If someone displays these 7 behaviors, they have a genuinely kind heart

Each of us encounters countless individuals over the course of our lives, but only a handful truly leave an indelible mark on our hearts.

Often, these are the people who radiate kindness, whose actions speak louder than words and whose intentions are always pure.

But how do you distinguish between those who are genuinely kind-hearted and those who merely wear a mask of kindness?

What are the telltale signs that someone carries a heart brimming with genuine goodwill and compassion?

After years of observing human behavior, interacting with people from all walks of life, and studying the actions of those who’ve left a lasting impact on my life, I’ve identified 7 behaviors that serve as indicators of a genuinely kind heart.

The intention is to help you understand the subtle signs that reveal the true nature of a person’s character. 

1) They practice empathy

One of the most illuminating signs of a genuinely kind heart is the ability to empathize.

Where most people sympathize, the kind-hearted empathize.

They don’t merely understand your feelings, they feel them alongside you.

Their hearts ache when you’re in pain, and they rejoice in your joy.

They’re the ones who can look beyond the surface, beyond what you present to the world, and tap into what you’re truly feeling and experiencing.

They don’t just listen to respond; they listen to understand.

They immerse themselves in your experiences, sharing in your emotions, and providing comfort or celebration as needed.

This deep sense of empathy doesn’t come from a place of pity or obligation; it’s a genuine reflection of their caring nature.

They feel compelled to walk in your shoes, not because they have to, but because they want to understand you better, support you, love you, and ultimately help you navigate through life’s storms.

2) They give without expecting anything in return

For these individuals, kindness is not a barter system – it’s an automatic response, a way of living.

They give their time, resources, and love generously, without expecting anything in return.

Whether it’s sharing their lunch with a hungry colleague, lending a listening ear to a friend in need, or spending their free time volunteering at a homeless shelter, their acts of kindness are not fueled by the anticipation of reciprocation or recognition.

They give simply because they find joy in making others happy and contributing to their well-being.

This kind of unconditional giving is a powerful testament to the size of their hearts.

They understand that the true essence of kindness lies in giving without any expectations and they live by this principle every day.

If you notice someone in your life who embodies this trait, you’re likely witnessing the actions of a genuinely kind heart.

3) They show respect to everyone

Respect is a universally valued attribute, and those with genuinely kind hearts extend it to everyone they interact with, regardless of their status, age, or background.

They understand that every individual is unique and deserves to be treated with dignity.

A personal example of this comes from my own life.

I have a friend named Mike who is one of the kindest people I know.

We were at a restaurant one day when our waiter, clearly new and a bit overwhelmed, mixed up our orders.

While others at nearby tables were quick to voice their displeasure, Mike simply smiled, thanked the waiter for his hard work, and asked him to take his time correcting the order.

Mike’s ability to treat everyone with respect, even in challenging situations, has always left a lasting impression on me.

It’s a clear sign of his genuinely kind heart.

4) They are consistently honest

Honesty is a cornerstone of kindness.

A genuinely kind person values truth and sincerity, even when it’s difficult.

They would rather tell a hard truth than a comforting lie, because they know that honesty, however tough, is ultimately the kindest thing.

Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that honesty is indeed linked to kindness. According to the research, people who are more honest tend to be perceived as more kind and trustworthy.

If someone in your life consistently tells the truth, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable, they’re demonstrating a significant aspect of a genuinely kind heart: the courage to be honest.

Their commitment to truthfulness shows their respect for you and their willingness to maintain transparency in the relationship – a clear reflection of a kind heart.

5) They practice patience

Patience is a virtue, and it’s also a telling sign of a genuinely kind heart.

People who are truly kind understand that everyone has their own pace and their own journey, and they’re patient enough to respect that.

I remember a time when I was struggling to learn a new skill for work.

Despite my best efforts, I just couldn’t seem to get the hang of it.

My colleague, Sarah, noticed my struggle and took it upon herself to help me. For weeks, she patiently guided me, never losing her cool or showing any signs of frustration.

Instead, she would simply encourage me to try again, assuring me that it was okay to make mistakes and learn at my own pace.

Her patience wasn’t just about teaching me a skill; it was about showing me kindness when I most needed it.

It’s experiences like these that remind us of the power of patience and the warmth of a kind heart.

6) They encourage and uplift others

People with truly kind hearts are often the biggest cheerleaders for those around them.

They believe in the potential of others and consistently encourage them to reach for the stars. They are not threatened by other people’s success; instead, they celebrate it and use it as a source of inspiration.

A friend once told me about her experience with her mentor, John.

Despite being in a higher position, John never hesitated to praise her work and encourage her growth.

He would always uplift her with his words and actions, fostering a positive environment that motivated her to strive harder.

This ability to uplift and inspire others is a remarkable trait of a kind-hearted individual.

They understand that kindness involves building others up, not tearing them down.

7) They show gratitude

Finally, one of the most beautiful signs of a genuinely kind heart is the practice of gratitude.

Kind-hearted people recognize the good in their lives and express thanks regularly.

Their hearts are filled with appreciation for both big blessings and small joys.

The act of showing gratitude is more than just good manners; it’s a way of acknowledging the kindness and efforts of others.

It reflects an understanding that we are all interconnected, and every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to our collective well-being.

A study from the University of California found a strong correlation between gratitude and kindness.

It revealed that expressing gratitude increases our happiness levels and makes us more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors – actions intended to benefit others.

If someone in your life frequently expresses gratitude, their heart is likely filled with genuine kindness.

Their appreciation for life’s blessings reveals their capacity to see the positive in every situation – a sure sign of a kind heart.