Some people might act tough, but inside, they’re basically big old squishy marshmallows.
For whatever reason, they’ve got their guard up, and you’ll only get to see their softer side once you get to know them. However, there are some ways to tell that a bit of gentleness might be lurking below the surface. Keep your eyes peeled for these signs if you want to know if the tough guy or girl in your life has a sweet and gooey centre.
1. They’re surprisingly gentle with animals.
Source: Unsplash Watch how they interact with pets or stray animals. If they melt at the sight of a puppy or can’t resist giving treats to the neighbourhood cats, you’ve got a softie on your hands. They might try to play it cool, but their eyes light up and their voice goes all high-pitched when they’re cooing over a furry friend. They basically forget their tough persona for a moment and let their inner animal lover shine through.
2. They remember small details about you.
For all their gruff exterior, they somehow manage to remember your coffee order or your favourite band. They might casually mention something you said weeks ago, showing they were actually listening. It’s these little things that reveal how much they care, even if they’d never admit it outright. They’re like a walking, talking, secretly sentimental database of their friends’ likes and dislikes.
3. They go out of their way to help, but downplay it.
When you’re in a tight spot, they’re the first to lend a hand, but they’ll brush it off like it’s no big deal. “I was in the area anyway,” they’ll say, even if they drove across town to help you move. They might grumble and complain the whole time, but the fact is, they showed up when you needed them. It’s their way of showing they care without having to say those scary emotional words.
4. They have a secret creative hobby.
Maybe they write poetry, paint landscapes, or craft intricate origami figures when no one’s looking. These hidden talents reveal a sensitive, artistic side they don’t often show the world. They might try to hide it, but you catch glimpses of their creative soul peeking through. They’ve clearly got a whole secret life as a softie artist when they’re alone.
5. They’re protective of their loved ones.
They might act tough, but mess with their friends or family, and you’ll see their soft centre real quick. They become mama or papa bears when someone they care about is threatened or upset. Their fierce protectiveness comes from a place of deep love, even if they’d roll their eyes at such a sappy description. They tend to act as personal bodyguards for the people in their inner circle.
6. They have a soft spot for kids.
Source: Unsplash If they’re suddenly all smiles and patience with kids, playing silly games and answering endless questions, you’ve spotted their softer side. They might try to maintain their cool facade, but kids have a way of bringing out the goofball in even the toughest cookies. Little ones make them temporarily forget they’re supposed to be all serious and stern.
7. They give thoughtful gifts.
When it comes to presents, they put in effort to find something meaningful. It might not be wrapped prettily, and they’ll probably downplay it, but the gift shows they’ve been paying attention to what you like. Their thoughtfulness reveals a caring nature they try to keep under wraps. They’re like secret Santas operating year-round, quietly observing and planning the perfect presents.
8. They have an unexpected taste in movies or music.
You might catch them tearing up at a romantic comedy or singing along to cheesy pop songs when they think no one’s listening. Their playlist might surprise you with its range of sappy love songs mixed in with their usual tough-guy tunes. It’s these little glimpses into their softer tastes that show there’s more to them than meets the eye.
9. They’re awkward with compliments.
When you praise them, they might blush, change the subject, or even get a bit grumpy. The funny thing is, their discomfort with compliments often comes from a place of genuine modesty and sensitivity. They’re not used to letting their guard down and accepting kind words. It’s like they short-circuit a bit when faced with direct appreciation, not quite knowing how to compute it.
10. They’re surprisingly good listeners.
Source: Unsplash Despite their gruff exterior, when you really need to talk, they’re all ears. They might not say much, but they give you their full attention and remember what you’ve said. Their ability to listen without judgment reveals a compassionate heart beneath the tough shell. They’re emotional sponges that absorb your worries without making a fuss about it.
11. They have a dry, sarcastic sense of humour.
Their jokes might be cynical, but there’s often an underlying warmth to their humour. They use sarcasm as a way to show affection without being too mushy about it. If they’re teasing you, it usually means they like you. It’s their roundabout way of expressing fondness without having to get all touchy-feely.
12. They’re secretly sentimental about certain objects.
Maybe they keep old birthday cards, ticket stubs, or other seemingly trivial mementos. These little keepsakes reveal a sentimental streak they try to keep hidden. They might make excuses about “just not getting around to throwing that stuff out,” but the truth is, these items hold special meaning for them.
13. They show vulnerability when they’re really tired or sick.
When their defences are down due to exhaustion or illness, you might see a softer, more vulnerable side emerge. They might want a bit of comfort or be more openly appreciative of care. It’s like their tough exterior temporarily malfunctions, allowing their inner softie to peek through. These moments of weakness reveal the gentle soul they usually keep carefully guarded.
14. They’re loyal to a fault.
Once you’re in their inner circle, they’ve got your back no matter what, and their unwavering loyalty comes from a place of deep caring, even if they’d never say it out loud. They might grumble and complain, but they’ll stand by you through thick and thin.
15. They have strong reactions to sad stories or injustices.
Pay attention to how they respond to news stories about tragedy or unfairness. If they get particularly fired up or need to “get something in their eye” during sad films, it’s a sign of their hidden soft heart. They might try to hide these reactions, but their empathy shines through. They can’t help but take on the world’s pain.
16. They’re unexpectedly good with plants.
Source: Unsplash You might discover they have a thriving garden or a house full of well-tended plants, and this nurturing side reveals a gentleness and patience that contradicts their hard exterior. They might brush it off as “just a hobby,” but the care they show to their green friends is telling.
17. They remember important dates without reminders.
Birthdays, anniversaries, or other significant dates — they remember them all, even if they pretend they don’t. The fact that they pay so much attention to important moments in other people’s lives shows how much they really care. They might play it cool, but they’ve got these dates filed away in their mental calendar.
18. They have a soft spot for underdogs.
Watch how they react to stories of triumph over adversity, or how they treat people who are struggling. If they’re quick to root for the underdog or lend a hand to those down on their luck, you’ve spotted their inner softie. They might try to rationalise it, but their compassion for those facing challenges is clear.
