Adrian Volenik
We can categorize people into two groups – those who help others and those who don’t help others.
But even some of those who help others don’t do it because they genuinely enjoy helping people.
Many of them do it because it’s their job, responsibility, or something they feel obliged to do.
So, how do we recognize those who generally enjoy helping others? The answer is simple. They display the following traits:
1) Empathy
If you genuinely enjoy helping others, you’re obviously a very empathetic person. You know, or you can imagine how it is to be on the other side.
Compassionate people just get it. They understand what others are going through because they can feel it, too.
That’s why it makes you happy more than anything else if you can help at least one person get out of trouble or make their life just a little bit easier.
And I’m not talking just about some grand gestures. Every little helps.
So, for example, you help your colleague to finish a task faster or better. Or you help your neighbor mow their grass if they aren’t able to.
These might seem insignificant, but they’re the kinds of things you wish people would do for you, too.
2) Kindness
Then there are the people who are just the sweetest and the kindest. They’re the ones who do nice things just because.
Acts of kindness are their currency, and they’re always looking for ways to spread good vibes.
They never expect anything in return and are helpful because it’s who they 100% are. They help out of the goodness of their own hearts and wish that others would be more similar to them.
They are, in fact, selfless.
3) Selflessness
When you’re selfless, you think more about others than you do about yourself. You’re putting others’ needs ahead of your own, making you an awesome team player.
The world desperately needs more people like this, and it would be a much better and nicer place if it were filled with selfless people.
They genuinely enjoy helping others more than anything. That’s why they often dedicate their time to volunteer work, helping those in need without expecting anything in return.
They’re also there for others during difficult moments and offer a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and support without making the situation about themselves.
But perhaps, above all else, they are generous.
4) Generosity
Sharing is caring, and these folks are all about it. They dedicate their time, resources, or a helping hand, and they’re always ready to give.
One of the ways that people who genuinely enjoy helping others do that is by contributing to charities or causes they care about.
It’s simply a direct way to express generosity. This, of course, means they donate money, clothes, or items to those in need.
But they also donate their valuable time. As we all know, time is one of the most precious resources these days, and people like them would rather give a helping hand to someone than watch Friends at home for the 100th time.
5) Patience
I know a couple of people who truly enjoy helping others, and they all have one thing in common – patience.
They stay cool, calm, and collected, no matter how slow things go.
They take time to listen, understand, and offer help without pushing for quick solutions. Their patience creates a safe space where people feel heard and supported, encouraging an environment where genuine help can take root and flourish.
Ultimately, they have great listening skills, and people around them feel comfortable sharing their life stories, concerns, and aspirations.
6) Good listening skills
Ever feel like someone’s really hearing you out? That’s these guys. They’re not just waiting for their turn to talk – they’re genuinely listening and understanding.
You feel like you can share anything with them, including your vulnerabilities and past mistakes.
That’s why they’re great for working with people who are disenfranchised or down on their luck. They make it easy to open up and even ask for help.
For many, that’s all that’s needed.
7) Respect
Everyone gets VIP treatment from them. They treat others with respect, recognizing that each person has value.
And that’s why they help everyone, not just the people they know. They have an open-door policy for all humans and animals.
For these remarkable individuals, respect is the cornerstone of all their interactions. They profoundly understand and appreciate the unique value each person brings to the table.
But they also recognize that not everyone is comfortable getting help. So, by respecting individual needs and preferences, they tailor their support and make sure that their help is aligned with the unique circumstances of each person.
8) Open-mindedness
They also recognize that everyone is on a unique journey and perhaps needs just some more time for improvement and personal growth.
There’s no judging here. They’re open to different ideas and perspectives, making it easy for everyone to share their thoughts without fear of criticism.
Open-mindedness also helps them learn from the experiences of those they’re helping.
So, imagine you’re going through something, and you turn to them for help. The people who genuinely enjoy helping others are open to hearing your side of the story and get that your situation is probably totally different from someone else’s.
They act like a friend who doesn’t assume they know everything but is there with an open mind and heart to help you go through anything.
Above all, they are reliable and trustworthy.
9) Reliability
In my mind, reliability is one of the most important traits a person can have. If you’re not reliable and don’t deliver on the promises you’ve made, there’s something wrong with you. At least, that’s how I see it.
So, when these people say they’ll do something, you can bet your last dollar it’s getting done. They’re the reliable pals who always come through.
And how do you feel about this? Do you think that reliability is one of the definitive traits everyone should have?
Think about that for a moment, and then let’s move on.
10) Positivity
In a world where we’re bombarded with negative news 24/7, staying positive is a real feat.
That’s why people who genuinely enjoy helping others are glass-half-full kind of people. They bring good vibes to any situation, making even the toughest challenges seem a bit more manageable.
They’re the ones cheering on the troops in the trenches when everyone is knee-deep in mud, and their only consolation is a cigarette.
They don’t judge. They’re here to help, motivate, and inspire.
11) Adaptability
When things get tough, one of the better characteristics one can have is adaptability. When life throws curveballs at them, they roll with the punches and adapt to whatever comes their way.
They have an exceptional ability to adjust to diverse situations and the ever-changing needs of those around them.
They understand that what worked for one person might not be suitable for another, and that’s why they’re available in a way that truly meets the unique needs of each person.
12) Humility
And have you ever met a kind, selfless, and generous person who wasn’t humble? I didn’t think so.
Despite being awesome, they don’t brag about it. They’re humble all the way, making them easy to be around.
Even though they helped perhaps hundreds of people, they don’t boast about it. They simply accept that as a fact and something they genuinely enjoy doing.
The only time when they’re going to “brag” about helping others is to encourage them to do the same.
They will use their kindness and selflessness to promote these same traits to get others to join them.
13) Gratitude
And lastly, folks who truly enjoy helping others are also the ones who are the most grateful for the little things in life.
These guys simply appreciate the little moments, and that’s why saying “thanks” is part of their daily routine, adding a sprinkle of gratitude to everything they do.
Final thoughts
When you have an open heart, and you don’t think only about yourself, it’s easy to help others.
In fact, I think you get addicted to that. You get a high every time you help another person, no matter how big or small your deed is.
Unfortunately, not many people realize this, and until we raise awareness of just how beneficial helping others is to those doing the helping, society won’t improve.
