Subtle habits of people who are always a joy to be around

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | March 14, 2025, 8:56 am

There’s something magical about people who are a consistent joy to be around.

They have this uncanny ability to light up a room, effortlessly drawing others towards them. But it isn’t just about their charisma or outward charm.

No, it’s something more subtle, woven into their everyday habits.

And the best part? These habits are not exclusive to them. Anyone can adopt them and become that person who others love to be around.

In this article, we will uncover these subtle habits that make some people a constant joy to be around. So stick around, you might just learn a thing or two!

1) They genuinely listen

One of the most striking habits of people who are always a joy to be around is their ability to genuinely listen.

In a world where everyone is eager to put forth their opinion, finding someone who truly listens can be a breath of fresh air.

These delightful individuals understand the importance of active listening. They don’t just hear the words you say, they absorb the emotions, understand the nuances, and respond in a way that shows they truly care about what you’re saying.

Listening is not just about being quiet while the other person talks. It’s about showing empathy, understanding, and genuine interest in what the other person has to say. And that’s a habit that makes people love being around them.

So, if you want to be that person who everyone loves to be around, start by practicing active listening. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it can make in your interactions with others.

2) They radiate positivity

One thing I’ve personally noticed about people who are a joy to be around is their radiant positivity.

Take my friend Sarah, for example. No matter what’s going on in her life, she always manages to keep a positive outlook. Even on the gloomiest days, she somehow finds a silver lining.

When I’m around Sarah, her positivity is infectious. She doesn’t dismiss problems or pretend they don’t exist, but she always focuses on solutions rather than dwelling on the issue. This positive outlook makes any situation seem more manageable and less daunting.

Sarah’s positivity is not just about her words; it’s in her actions too. She is quick to lend a helping hand, always ready with an encouraging word, and never fails to appreciate the small things in life.

Her positive energy is something that everyone around her admires and tries to emulate. And it’s one of the reasons why she’s such a joy to be around.

So if you’re looking to be that person who always spreads joy, try adopting a positive outlook like Sarah’s. It can make a world of difference not just in your life, but also in the lives of those around you.

3) They practice gratitude

People who are a joy to be around often have a daily habit of practicing gratitude. They acknowledge the good things in their life, big or small, and don’t take them for granted.

Research has shown that practicing gratitude regularly can significantly increase your happiness and reduce depression. This could partially explain why these individuals always seem to radiate joy and positivity.

They might keep a gratitude journal, thank people more often, or simply take a moment each day to reflect on what they’re thankful for. This habit not only makes them happier but also spreads positivity to those around them.

So, if you want to be more joyous and spread happiness around, start practicing gratitude daily. You’ll soon notice the positive change it brings to your life and how it affects those around you.

4) They are present in the moment

People who are a joy to be around have this knack for being fully present in the moment. They don’t let their minds wander to the past or future during conversations or activities.

Being present means giving your full attention to the person or task at hand. It’s about fully engaging and immersing yourself in the here and now.

This quality makes people feel valued and heard, which naturally draws others towards them. Moreover, it allows these individuals to experience life more fully and derive more joy from every moment.

If you’re looking to be that person who brings joy to others, start by practicing mindfulness and being present in your daily life. Not only will it enhance your relationships, but it’ll also make everyday experiences more enriching.

5) They spread kindness

People who are a joy to be around have a remarkable habit of spreading kindness wherever they go.

They understand the power a simple act of kindness can hold. A warm smile, a sincere compliment, a small act of service – these tiny gestures can make a huge impact on someone’s day.

These individuals don’t spread kindness because they expect something in return. They do it because they believe in the intrinsic value of being good to others. And this selfless act of spreading joy and positivity makes them loved and appreciated by everyone around them.

Just imagine how much brighter our world would be if each one of us decided to spread a little more kindness every day. So, if you want to be someone who’s always a joy to be around, make spreading kindness your daily habit. It won’t just make others happier; it’ll enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

6) They embrace authenticity

Those who are a joy to be around possess a deep sense of authenticity. They are unafraid to be themselves, with their strengths, weaknesses, quirks and all.

A few years back, I used to struggle a lot with self-doubt. I was constantly trying to fit into molds that weren’t mine. It was exhausting and, frankly, quite lonely. Then I met Alex.

Alex was unapologetically himself. He had this ability to make anyone around him feel comfortable just by being genuine. He wasn’t perfect, and he never pretended to be. His authenticity was both inspiring and liberating.

Seeing Alex embrace his true self made me realize the power of authenticity. I learned that it’s only when we are true to ourselves that we can truly connect with others and experience joy.

So if you want to be a person who is always a joy to be around, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Embrace your authenticity and let the world see the real you.

7) They maintain a sense of humor

People who are always a joy to be around often have a great sense of humor. They know how to laugh at life’s absurdities and don’t take themselves too seriously.

A good laugh can lighten the mood, reduce stress, and bring people closer. These individuals understand this and use their sense of humor to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

But it’s not just about cracking jokes. It’s also about being able to see the lighter side of things, even in difficult situations. This ability to find humor in everyday life makes them resilient and a pleasure to be around.

So, if you want to be that person who always brings joy, cultivate your sense of humor. Learn to laugh more often, at life, at situations, and most importantly, at yourself.

8) They value relationships

The most joyous people understand that relationships are the cornerstone of a happy and fulfilling life. They invest time and energy into nurturing their relationships with family, friends, and even acquaintances.

They don’t just maintain these relationships out of obligation or convenience. They genuinely care for the people in their lives and make efforts to show this.

Whether it’s remembering important dates, lending a listening ear, or just being there in times of need, these individuals know that it’s the little things that count in building strong relationships.

So, if you aspire to be someone who is always a joy to be around, remember to value your relationships above all else. It’s through these connections that we experience the greatest joy.

Embracing the joy within

The beauty of human life is its diversity and the ability to learn and evolve. Each one of us has the potential to be that person who is always a joy to be around, spreading positivity and kindness wherever we go.

These habits we’ve delved into are not inborn traits; they are choices we make every day. It’s about choosing to listen, choosing to be positive, choosing to express gratitude, being present, spreading kindness, embracing authenticity, maintaining a sense of humor, and valuing relationships.

American author Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

So as you journey forward, remember that you have the power to make a difference in someone’s day, to spread joy and positivity. The choice is yours. Embrace these habits and become the person who is always a joy to be around. After all, isn’t that what life is all about?