14 signs you’re a rare kind of person who helps others without needing a pat on the back

Do you ever feel like you’re surrounded by people who’re only nice when someone is looking?

You know the type – on social media, they’re all about this cause or that cause but when it comes to real life and nobody is there to see, they’re not all that altruistic.

If you find their behavior conflicting, it could just be that you’re a rare kind of person who helps others without needing a pat on the back.

People like you feel genuine compassion and a deep sense of empathy with your fellow man.

Your acts of kindness may not always make the headlines, but they definitely leave a lasting impact on the lives they touch.

In this article, we’ll look at 14 signs you’re one of those exceptional folks who help others without seeking recognition.

Let’s jump right in:

1) You’re selfless

One of the first signs that you’re the kind of person who helps others without needing recognition is your ability to act selflessly.

But what exactly does it mean to be selfless?

It means putting other people’s well-being and happiness before your own comfort and desires.

For example, you’ll give up your seat on a crowded bus to someone in need, even though you’re tired and have a long journey ahead of you.

Or, you’ll spend your weekend helping a friend move, even though you’d rather sleep in and do nothing all day.

Basically, being selfless means that your actions are driven by a genuine desire to make someone’s life better!

2) You’re empathetic

While empathy is a natural part of the human experience, it doesn’t mean that everyone is empathetic.

So many different things factor into it – from upbringing and environment to social and cultural factors to personal experiences.

Whatever your reason may be, you’re definitely someone with empathy.

You have an exceptional ability to put yourself in other people’s shoes and understand how they’re feeling, what they’re going through, and what they need.

And the best part?

Empathy helps you really connect with other people and makes it easier for you to figure out how to help them.

3) You listen actively

Here’s the thing: Knowing how to listen is a powerful tool for helping others.

If you’re a good listener, it means that you don’t just nod while someone speaks.

You don’t just half-listen to what they’re saying; you really listen and pay close attention to what is being said (and what isn’t).

On top of that, people feel like they can talk to you because you provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for them to express themselves.

But that’s not all!

You’re usually able to give really good advice because you both actively listen and want to be supportive.

4) You give anonymously

You know how some people like everyone to know how big a donation they gave to certain charities? Like, their name will be in a newsletter or even on a plaque on the side of a hospital or school.

Well, not you.

When you give, you make sure it’s anonymous.

The fact that you don’t need or want any recognition is another sign that you’re a rare kind of person who helps without needing a pat on the back.

You don’t seek acknowledgment or praise.

Helping and doing good deeds isn’t about getting others to know how kind and giving you are.

That’s not what it’s about for you. You know what you’ve done and that’s enough.

5) You’re humble

Did you know that humility is a characteristic often found in people who help others without needing recognition?

It’s true.

So, if you don’t boast about your good deeds or use them to elevate your social status, it’s because you’re a rare kind of person who helps for the sake of helping.

In fact, I bet you usually downplay your good deeds. Am I right?

It’s probably embarrassing when someone points out how altruistic you are.

6) You offer unconditional support

When it comes to your help, there are no strings attached.

There’s no, “I’ll do this for you if you do that for me” nonsense.

You’re happy to help others and you don’t expect anything in return – it’s not a transaction.

Whether it’s working overtime to help a coworker finish their project or providing emotional support to a friend going through a breakup, you do so because you genuinely care about the well-being of others and not because you need or expect anything from them.

7) You respect other people’s privacy

A rare kind of person like yourself respects the privacy and dignity of the people you help.

I mean, just think how embarrassing it could be for some people if their struggles and problems were to be made public!

Luckily, there’s no risk of that happening with you.

You make darn sure to act with discretion so that no matter who the person is or what you’re helping them with, they can maintain their privacy and self-respect.

8) You just want to make someone’s day better

One of the things that drives you is knowing that your actions can transform another person’s life for the better.

You know that even the tiniest gesture can have a significant impact on someone’s day, week, or life in general.

Whether it’s taking a moment to speak with your elderly neighbor and inquire about their well-being, or babysitting for a friend so they can have a night off, you know that small, thoughtful actions could mean the world to someone.

9) You lead by example

“Be the change you want to see”.

Actions speak louder than words and that’s certainly the case with you.

You lead by example, showing others the importance of compassion and selflessness through your everyday choices and behaviors.

The best part is that by embodying the qualities you value, you inspire those around you to follow your lead and make the world a better place.

10) You believe in random acts of kindness

If you’re the kind of person who loves to perform random acts of kindness, it’s another surefire sign that you’re a rare breed who helps others without needing a, “Well done!”

For example, you’ll be at a coffee shop and decide to pay for the coffee of the person standing behind you – without their knowledge.

It’s the kind of unexpected and random gesture that really brightens someone’s day. It could even create a chain of kindness as they could be inspired to pay it forward to the next person in line.

11) You don’t expect anything in return

Here’s what I often wonder – is helping a noble act of kindness when you expect something in return?

I have this family member who keeps score of every nice thing they’ve ever done. Whenever they’re in a foul mood, they start to run down the list, “I did such and such for so and so, and what did they ever do for me?”

It’s pretty annoying and it makes me want to shout – “YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO DO IT!” But they’re elderly so I just keep my mouth shut.

The way I see it, if you want to help someone or do something nice for them, it’s because doing so makes you feel good and not because you expect something in return.

If you agree, if you’re not the type of person who says, “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” and you don’t keep score, it’s another sign that you’re that rare type of person who helps for the sake of helping.

12) You’re there for others

Your friends know that day or night, they can rely on you to be there if they need you.

You never hesitate, you’re always available to help when the people you care for need help.

You’d never tell a friend, “Dude, it’s 3 in the morning”.

Instead, you’ll ask, “What’s the matter?”

For you, when it comes to helping and being there for others, there’s simply no question about whether it’s an inconvenience for you.

Simply put, you’re a truly exceptional kind of person who doesn’t think twice about helping.

13) You don’t judge

When people find themselves in difficult situations where they need someone to come and bail them out, they already feel bad enough, they don’t need someone else to make them feel worse.

That’s why your support comes without judgment.

You’re there to offer assistance and not to pass judgment or make the other person feel indebted to you.

14) Helping brings you joy

The final sign that you’re a rare kind of person who helps without needing a pat on the back is the fact that you find joy in the act itself.

Helping and making a positive impact on someone’s life brings you a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness.

You don’t need recognition because – as cheesy as it may sound – helping is reward enough in itself.