People who are still kind even when they’ve been wronged usually have these 8 unique strengths

There’s a remarkable difference between those who seek revenge when they’ve been wronged, and those who choose to remain kind. It’s no easy feat.

Hey, I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast. I believe in the power of kindness, even in the face of adversity or injustice.

People who can still extend kindness after being wronged, possess unique strengths that set them apart. And trust me, these aren’t your average run-of-the-mill traits.

In this piece, I’m going to walk you through these 9 unique strengths. By the end, you might even see the silver lining in being wronged. Stick around.

1) Resilience

Resilience is the fortress that guards those who choose kindness even when they’ve been wronged.

You may wonder, what is resilience?

It’s the ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges thrown at you. This trait is crucial for those who continue to be kind, even when they’ve been wronged.

These individuals don’t let negative experiences define them. Instead, they use them as stepping stones to grow and build character.

This strength allows them to stay rooted in empathy and compassion, even when it would be easiest to resort to bitterness or revenge.

As American psychologist Martin Seligman, a pioneer in the field of positive psychology, emphasizes, resilience is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed through practices such as cultivating optimism and finding meaning in adversity.

His research underscores that building resilience empowers individuals to navigate challenges with grace and maintain kindness in the face of wrongdoing.

2) Forgiveness

Forgiveness is another core strength of those who maintain their kindness despite being wronged.

I’ve personally experienced this in my own life. I remember a time when a close friend betrayed my trust. I felt hurt and angry, and for a while, I even considered ending the friendship.

But then, I chose to forgive. Not because what they did was okay, but because I understood that holding onto anger would only poison my own peace of mind.

This act of forgiveness didn’t just preserve our friendship; it also gave me a sense of personal liberation.

The ability to forgive is a remarkable strength that allows us to let go of resentment and anger, enabling us to continue treating others with kindness, even when they’ve wronged us.

3) Mindfulness

Mindfulness, the ability to stay present and aware, is a pivotal strength for those who remain kind in the face of adversity.

It’s through mindful awareness that we can recognize our emotions and reactions, giving us the opportunity to choose how we respond.

And often, those who have been wronged still choose kindness.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into this concept.

I explore how mindfulness can be a transformative tool, enabling us to better manage our reactions and maintain our kindness, no matter what life throws at us.

It’s not about suppressing our feelings of hurt or anger. It’s about acknowledging them, understanding them, and then choosing a response that aligns with our values.

As we learn to cultivate mindfulness, we find ourselves better equipped to respond with kindness, even when wronged. It is a silent strength that fosters kindness amidst adversity.

4) Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a key strength of those who continue to display kindness even when they’ve been wronged.

This psychological term refers to the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

People high in emotional intelligence can navigate social complexities and make personal decisions that achieve positive results. They don’t let their emotions control their reactions.

When someone wrongs them, they aren’t quick to react harshly or impulsively.

Instead, they take a step back, assess their feelings and the situation, and respond in a way that upholds their personal values of kindness and respect.

By developing emotional intelligence, one can handle difficult situations with grace and maintain kindness towards others, even when they aren’t treated the same way.

It’s not an easy task, but it’s certainly achievable with practice and self-awareness.

5) Acceptance of imperfection

Acceptance of imperfection is a unique strength found in those who maintain kindness despite being wronged.

Most people strive for perfection, either in themselves or in others. However, those who continue to be kind understand that nobody is perfect.

They accept that humans are prone to mistakes and poor judgment.

They don’t hold others to unrealistic standards of perfection. Instead, they accept people for who they are – flaws and all.

When they’re wronged, they don’t see it as a personal attack but as a result of human imperfection.

This understanding allows them to let go of resentment and continue treating others with kindness.

Accepting imperfection doesn’t mean condoning wrong behavior, but it’s about understanding the inherent complexities of human nature and responding with kindness nonetheless.

6) Empathy

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a significant strength of those who choose kindness despite being wronged.

It allows these individuals to see beyond their own hurt and understand the motivations or circumstances that led the other person to act in a hurtful way.

This understanding doesn’t excuse the wrongdoing, but it provides a broader perspective that can help diffuse resentment and bitterness.

Empathy fosters connection, understanding, and ultimately, kindness. It’s a strength that enables wounded hearts to heal and continue spreading kindness in a world that desperately needs it.

7) Inner peace

Inner peace is a unique strength that empowers those wronged to continue extending kindness.

It’s about finding a sense of tranquility and acceptance within oneself, regardless of external circumstances.

Inner peace liberates from the desire for revenge or retaliation. It provides a calm amidst the storm, allowing kindness to flourish even in tough times.

By nurturing inner peace, one can remain kind and compassionate, regardless of the actions of others. It’s a quiet strength that speaks volumes about one’s character and resilience.

8) Patience

Patience is another distinctive strength found in those who continue to extend kindness despite being wronged.

Patience allows these individuals to endure difficult circumstances without reacting impulsively.

It gives them the capacity to wait, to process their emotions, and to choose a response that aligns with their core values of kindness and respect.

When wronged, it’s easy to react hastily out of anger or hurt. But those with patience take their time.

They seek understanding, they allow their emotions to settle, and they respond in a way that upholds their principles.

Patience isn’t about being passive or submissive. It’s about having the strength to hold back, to wait, and to respond with kindness even when it’s most challenging.

This strength often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in maintaining kindness amidst hurt and betrayal.

Final thoughts: Kindness is a choice

Understanding human behavior and motivations can be complex.

Yet, when we delve into the traits of those who choose kindness even when they’ve been wronged, we find unique strengths that are both admirable and inspiring.

These strengths allow individuals to navigate through life’s adversities with grace, compassion, and resilience.

They illuminate the path towards a life characterized by understanding, forgiveness, and most importantly, kindness.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I explore similar themes of resilience, forgiveness, and mindful living. It offers insights for anyone seeking to build these strengths within themselves.

The choice to remain kind in the face of wrongdoings is not a sign of weakness but a testament to one’s inner strength and character.

So next time you’re faced with adversity or wronged by someone else, remember these eight unique strengths. Challenge yourself to respond with kindness and see the transformative impact it can have on your life.