With so many bad things happening in the world, we could use more good people to even things out a bit.
Kindness, empathy, and consideration often feel like they’re becoming extinct, and while that’s not the case, it’d be nice if it was more commonplace. Thankfully, there are people like you out there. If you relate to any of the following habits and behaviours, congrats — you’re exactly the kind of person the world needs.
1. You remember the little details.
Not just birthdays, but the small stuff that makes people feel seen. You know how your coworker takes their coffee, which friend is allergic to peanuts, and when someone’s kid has a big game coming up. You store these details away and use them to make people feel special. Your brain has become an archive of the things that matter to people in your life.
2. You hold space for tough emotions.
When someone’s going through it, you don’t try to fix everything with toxic positivity. You sit with them in their sadness, anger, or confusion without rushing to solutions. You’ve mastered the art of saying “that really sucks” and meaning it. People trust you with their real feelings because you never make them feel judged for having them.
3. You celebrate other people’s wins genuinely.
Whether it’s a big promotion or finally mastering parallel parking, you’re there cheering people on. Their success doesn’t diminish your light — it adds to the overall brightness. You share people’s good news with real enthusiasm and make their moments feel important. Your friends know you’ll be more excited about their achievements than they are.
4. You clean up messes you didn’t make.
You pick up litter even without an audience, push in chairs at restaurants, and return shopping carts to their proper place. Small acts of consideration are just part of your daily routine. You leave spaces better than you found them, and never expect recognition for doing so.
5. You give credit freely.
When praise comes your way, you’re quick to highlight those who contributed. You mention the quiet helpers, the behind-the-scenes supporters, and those who taught you along the way. Success in your book is a team sport, and you make sure everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.
6. You respect service workers.
The barista, janitor, and delivery person all know you by your genuine smile and thank you. You treat everyone with the same level of respect, regardless of their job title. Your kindness doesn’t come with a price tag or status requirement. You know everyone’s work has value, and you make sure they know it too.
7. You protect people’s dignity.
When someone makes a mistake, you help them save face. You quietly point out the spinach in their teeth, pick up something they’ve dropped without making a scene, and correct errors privately. Your presence makes people feel safer because they know you’ve got their back.
8. You show up consistently.
Not just for the fun stuff, but for the hard moments too. Moving day? You’re there with boxes and pizza. Bad breakup? Your couch is always available. Hospital waiting room? You bring snacks and stay as long as needed. People know they can count on you to be present when it matters.
9. You see potential in other people.
While other people might write someone off, you spot their hidden talents and encourage growth. You’re the person telling the intern they’ve got what it takes, supporting your friend’s wild dream, or mentoring someone who reminds you of your younger self. Your belief in other people helps them believe in themselves.
10. You own your mistakes.
When you mess up, you apologise sincerely and work to make it right. No excuses, no defensiveness, just genuine accountability and effort to do better. Your apologies come with changed behaviour, not just empty words. People trust you because you’re real about your imperfections.
11. You share knowledge freely.
Instead of hoarding information for power, you help those around you learn and grow. You share your shortcuts, teach your skills, and connect people to resources. Your success isn’t threatened by helping other people succeed. You’ve become known as the person who helps everyone climb up rather than pushing them down.
12. You respect boundaries.
When someone says no, you accept it without guilt-tripping. You understand that healthy boundaries make healthy relationships. Your kindness comes with respect for other people’s limits and space. People feel safe setting boundaries with you because you honour them consistently.
13. You find ways to include everyone.
You notice when someone’s feeling left out and make space for them in the conversation. You’re mindful of accessibility, dietary restrictions, and different comfort levels. Your gatherings make everyone feel welcome because you think about what each person needs to participate fully.
14. You keep people’s secrets.
Confidences shared with you stay with you. You don’t trade in gossip or use private information for social currency. When people tell you something in confidence, it goes into a vault. Your trustworthiness has become your trademark, and people know their stories are safe with you.
15. You look for opportunities to help.
Your eyes are always open for ways to make someone’s day better. You carry extra umbrellas on rainy days, keep granola bars for hungry friends, and always have a charger someone can borrow. Your helpfulness isn’t showy — it’s just part of who you are.
16. You champion the underdog.
When someone’s being overlooked or dismissed, you speak up for them. You make sure quiet voices get heard in meetings, give credit to ignored contributors, and stand up against unfairness. Your support gives everyone courage to advocate for themselves.
