People who genuinely enjoy helping others usually have these 8 unique traits

We’re not born with a guide on how to be a good person. Sure, our parents teach us the basics, school instills in us a sense of right and wrong, and perhaps we glean a few moral lessons from the plethora of children’s books that decorate our early years.

But when it comes to understanding the profound human trait of altruism, most of us are left to navigate these waters through the choppy waves of life experience. And often, it’s a journey filled with more turbulence than tranquility.

One of the challenges we face is that our society often values self-interest over selflessness. We are taught to climb the ladder of success, frequently at the expense of those beneath us.

This breeds a culture where meaningful connections and acts of kindness are overshadowed by personal achievement.

This is why we need to shift our attention towards those who embody the virtue of helping others. Not only can they teach us valuable lessons about empathy and generosity, but they also challenge the status quo of what it means to be successful.

These individuals, however, often go unnoticed, their unique traits not typically celebrated in mainstream media or self-help books. Yet, they are truly transformative.

So let’s explore and appreciate these unsung heroes. Here are eight unique traits found among people who genuinely enjoy helping others; traits that might just inspire you to view success through a different lens.

1) They possess a deep sense of empathy

People who genuinely enjoy helping others often have an innate ability to empathize.

This trait is more than just understanding another person’s viewpoint. True empathy involves feeling what someone else feels, stepping into their shoes and experiencing their emotions as if they were your own.

Empathetic individuals are not only able to recognize the emotions of others, but they also respond in a compassionate and considerate manner. Their ability to connect on an emotional level allows them to provide genuine support and comfort.

Their deep sense of empathy also guides them in their decision-making processes. They are often driven by a desire to alleviate others’ pain or discomfort, rather than focusing solely on their own needs or desires.

In addition, empathy fuels their commitment to helping others. They feel a personal responsibility to make a positive difference in people’s lives, even if it means putting their own needs on hold.

For these individuals, empathy is not just a trait—it’s a way of life that shapes their interactions and relationships with others.

They don’t just understand the feelings of others—they feel them deeply and respond with genuine compassion and kindness.

Now, you might be wondering, how does this deep sense of empathy translate into tangible actions? Well, it leads straight to our next point.

2) They derive happiness from giving

For people who truly enjoy helping others, giving is not a chore or an obligatory act. It’s a source of genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Their joy doesn’t come from receiving recognition or reward. Instead, it comes from the act of giving itself. They find immense satisfaction in seeing others thrive, knowing they’ve contributed to that success in some way.

These individuals understand that the essence of giving extends beyond material or financial assistance. It involves dedicating their time, energy, and sometimes even their emotional well-being for the benefit of others.

Their generosity is not limited to specific circumstances or people. They are often just as willing to help a stranger as they are a close friend or family member.

The act of helping is not contingent on their relationship with the person in need but is driven by their innate desire to make a positive impact.

In short, these individuals view giving not as a sacrifice but as an opportunity for personal growth and happiness.

They understand that the value of what they give is not measured by its monetary worth but by the positive change it brings about in someone else’s life.

But this generosity extends beyond just material giving; it’s also about sharing emotional strength. This strength is rooted in something profound, and yes, you’ve guessed it…

3) They have a high level of emotional intelligence

Individuals who genuinely enjoy helping others often have a high level of emotional intelligence. This means they are aware of, can control, and express their own emotions, and they are able to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.

Emotionally intelligent people are skilled at identifying their own emotions as well as the emotions of others. This ability allows them to navigate social complexities and make personal decisions that achieve positive results.

Their emotional intelligence also enables them to build strong connections with others. They can sense when someone is struggling or needs help, even when it’s not explicitly stated. This makes them reliable, as they can respond appropriately to people’s needs.

In essence, their emotional intelligence allows them to be sensitive and responsive to the feelings and needs of others, making them effective helpers and empathetic friends.

Certainly, a high level of emotional intelligence can work wonders in understanding and connecting with others. But it’s the combination of this intelligence with two more traits that really sets these individuals apart.

4) They are patient and understanding

Patience and understanding are key traits of people who genuinely enjoy helping others. They understand that change doesn’t happen overnight, and they’re willing to provide long-term support if needed.

These individuals don’t get frustrated when their help doesn’t immediately fix a problem. Instead, they remain patient, understanding that everyone moves at their own pace. They respect the journey of others and offer their support without any expectations or pressure.

Their patience extends beyond the people they’re helping. They also have patience with themselves, being understanding of their own limitations. They know they can’t solve everyone’s problems, but they continue to offer their help in whatever way they can.

In short, they understand that being there for someone doesn’t always mean solving their problems—it often means standing beside them as they solve their own.

Now, patience and understanding are crucial, but without the next trait, helping others would be like trying to navigate a dark room without a light. This trait? It’s the power of truly listening.

5) They are good listeners

A key trait of people who genuinely enjoy helping others is their ability to listen. And when we say listen, we mean really listen, not just passively hear.

They understand that sometimes, what a person needs most is not advice or solutions, but a non-judgmental ear that’s willing to take in their words and feelings.

Good listeners don’t interrupt or rush to give their opinion. Instead, they provide a safe space for others to express themselves freely. They show empathy and understanding, making the other person feel heard and validated.

By being good listeners, these individuals are able to understand the needs and feelings of others more accurately. This allows them to provide the right kind of help or support at the right time.

In essence, their ability to listen deeply goes hand in hand with their desire to help. It’s not about imposing their own ideas or solutions, but about understanding what the other person truly needs.

Listening is the quiet superhero of communication, providing a foundation for meaningful interaction. And speaking of superheroes, our next trait is one that often flies under the radar, yet it’s perhaps the most noble of them all.

6) They are selfless

Selflessness is a defining characteristic of people who genuinely enjoy helping others. They prioritize the well-being of others and will often put their own needs aside to ensure that those around them are cared for.

This selfless nature doesn’t stem from a sense of obligation or expectation of reciprocation. Instead, it is a genuine desire to contribute positively to the lives of others. They derive satisfaction and joy from seeing others happy and well, even if it means sacrificing their own comfort for some time.

While this selflessness is admirable, these individuals also understand the importance of maintaining their own well-being. They know that to effectively help others, they need to be in a good place mentally and emotionally themselves.

Being selfless is commendable, but it’s not without its challenges. It requires a strength that not many talk about – a strength found in our next trait.

7) They are resilient

A trait often overlooked in people who enjoy helping others is resilience. The act of helping can sometimes be emotionally draining, particularly when it involves dealing with difficult situations or when things don’t go as planned.

However, these individuals possess a remarkable ability to bounce back from such situations. They remain optimistic and committed to their cause, even in the face of disappointment or adversity.

Their resilience allows them to continue offering help and support, despite the challenges they may encounter. It also serves as a source of inspiration for those around them, demonstrating that setbacks can be overcome with perseverance and a positive attitude.

Indeed, resilience is the backbone of sustained helping and giving. And while these individuals stand tall, their final trait ensures they remain grounded.

8) They exhibit humility

People who genuinely enjoy helping others often exhibit a certain level of humility.

They don’t seek recognition or applause for their actions, nor do they boast about their contributions. Their satisfaction comes from the act of helping itself and the positive impact it has on others.

Their humility allows them to focus on the needs of others rather than their own ego. They are more interested in making a difference than gaining attention or accolades.

In addition, their humble nature makes them approachable and trustworthy. People are more likely to turn to them for help, knowing they will be met with understanding and respect, rather than judgment or condescension.

Ultimately, their humility combined with their other traits makes these individuals not only effective helpers but also admirable human beings.

Final thoughts: It could be ingrained

So, there you have it – a walkthrough of the profound traits found in those who live to help others. These traits not only define their character but also challenge us to reflect on our own values and actions.

The motivations and behaviors that drive people to help others can often be traced back to innate characteristics and lived experiences.

One such factor is the role of oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the ‘love hormone.’ This biochemical substance has been linked to social bonding, empathy, and altruism.

For individuals who derive joy from helping others, oxytocin might play a key role. This hormone could potentially enhance feelings of satisfaction and happiness when they engage in acts of kindness and generosity.

Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, lending a listening ear to a friend in need, or donating to a cause they believe in, the underlying biology could be amplifying their desire to help.

But beyond the probable neurochemical influences, it’s also our collective experiences, societal values, and personal beliefs that shape us into who we are.

The traits of those who genuinely enjoy helping others are not just innate qualities but also products of conscious choices and actions.

In essence, these individuals remind us that being human is about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving together as a community. They challenge us to look beyond our own needs and desires and consider how we can contribute to the greater good.

Their stories inspire us to question: How can we make empathy, generosity, and kindness more prevalent in our own lives? How can we become not just better individuals, but also better members of our communities?

By embracing these qualities and integrating them into our daily lives, we too can contribute to a world where kindness prevails and altruism is celebrated, truly understanding the depth and beauty of what it means to help others.

While we may not all possess all eight traits discussed in this article, each one of us has the capacity to cultivate these qualities within ourselves. After all, the desire to help others is not exclusive—it’s an intrinsic part of being human.