Jelena Dincic
Look, everyone’s different.
Some people are happy when they can buy stuff for themselves, eat at fancy restaurants, pay for trips around the world… But others are happiest when they can do something for someone else.
Finding happiness in helping others is a noble trait that shows empathy, compassion, and a selfless attitude.
Let’s take a look at 10 signs that you’re someone who finds happiness in helping others:
1) You’re genuinely empathic
If you’re someone who finds happiness in helping others, I’d say that one of the things that drives you is your empathy.
That means that you’re able to connect with other people (and animals) on such a deep level that you can actually picture yourself in their shoes and feel how they feel.
And if you can help to alleviate their pain and make their lives better, you feel great. It’s as if someone has done something nice for you!
2) You volunteer
Another sign that helping others makes you happy is the fact that you actively seek out opportunities to contribute your time and effort to causes you care about.
Like, maybe you volunteer at an old age home. You spend your Saturdays playing chess and drinking tea with the elderly because you know that your presence makes a positive difference in their lives.
Not many people do what you do, instead, they spend their free time doing stuff that benefits them.
3) You’re a kind soul
Kindness comes in many shapes and forms.
It can be found in the little everyday things, like when you stop to chat with your neighbor and inquire about their health or when you offer to babysit for your friends so they can have a date night.
Personally, I feel pretty happy when I start my day talking to the old lady who lives next door.
Her husband died a few years back and she lives alone and I know that it means a lot to her to have someone to talk to. It’s just small talk, usually about the weather, how our plants are doing, or my pets, but it means something.
So if you believe in treating everyone with the same kindness and consideration you would like to be treated with, irrespective of who they are, it’s another sign that you find happiness in helping others.
But that’s not all. You’re also…
4) You’re selfless
Now, that doesn’t have to mean that you never do anything for yourself or that you’re some kind of “martyr”. In fact, I think it’s important to be kind to yourself as well as others.
What it does mean is that you’re often willing to put the needs of others, especially the people you care about, first.
Plus, when it comes to helping others, you don’t expect anything in return. The mere fact that you can do something nice for someone else is enough. That’s another surefire sign that you’re an altruistic person.
Just remember to do something nice for yourself once in a while, ok?
5) You’re a good listener
Have you noticed that a lot of your friends and family come to you for advice?
Sometimes you feel like you’re their therapist!
That’s actually something I can relate to. My former boss used to bare his heart out to me and people I barely know like to confide in me and tell me some pretty deep secrets.
So why do they do that?
Because we’re good listeners. We’re attentive and thoughtful and actually listen to what they’re saying.
6) You’re a problem-solver
And if you’re anything like me, you usually give really good advice.
You’re naturally good at problem-solving and it makes you happy when you can be of use and make someone’s life a little bit better.
It’s no wonder so many people often confide in you!
7) You celebrate others’ success
It turns out that a lot of people have a hard time celebrating other people’s achievements.
It’s true, it’s like the fact that someone else is doing well makes them feel bad if they’re not.
But of course, that’s not the case with you!
You’re the kind of person that feels true happiness when the people around you succeed.
In fact, you feel like their success is your success!
8) You like to spread positivity
Look, life can be hard enough without being negative all the time. I know some people (like my aunt) who are never ever happy or satisfied.
But you have a positive attitude and you always try to look at the bright side. One of the things that helps you stay positive is cultivating gratitude.
And when someone else is feeling down or having a crappy day, you try to bring their attention to the good stuff in their lives and remind them that it’s not all bad.
9) You believe in random acts of kindness
Another sign that you derive happiness from helping is that you love to perform random acts of kindness.
So, what am I talking about?
For example, you could be buying yourself coffee and pay extra, telling the barista, “The next person who orders gets a coffee on me.”
It’s random, you don’t know the person and you have nothing to gain – but you know that it will probably make their day and that puts a smile on your face.
10) You love to pass your knowledge along
When you learn something useful, you can’t wait to share it with other people. Whether it be a way to save time at your job, a life hack, or even a recipe.
And while sharing your knowledge and skills to help others grow brings you a sense of fulfillment, it’s not the case with everyone.
Take recipes for example.
Did you know that a lot of people refuse to share their recipes? If someone likes what they’ve made and asks for the recipe, they’ll give them the recipe but leave out a key ingredient.
I know, right. What’s that about? Wouldn’t it be wonderful for them to be able to make something as tasty?
Anyway, there you have it, 10 signs you’re someone who finds happiness in helping others.
If more people were like you, the world would be a way better place. Just keep being you and doing what you do.
