In all of us, there’s a deep-seated desire to feel valued and appreciated.
But there are a select few who find their greatest joy in making others feel this way.
These individuals, who are often found volunteering, lending a hand, or going out of their way to make someone else’s day a little better, are the unsung heroes of our society. They’re the ones who derive genuine pleasure from helping others.
So what makes them tick? What is it about their personalities that sets them apart?
Today, we’re going to delve into the 10 special personality traits of people who genuinely enjoy helping others.
If you find these traits resonating with you, then chances are, you’re one of these wonderful individuals whose kindness makes the world a brighter place.
1) Empathy
Let me take you back to a time when I was in college. I had this friend, Mark.
Mark had a unique way of connecting with people. I remember a time when a classmate was going through a rough patch and Mark was there to lend an ear.
He didn’t just listen, he felt their pain and genuinely tried to help in any way he could.
That’s empathy for you – it’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It’s the ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes, and it’s a key trait of those who love to help others.
2) Optimism
Now, fast forward to my first job. I worked with a lady named Sarah who was always full of positive energy.
No matter how tough the situation, she always had a smile on her face and believed that things would get better.
One day, I asked her why she was always so upbeat. She said that she believed in the power of positivity and optimism.
When you are optimistic, you believe that you can make a difference, which inspires you to help others.
Optimism is like a beacon of hope that shines even when everything seems dark, and it’s definitely a trait of those who enjoy lending a helping hand.
3) Altruism
As someone who genuinely enjoys helping others, one of the most defining traits I possess is altruism.
This trait means that I find genuine satisfaction in doing things for others without expecting anything in return.
Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, helping a colleague with a challenging task, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend in need – the act of giving brings me joy.
This selfless attitude fuels my actions and continues to inspire me to be of service to others.
4) Patience
Helping others isn’t always a walk in the park.
There can be setbacks, challenges, and sometimes, the person you’re trying to help may not even want it. It’s in these moments, that patience becomes incredibly important.
Imagine you’re trying to teach a young child how to tie their shoelaces. They fumble, they get frustrated, they might even cry.
But you stay calm, you guide them gently, and you don’t give up on them. That’s patience – the ability to tolerate delay without getting frustrated or upset.
It’s this trait that allows those who enjoy helping others to stay committed to their cause, no matter how tough it gets.
Because they understand that change takes time and they’re willing to wait for as long as it takes.
5) Gratitude
Did you know that expressing gratitude is linked to increased happiness and well-being?
People who genuinely enjoy helping others often have a deep understanding of this.
They’re masters at expressing gratitude, not just for the big things, but for the seemingly small and mundane aspects of life as well.
They appreciate the simple joys, the everyday blessings, and they’re quick to express thanks for them.
This might be as simple as acknowledging a sunny day, a good meal, or a kind word from a friend.
Their fluency in gratitude not only contributes to their own happiness but also creates a positive ripple effect around them. Their appreciation for life’s blessings, big and small, inspires others to adopt a similar perspective, spreading positivity and joy.
6) Resilience
I remember a time when I was volunteering at a local food bank. We had a big event planned, and on the day, everything that could possibly go wrong, did.
Food deliveries were delayed, volunteers didn’t show up, and the weather was against us.
But amidst all this chaos, I discovered something about myself – my resilience. Instead of giving up or getting frustrated, I chose to adapt and keep going.
We found solutions, worked around the problems, and in the end, we managed to feed a lot of people that day.
This resilience – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties – is an integral trait of those who enjoy helping others. It’s what helps them navigate through the challenges and continue making a difference.
7) Good Listener
As an individual who enjoys helping others, I pride myself on being a good listener.
When someone is sharing their experiences or struggles, I ensure that I am fully present and actively listening to them.
This isn’t just about hearing their words, but also understanding their non-verbal cues and emotions.
By doing so, I make them feel valued and heard, which can often be a great comfort in itself.
This ability to truly listen has proven invaluable in my efforts to help others.
8) Compassion
Perhaps one of the most significant traits that those who genuinely enjoy helping others possess is compassion.
This goes beyond simple understanding or sympathy.
It’s a deep, heartfelt concern for the wellbeing of others, a desire to alleviate their suffering and bring them comfort.
This compassion is what drives us to act, to reach out, to make a difference.
It’s not just about seeing someone in need, but feeling their pain and wanting to do something about it.
This compassionate heart is at the core of our desire to help.
9) Authenticity
Being genuine is an integral part of my identity as someone who loves helping others.
I believe that authenticity fosters trust and builds stronger connections.
People can sense when you’re not being true to yourself or if your actions don’t align with your words.
That’s why I always ensure I’m authentic in my interactions, demonstrating honesty and integrity.
This authenticity is what allows me to build meaningful relationships with those I aim to help, making our connection deeper and more impactful.
10) Unaffectedness
Lastly, contrary to what you might think, people who genuinely enjoy helping others aren’t always the most popular or the ones constantly seeking approval. They don’t help others to gain recognition or praise.
There’s a selflessness in their actions that goes beyond the need for validation or acknowledgment. They assist because it brings them joy, not because they’re looking to be admired or liked.
In some instances, they may even make difficult decisions that aren’t initially well-received in order to help someone in the long run.
This is because their focus isn’t on being seen as a ‘good person’, but on actually doing good, even if it means going against the grain.
Final thought
As we’ve journeyed through these distinct traits, one thing becomes abundantly clear: those who genuinely enjoy helping others are being true to their innate nature.
They aren’t putting on a facade or trying to fit into a certain mold. They’re simply allowing their inherent empathy, kindness, and altruism to guide their actions.
So whether you identify with the traits listed above or not, remember this: the most impactful way you can help others is by being authentically you.
Embrace your true nature, let it guide your actions and interactions, and you’ll find that helping others isn’t just something you do, it’s a part of who you are.
