7 character traits of people who genuinely enjoy helping others

Have you ever met someone who just radiates kindness and a willingness to help others, no matter the situation? 

I have a close friend like that, and I’ve always admired the way she effortlessly spreads joy and lends a hand whenever it’s needed. 

It got me thinking, what makes a person like this tick? What are the character traits that define someone who genuinely enjoys helping others?

In this article, I’ll share with you the 7 traits I’ve observed in my friend, in hopes that it will inspire us all to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and make the world a little brighter, one kind act at a time.

1) Empathy

Empathy is like a superpower of people who love helping others, allowing them to connect with others on a deep, emotional level. 

They don’t just hear what you’re saying; they feel it. And this profound understanding enables them to offer the kind of help and support that truly makes a difference.

I’ll never forget a chilly autumn day when I was grappling with a personal dilemma. I was lost in my thoughts, struggling to find clarity. 

My friend picked up on my internal turmoil immediately. Instead of bombarding me with questions or unsolicited advice, she simply sat with me, shared a similar experience of her own, and offered a comforting presence.

Her capacity to empathize turned a moment of solitude into one of connection and solace. She didn’t need to say much; her understanding was felt.  This moment encapsulated her inherent empathy, showcasing her ability to not just comprehend, but also share in the emotional journey of others. 

It’s this trait that makes her a genuine pillar of support for those lucky enough to know her.

2) Generosity

Generosity flows freely from my friend, like a never-ending stream of kindness and selflessness. She doesn’t just share her material possessions; she shares her time, her energy, and her love, expecting nothing in return. 

Her generosity is not about grand gestures; it’s found in the everyday moments, the small acts of kindness that make a big difference.

I remember a time when a mutual acquaintance was going through a financial rough patch. Without a second thought, she discreetly slipped an envelope of cash into their bag, refusing to take any credit or thanks. 

She simply saw a need and did what she could to help, her actions driven purely by her generous spirit.

Her generosity isn’t limited to times of hardship, either. She celebrates others’ successes with as much enthusiasm as if they were her own, and she’s always the first to offer help, be it in organizing a party or helping someone move. 

Her heart is as big as the world, and she gives freely from it, embodying the true essence of generosity.

3) Patience

Patience is a virtue, and it’s one that my friend has in abundance. She understands that life is a journey, and she’s more than willing to walk alongside those who need a steady pace and a helping hand. 

I’ve seen her patience in action on countless occasions, but one instance stands out vividly in my memory. 

On a group trip to a small Spanish town, another friend wanted to practice her Spanish, which she was struggling to learn. Instead of rushing the situation or taking over, my generous friend patiently guided her, providing encouragement and reassurance at every step. 

She celebrated the small victories and remained a pillar of support through the moments of doubt.

Her patience isn’t just a passive waiting; it’s active and engaged. She invests her time and energy willingly, knowing that true growth and understanding can’t be rushed. 

Her ability to remain calm and steadfast, even in the face of frustration, is a gift she gives freely to those around her, creating a safe space for learning, growth, and development.

4) Open-mindedness

I’ve observed my friend interacting with people from all walks of life, and she always meets them where they are, without preconceived notions or expectations. 

She understands that what may seem straightforward to her could be a mountainous challenge for someone else, and she never belittles or dismisses their experiences. 

One time, a mutual friend was grappling with a personal issue that was outside of my friend’s own experience. 

Instead of offering surface-level advice or making assumptions, she took the time to listen, ask questions, and genuinely seek to understand their perspective. 

She opened her mind and heart to their struggle, providing support that was both empathetic and respectful of their unique experience.

Her open-mindedness is a crucial part of her ability to help others, as it allows her to connect with people on a deep and meaningful level. 

She creates a safe space for people to express themselves freely, knowing that they are met with acceptance, compassion, and a genuine desire to help.

5) Reliability

Reliability is a cornerstone in the character of someone who genuinely enjoys helping others. They are the ones you can count on, no matter what. My friend, who has an innate desire to lend a hand, exemplifies this trait in spades.

She’s the person who follows through on her promises and sticks by your side when you need help. 

I remember when I was moving to a new apartment, overwhelmed with boxes and furniture. Without hesitation, she offered her assistance and showed up right on time, ready to help. 

She didn’t just lend her physical strength, but also her positive attitude, making the daunting task seem much more manageable.

Her reliability goes beyond just showing up; it’s about being consistent and dependable. When she commits to helping, she gives it her all, ensuring that you feel supported and valued. 

It’s this unwavering dependability that makes her stand out and truly embodies the spirit of someone who finds joy in assisting others.

6) Humility

Humility is an essential trait for those who genuinely enjoy helping others, as it allows them to offer assistance without seeking recognition or praise.

My friend, who takes pleasure in aiding those around her, demonstrates this quality beautifully.

She steps in to help, not because she wants to be seen as generous or kind, but simply because she sees a need and wants to address it. 

Her actions are not driven by a desire for acknowledgement, but by a genuine concern for the well-being of others. 

I’ve witnessed her humility in various situations, like when she quietly helped a mutual acquaintance organize a charity event. She took care of countless behind-the-scenes tasks, ensuring everything ran smoothly. 

Even when others praised the event’s success, she simply smiled and redirected the credit to the team, never once seeking the spotlight for herself.

Her humility shines through in her willingness to put others first and offer help without any expectation of reward. It is this selfless nature that truly marks her as someone who finds joy in helping others.

7) Optimism

Optimism is a crucial trait for those who find joy in helping others, as it allows them to see the good in people and situations, even when others might be skeptical. 

My friend exemplifies this positive outlook, always choosing to believe in the inherent goodness of others.

She understands that the world is full of uncertainties and that not everyone may use help in the way they claim. Yet, she chooses to focus on the potential for good, rather than dwelling on the doubts and suspicions that could hold her back from lending a hand.

A striking example of her optimism is her approach to helping homeless people. 

While she is aware that not all may use the money for its intended purpose, she believes in giving them the benefit of the doubt. To her, it’s about the act of helping itself, rather than the outcome. 

She believes that her responsibility is to offer help when she can, and it is up to the other person to decide how they will use it.

She often says that her actions are a reflection of her values and beliefs, and she chooses to act with kindness and generosity. 

It’s this optimistic outlook that enables her to help others without hesitation, trusting that her acts of kindness make a positive difference, no matter how small.

Embracing the power of altruism

In conclusion, these seven character traits form the foundation of a person who genuinely enjoys helping others. 

My friend, with her empathy, generosity, patience, open-mindedness, reliability, humility, and optimism, is a shining example of this. 

She has taught me that helping others is not just about the act itself, but the intention and attitude behind it. 

Her unwavering commitment to supporting those around her serves as a constant reminder that, in the end, the love and assistance we give to others is a true reflection of our character and humanity.