Have you ever met someone who just seems to have a heart of gold? Someone who goes out of their way to help others, even if they don’t know them well?
I recently ran into an old friend who did something so unexpectedly kind for a stranger, it left me speechless. And it certainly wasn’t the first, or the last time.
It got me thinking — what makes these people so eager to extend a helping hand? Are they wired differently?
I did some soul-searching and pinpointed 8 traits that these beautiful souls tend to have.
If you want to understand the essence of true generosity, keep reading.
1) Empathetic
The first thing you’ll notice about people who won’t hesitate to help others is their deep sense of empathy.
It’s like a sixth sense for them. They’re able to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and feel what they’re feeling.
My friend, the one who inspired this article, is the embodiment of empathy. We were walking down the street when we saw a homeless man shivering in the cold.
While others passed by, my friend immediately took off his own jacket and wrapped it around the man. His eyes met the man’s, and in that moment, I could see he felt the man’s struggle as his own.
Empathy isn’t just about understanding others’ feelings — it’s about letting those feelings move you to action.
People with this trait don’t just notice someone in need; they feel compelled to do something about it. And that’s what makes them so special.
2) Non-judgmental
People with truly kind and helpful hearts don’t see labels; they see people.
They don’t size you up based on your appearance, background, or situation; they see you for who you are — a human being deserving of kindness and respect.
I recall another instance with my friend a few years ago when we encountered someone whose car had broken down on the side of the road.
While I hesitated, wondering if we should get involved, my friend didn’t think twice. He pulled over and got out to assist, even though the stranded driver seemed a bit disheveled and anxious.
And the same goes for the homeless man he helped. Studies have shown how people are much more likely to help a stranger who has a nicer appearance. But true kindness is blind.
A non-judgmental attitude enables people to reach out and make a difference without letting stereotypes or preconceived notions hold them back.
3) Altruistic
You might have seen one of those heartwarming scenes in movies where someone performs a random act of kindness and it makes you want to be a better person.
Well, the altruists among us are living those scenes in real life, every day. I can’t help but remember the time my friend and I were at a cafe.
He overheard a young couple quietly arguing about one of them choosing a meal that the other thought was too expensive. Without making a fuss, he quietly paid their bill on his way out.
We didn’t stay to see their reaction, but I’m certain that it made their night a whole lot better.
Altruistic people don’t need a reason to help; they do it because it’s in their nature. Their happiness often comes from making others happy.
They’re the ones leaving big tips, helping lost tourists find their way, or picking up someone’s fallen groceries.
If you’ve ever felt that tug at your heart to simply do something good for someone else, you’re tapping into that very spirit of altruism.
You know that cozy feeling you get when you wrap yourself in a warm blanket on a cold day? That’s the kind of comfort you feel around reliable people; you just know they’ve got your back.
Take my friend, for instance. He’s the kind of guy who shows up with a toolbox when something breaks at your place, no questions asked.
When he says he’s going to do something, he does it — every single time.
This reliability isn’t confined to big, life-altering events; it’s in the everyday moments, too.
Missed your bus and need a ride? Locked yourself out? They’re just a phone call away, ready to turn your day around.
It’s like having a safety net at all times; their mere presence makes the world feel like a slightly better place to be.
5) Optimistic
It takes a certain optimism to love giving to others, particularly strangers.
You’ve probably heard someone tell you not to give money to beggars on the street, “because they’ll just use it for drugs.”
Well, my friend knows this is a big possibility, but he always gives anyway.
Once we were hanging out as a group, he gave a homeless man a $20. Another friend gawked at him and asked, “Why would you do that?”
My friend shrugged. “Well, he’s a person in need. I have no control over what he does with the money. He’ll use it for whatever he feels he needs right now.”
He continued, “I don’t get to decide whether that’s good or not. Maybe it’s drugs, but there’s a possibility it’s something that will really help him. And that possibility is worth that money to me.”
The other friend was left speechless. And I dare say, she was forever changed that day. Because when you’re around people who love to help, you find yourself wanting to be better, to see the world through their hopeful eyes.
And sometimes, that shift in perspective is the greatest help anyone can offer.
6) Courageous
Sometimes, being generous requires a little courage. I’ll never forget the time my friend faced down a verbally aggressive stranger in a packed subway car.
While everyone else was avoiding eye contact, pretending nothing was happening, my friend calmly stepped up.
His bravery was a living, breathing thing, almost like it filled up the space around him. “Hey, let’s keep things respectful here,” he said.
He wasn’t able to change the stranger’s behavior, of course, but he did have a very soothing effect on the people around — they knew there was someone in their corner, ready to support them.
And the tension melted away.
Being courageous doesn’t always mean leaping into burning buildings or facing down villains; sometimes, it’s standing up when it’s easier to stay seated.
These are the folks who won’t hesitate to intervene when they see someone being mistreated, or to offer assistance when it would be simpler to walk away. Their bravery makes the world not just safer, but kinder.
7) Resourceful
People who want to help may not always have the answers, but they’re creative problem solvers.
Picture this: the car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, and your phone’s out of juice.
Or, you need to print an important document last minute, but your printer is acting up.
People like my friend will never just shrug and give up, thinking “it’s not my problem”. Because the person in this situation doesn’t have this option – they need to deal with what’s going on.
And when you really want to help, you’re right there beside them, armed with your empathy, courage, and optimism.
8) Humble
There’s something truly special about people who accomplish amazing things but never make a big deal out of it.
This friend of mine is an unassuming guy who would give you the shirt off his back, yet he never touted his own generosity.
I found out from someone else that he had been volunteering at a homeless shelter for years. When I asked him about it, he simply said, “Oh, it’s just something I like to do.” Just something he likes to do? That’s humility for you.
Humble people are often the unsung heroes among us. They’re not in it for the glory or the Instagram likes; they’re motivated by a genuine desire to make a difference.
Their humility allows them to listen, to notice the needs of others, and to offer help without expecting anything in return.
Being around them, you feel seen and valued, not just another character in their own personal show.
And that’s why they’re the kind of people who won’t hesitate to help, shining their light without casting a shadow.
The power of kindness in everyday heroes
There you have it — 8 traits that make people incredibly adept at offering help, often even before you realize you need it.
You don’t have to look far to find them; sometimes, they’re right in your circle, being the reliable friend or the perceptive colleague we all cherish.
But here’s the kicker: you can be one of these heroes too. These traits aren’t exclusive to a select few; they’re qualities we can all cultivate.
So why not start today? Extend a hand, lend an ear, or offer a smile. Sometimes, the smallest acts create the most significant impacts, turning you into someone’s unsung hero.
Source: The expert editor
