It’s clear as day that there’s a stark contrast between people who are genuinely nice and those who just pretend to be.

The ones who are truly kind aren’t manipulative or selfish. Instead, they consciously make choices to be good to others.

Being genuinely nice means doing certain things differently, often putting others’ needs before your own.

In this article, I’ll walk you through eight different things that genuinely nice people do in a unique way. And maybe, it’ll inspire you to add these habits to your own life.

Because let’s be honest, the world could definitely use more kindness.

1) Genuinely nice people listen…

In our world full of debates and constant sharing of opinions, genuinely nice people know the value of silence, of truly listening.

Many times, when we are in a conversation, we’re simply waiting for our turn to talk or defending our viewpoints. But nice people operate differently. They pause, creating space for the other person to express themselves.

They understand that truly listening requires more than just hearing the words spoken. It’s an intentional act to comprehend and empathize with the speaker’s point of view, their emotions, and experiences.

By doing this, genuinely nice people show respect and appreciation, making others feel heard, seen, and valued.

But remember, genuinely nice people practice active listening authentically, without any intention to manipulate or exploit. It’s their way of saying, “I care about you and what you have to say.”

2) They spread positivity…

I can’t stress enough how positivity is a powerful tool in the hands of genuinely nice people.

A while back, I had a colleague named Sarah. Even amidst serious work pressure and deadlines, she never failed to wear a warm smile and maintain a cheerful attitude. Sarah used to run a little game, “Three Good Things”, inspiring us to share three positive things that happened during the day. Initially, it felt like a forced or unnecessary activity.

Over time, however, I noticed a change in our team’s dynamics. This simple act of acknowledging the good in our day-to-day life changed our perspective. We were faster to laugh, slower to anger, and overall, a more cohesive team.

In spreading positivity, Sarah showed me what it means to be a genuinely nice person. It’s all about creating a ripple of positivity that doesn’t just benefit you, but the people around you too. And I carry that lesson with me to this day.

3) Genuinely nice people are authentic…

In the digital age, where we’re bombarded with edited lives and exaggerated realities, being authentic is something genuinely nice people excel at. They don’t believe in putting on a facade or pretending for the sake of pleasing others.

According to a study conducted by the University of Georgia, authenticity in one’s behavior significantly contributes to mental health. It enhances self-esteem, reduces stress, and promotes overall wellbeing. This ties into the experiences of genuinely nice individuals, given they tend to display an inner peace and satisfaction.

They are comfortable with who they are, their beliefs, and their values. Their actions align with their words, offering a refreshing transparency. But importantly, they practice their authenticity without imposing themselves on others, considering others’ feelings and viewpoints as well.

Being authentic is a conscious choice that genuinely nice people seem to make every day.

4) They offer help without expecting anything in return…

In our fast-paced world, everyone seems to be caught up in their own lives. But genuinely nice people consistently make the effort to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s offering to pick up coffee for a busy colleague or volunteering at a local charity, these people are always willing to help.

The beauty of this behavior is that they expect nothing in return. They don’t offer help as a trade-off or to gain a future favor. Instead, their kindness is driven purely by the desire to make others’ lives a bit easier.

This selflessness breeds an atmosphere of kindness and generosity that can enliven the spirit of those around them. So, the next time someone steps forward to help with absolute sincerity, appreciate the genuinely nice person they are. They’re a rare breed.

5) They empathize deeply…

Genuinely nice people have an uncanny ability to feel and understand what others are going through. They don’t just offer a sympathetic “I’m sorry” or “That must be tough”. Instead, they truly put themselves in other people’s shoes.

Imagine you’re going through a tough time. You are down, hurt, and ready to give up. You share your feelings with a friend who not only listens, but responds with something like, “I can only imagine how hard that must be for you. But remember that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. And when you’re ready to stand, I’m here to support.”

You instantly feel lighter, not because your problems vanished, but because someone truly understood, leaving you feeling less alone in your struggles. That’s the power of empathy that genuinely nice people master.

Empathy is a heartfelt connect with people. And practicing it not only helps genuinely nice people touch lives but also enriches their own experiences by allowing them to see life through others’ perspectives.

6) They honor their commitments…

Genuinely nice people understand the value of their word. When they say they will do something, you can trust them to honor it. This commitment extends to their personal lives as well.

A while ago, I made a promise to a close family member, assuring them I’d be present at an important occasion in their life. Unfortunately, an unexpected work situation clashed with the event.

There was an easy way out. I could’ve made up an excuse, knowing they would understand. But that’s not what genuinely nice people do. I had given my word, and it was important to keep it.

So, I rearranged my work, took an early flight, and managed to be there as promised. The smile on my family member’s face, the gratitude in their eyes – it was worth every minute of lost sleep.

Honoring commitments isn’t always easy. It often calls for sacrifices. But genuinely nice people stay true to their word because they understand the value of trust and the feeling of being let down. It’s a practice that strengthens relationships and builds a strong basis for trust.

7) They respect boundaries…

Understanding and respecting boundaries are essential aspects of being genuinely nice. These people realize that it’s not always about saying ‘yes’ or being available at all times.

Having clear boundaries and respecting those of others is about acknowledging that everyone has their personal space and limitations. Whether it’s in terms of time, energy or emotional availability, genuinely nice people understand when it’s time to step back.

They respect your ‘no’ without taking it personally or holding grudges. They give you your space when you need it and are discreet enough not to probe or intrude on your privacy.

Genuinely nice people know that being respectful toward other people’s boundaries shows that they value and honor individual differences and personal needs – a crucial component of healthy relationships.

8) They practice kindness, always…

Perhaps the most defining trait of genuinely nice people is their unwavering practice of kindness. In every interaction, in every situation, they choose to be kind. It might be as simple as sharing a warm smile with a stranger or offering a heartfelt compliment to a friend.

They understand that kindness is not just an act but a lifestyle. It’s not about grand gestures or occasional benevolence, but consistently choosing to be gentle, understanding, and respectful.

Being kind doesn’t mean they are pushovers or they let others take advantage of them. On the contrary, they stand up for what’s right, set clear boundaries, and respect themselves.

Remember this – at the end of the day, your kindness reflects who you are. It impacts lives, changes perspectives, lights up faces…and genuinely nice people understand this. They live it every single day.

Ultimately, it’s a choice…

Being genuinely nice isn’t related to your genetic makeup or biological chemistry. It’s not something you’re born with, nor is it being naive or weak. It’s a conscious decision made every day, every minute.

Think of it as a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. And just like any other habit, it’s developed over time, through consistent practice and determination.

Author and motivational speaker Leo Buscaglia once said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

So let’s challenge ourselves today. Let’s try to do things that genuinely nice people do differently. Listen authentically, spread positivity, be more empathetic, honor commitments and respect boundaries.

But above all, let’s always choose to be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Imagine the kind of world we could create if every person chose to be genuinely, unconditionally nice. It’s a small choice, but its ripple effects can bring about a significant change, a kinder world.

It’s not an easy road, but it’s definitely one worth taking.