being misunderstood.
I hope this will help you see and appreciate the truly kind people in your life a little bit more.
1) They put others first
Kind-hearted individuals are often selfless, always putting others before themselves.
It’s not because they want to be seen as saints or martyrs, but because they genuinely care about the wellbeing of those around them.
They derive their happiness from making others happy.
However, this behavior can often lead to them being taken for granted or being seen as pushovers.
People might start expecting them to bend over backwards all the time, without considering their own needs or feelings.
It’s crucial to remember that just because someone is kind enough to put you first, it doesn’t mean they should be last on your priority list.
Their kindness should be acknowledged and appreciated, not exploited.
2) They often apologize, even when it’s not their fault
I’ve always been the kind of person who apologizes a lot.
It’s not because I’m always messing up, but because I have a deep-seated desire to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.
For instance, once when I was at a restaurant with a friend, our waiter brought us the wrong order.
Even though it was clearly not my fault, I found myself saying “I’m sorry” before pointing out the mistake.
Here’s the thing: innately kind and sensitive people often display this behavior.
They apologize even when they’re not at fault because they value peace and would rather take the blame than let a situation escalate.
Unfortunately, this tendency can lead to misunderstandings.
People might think they’re being insincere or just trying to avoid responsibility.
3) They show empathy towards everyone
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
And it is a trait that is strongly associated with kindness.
Incredibly kind people often have high levels of empathy.
They can put themselves in others’ shoes and respond with compassion and understanding, even towards those who might not be very likable or easy to relate to.
But here’s the kicker: sometimes, their empathy gets lost in translation.
Mistaken for naivety or being a bit too touchy-feely, their empathic tendencies can raise eyebrows.
4) They are generous with their time
Let me tell you about my colleague Maria.
She’s the epitome of kindness, always willing to lend a helping hand.
Last week, after a long day at work, she stayed back to help tidy up after the office party.
And just yesterday, when her colleague was drowning in deadlines, Maria dropped everything to pitch in, even if it meant sacrificing her own downtime.
But sometimes, people misunderstand Maria’s generosity.
They might think she’s just a pushover or that she’s fishing for compliments.
Truth be told, Maria’s heart is just wired differently.
5) They are patient and understanding
Patience is a virtue, and for incredibly kind people, it seems to come naturally.
They understand that everyone has their own pace and their own journey, and they respect that.
They’re the ones who will sit with you through your struggles, listen to your worries without judgement, and offer comfort and reassurance.
They won’t rush you or make you feel like a burden.
However, their patience can sometimes be misconstrued as passivity or lack of ambition.
People might assume they’re just sitting back and letting life happen to them.
6) They forgive easily
Let’s talk forgiveness—the hallmark of truly kind souls.
We’re all human, bound to slip up now and then.
But here’s the kicker—they opt to see beyond the faults, focusing on our potential for growth instead.
Their readiness to forgive? It’s often misconstrued.
Some see it as an open invitation to walk all over them, while others mistake it for a lack of self-worth.
But let’s set the record straight: their forgiveness isn’t a weakness—it’s a testament to their boundless kindness and unwavering belief in humanity’s capacity for redemption.
7) They see the best in others
Growing up, my mother always taught me to see the best in people.
She helped me understand that everyone has their own struggles and everyone is trying their best given their circumstances.
In the same vein, incredibly kind people have this innate ability to see the good in others.
They focus on people’s strengths and potential, rather than their flaws and mistakes.
This perspective can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
People might think they’re naive or unrealistic, viewing the world through rose-colored glasses.
8) They go out of their way to help
People who are eager to help others often find themselves misunderstood.
First, their genuine desire to assist can be mistaken for ulterior motives or seeking validation.
In addition to that, some may perceive their eagerness to help as a sign of weakness, assuming they can be easily taken advantage of.
That’s not the end of it. In some cultures, there may be a strong emphasis on self-reliance, where offering or receiving help can be viewed as a sign of weakness.
Hence, individuals who eagerly extend a helping hand may be misunderstood or even met with skepticism.
9) They maintain a positive outlook
Incredibly kind people always try to maintain a positive outlook on life.
Even in the face of adversity, they choose to focus on the silver linings and the lessons they can learn.
Their optimism is not blind or unrealistic, but rather a conscious choice to cultivate positivity and hope.
It’s this positive attitude that enables them to spread kindness and inspire others.
But keep in mind, their optimism is not a mask to hide their struggles.
It’s their way of dealing with challenges, by focusing on the potential for growth and improvement instead of getting bogged down by negativity.
Final thoughts: The power of understanding
To all the relentlessly kind souls out there, remember this: your big heart isn’t a weakness—it’s your superpower.
Sure, some might misinterpret your compassion as naivety or sensitivity, but don’t let that dim your light.
Your ability to see the world through others’ eyes is a rare gift, one that fosters connection and understanding in a world sorely in need of both.
So keep shining, keep empathizing, and know that your kindness, though sometimes misunderstood, is a beacon of hope and goodness in a sometimes dark and chaotic world.
You’re making a difference, one heartfelt gesture at a time.
