We’ve all met people who are friendly but may not truly be kind.
Real, genuine kindness comes from deep within the heart. It’s subtle, often unspoken, and can be seen in certain behaviors.
As Hack Spirit founder and mindfulness enthusiast, Lachlan Brown, I’ve seen my fair share of kindness in various forms.
And I’ve noticed there are usually 9 subtle behaviors a truly kind man will display. He might not always talk about his compassion, but he expresses it through small, meaningful acts.
So if you’re curious about what genuine kindness looks like, read on. This article is for you.
1) He practices active listening
When it comes to genuine kindness, one of the most telling signs is active listening.
Truly kind men understand that everyone wants to be heard and validated. They make a conscious effort to focus on the person speaking to them, rather than just waiting for their turn to speak.
They don’t interrupt, they show empathy, and they give appropriate responses. They make the other person feel valued and important.
Active listening is a sign of respect and a manifestation of kindness from the heart.
Remember what the famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said:
“When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good”.
2) He’s consistently considerate
Kindness isn’t an on-and-off switch. It’s an inherent part of a person’s character.
One behavior that truly kind men exhibit is consistent consideration for others. They’re the ones who always think about how their actions might affect those around them.
For instance, I have a friend named Jake who embodies this trait. He’s the guy who will always offer to help carry your bags, asks if you’re comfortable, or checks in on you when you’re feeling down.
Even in situations where he may not stand to gain anything, Jake’s consideration for others shines through.
It’s not a calculated move for him, but rather, an automatic response rooted in genuine kindness.
This consistency is a hallmark of true kindness – and it’s something I’ve experienced first-hand in my life.
3) He embodies compassion
Another subtle behavior exhibited by genuinely kind men is their embodiment of compassion. They don’t just feel sorry for others; they actively seek to alleviate other people’s suffering.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve into the practice of compassion and how it forms the cornerstone of true kindness.
A man with genuine kindness in his heart has a deep capacity for understanding other people’s feelings. They’re not quick to judge, but rather, they empathize and offer help where they can.
Compassion is about more than just feeling bad for someone; it’s about understanding their pain and being motivated to relieve it.
It’s about putting yourself in their shoes, and that’s what truly kind men do.
As the Dalai Lama once said,
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
4) He shows respect to everyone
Respect is a fundamental element of kindness. Men with genuine kindness in their hearts extend respect to everyone they meet, regardless of their status, background, or beliefs.
In the field of psychology, respect is often viewed as an essential aspect of emotional intelligence. It’s the ability to understand and value other people’s feelings and perspectives, even if they differ from our own.
A truly kind man doesn’t just respect those in positions of authority or those he has personal relationships with. He shows respect to strangers, service workers, and even those who may not show him the same courtesy.
This behavior is rooted in the understanding that every individual has their own worth and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
5) He’s comfortable showing vulnerability
In a society that often equates masculinity with strength and stoicism, this behavior might seem a bit counter-intuitive. But actually, it’s a crucial sign of genuine kindness.
Men who are truly kind aren’t afraid to show their vulnerability. They understand that everyone has weaknesses and insecurities, and they don’t shy away from expressing their own.
Being vulnerable involves opening up, sharing personal experiences, and expressing emotions.
It’s about letting others see you as you truly are, not just the version of yourself that you want to portray to the world.
This willingness to be vulnerable shows a level of trust and respect towards others.
It invites them to do the same and fosters a deeper level of connection.
Renowned psychologist Brené Brown puts it perfectly,
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
6) He demonstrates patience
Patience can be a rare quality in our fast-paced world, but it’s a defining trait of a genuinely kind man.
Whether it’s waiting for someone who is running late, or dealing with a frustrating situation, a kind man doesn’t rush to anger or irritation.
Instead, he maintains his composure and treats others with understanding and grace.
He understands that everyone has off days and that things don’t always go as planned. Instead of reacting negatively, he offers support and reassurance.
This quality of patience is deeply rooted in empathy and understanding, hallmarks of genuine kindness.
7) He values authenticity
Authenticity is a trait that’s held in high regard by truly kind men. They appreciate it in others, and strive to embody it themselves.
In a world where it’s easy to put on a façade, being genuine can feel like a breath of fresh air. Kind men don’t try to be someone they’re not just to fit in or impress others. They understand the value of being true to oneself.
8) He exhibits humility
Humility is another subtle behavior exhibited by genuinely kind men.
They don’t feel the need to boast about their achievements or seek constant recognition. Instead, they let their actions speak for themselves.
A humble man acknowledges his mistakes and isn’t afraid to apologize when he’s wrong. He understands that he’s not perfect and is open to learning and growing.
Moreover, humble men appreciate and value the contributions of others. They’re not threatened by other people’s success; instead, they celebrate it.
Humility is a sign of strength that shows a profound respect for others and a recognition that we all have something valuable to offer.
In conclusion: Kindness is more than just an action
At the heart of it all, genuine kindness isn’t just about specific behaviors or actions.
It’s an inherent part of a person’s character, something that transcends what we do and goes straight to who we are.
These subtle behaviors are the manifestations of a kind heart, but they’re not the only indicators. Kindness is multifaceted and can be expressed in countless ways.
In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I explore how kindness and compassion form the bedrock of a fulfilling life.
It’s an exploration of how we can navigate life with maximum impact while maintaining a heart full of kindness.
Ultimately, genuine kindness is about understanding and valuing our shared humanity.
It’s about recognizing that we are all interconnected and treating each other with the respect and compassion that such an understanding warrants.
Let’s all endeavor to be kinder in our daily lives.
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