Everyone’s a bit selfish sometimes — that’s just human nature.
Sometimes, it’s actually important to put yourself first in order to protect yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, other times, having a bit more generosity of spirit would make the world a much better place. If you do these things, you’re less selfish than most people, and that’s a true gift in today’s world.
1. You send/post the better photos of other people.
A group photo gets taken and everyone looks great except you. Instead of keeping it buried in your camera roll, you send it anyway. Group photos rarely capture everyone’s best angle, but choosing other people’s joy over your own image shows a subtle kind of selflessness. This small sacrifice of vanity reveals a deeper understanding that collective happiness matters more than personal presentation.
2. You leave money in vending machines.
The machine gives extra change, or maybe those few quarters come tumbling down unused. Instead of pocketing the windfall, you leave it there or push it back through. These small moments of honesty when nobody’s watching shape the fabric of community trust. Money left behind becomes someone else’s moment of unexpected luck.
3. You edit yourself out of stories.
Something amazing happens, and you played a key role, but when telling the story, you focus on other people’s contributions instead. Letting everyone else shine doesn’t diminish your light. These edited narratives show understanding that good stories don’t always need a hero taking credit.
4. You return shopping carts in bad weather.
Source: Unsplash Rain’s pouring down or the temperature’s freezing, and that cart return looks miles away. Instead of leaving it between cars, you make the trek. This small act of consideration happens when comfort and convenience argue against it. These moments reveal character written in wet footprints and cold hands.
5. You let people merge without keeping score.
Traffic’s backed up and everyone’s playing the zero-sum game of not letting anyone in. Instead of counting cars or trading favours, you create space without expecting anything back. Each car you let merge becomes a tiny deposit in the bank of roadway karma. Small acts of traffic grace reveal a deeper understanding of collective flow.
6. You save the last praise for someone else.
Source: Unsplash A group project succeeds and compliments start flowing. Instead of adding your own achievements to the conversation, you point out someone whose work went unnoticed. Redirecting recognition towards other people, especially in moments of shared success, shows real generosity of spirit. These redirected spotlights reveal understanding that success has many authors.
7. You pack out more rubbish than you brought in.
Source: Unsplash Whether at parks, beaches, or campsites, you end up carrying out garbage that isn’t yours. This quiet stewardship happens without social media posts or public recognition. These small acts of care show understanding that spaces are shared, not just borrowed.
8. You give credit for unspoken help.
Someone made your job easier through small, invisible actions — organising files, restocking supplies, cleaning shared spaces. Instead of taking these acts for granted, you notice and acknowledge them. Recognition of invisible work shows awareness that success rests on many unsung moments.
9. You create buffer zones in stressful situations.
Whether it’s helping new people feel welcome or defusing tense moments, you absorb social friction without looking for credit. These small interventions prevent larger conflicts from forming. Creating space for other people to save face shows deep understanding of human dignity.
10. You maintain shared tools and spaces.
The office microwave needs cleaning, the printer needs paper, the community garden needs weeding. Instead of waiting for other people or official responsibility, you just handle it. These small maintenance acts keep collective spaces running smoothly. Quiet stewardship reveals understanding that community depends on unrequested care.
11. You protect strangers from small embarrassments.
Someone has food in their teeth, a clothing tag showing, or toilet paper stuck to their shoe. Instead of ignoring it or making it a joke, you find a way to quietly let them know. These moments of gentle intervention prevent larger social discomfort. Small acts of protection show understanding of human dignity.
12. You step back from spotlight moments.
Achievement photos are being taken or recognition speeches given, and you notice someone being left out. Instead of claiming your space, you create openings for someone else to step forward. These moments of voluntary background status show understanding that recognition needs sharing.
13. You carry extras without announcement.
Extra pens, phone chargers, pain relievers, or umbrella space — you keep them ready in case someone else needs them. Instead of making helping a performance, you just quietly solve problems as they arise. Being prepared for other people’s needs shows foresight focused outward rather than inward.
14. You maintain people’s privacy in conversations.
Gossip starts flowing or personal information gets shared, and you redirect without calling attention to the redirection. Instead of using knowledge as social currency, you protect information that isn’t yours to share. These moments of conversational protection show deep respect for other people’s stories.
15. You support without seeking validation.
Someone succeeds at something they’ve worked hard for, and you celebrate their moment without inserting your role in their journey. Even if you helped significantly, you let their spotlight stay focused on them. These moments of invisible support show understanding that true help doesn’t need acknowledgment.
