There are a lot of characteristics based on which you can determine a man’s character, from integrity to determination or drive.

Probably the most important of all, though, is the beauty of his soul.

Is he overflowing with generosity and kindness? Does he look at the world through an optimistic lens? Does he always try his best to show up for the people he loves?

A kind man is someone with whom you can spend a lifetime.

So, without further ado, these are the 6 signs a man has a really beautiful soul.

1) He’s soft-spoken and gentle

I know, I know.

You’re probably thinking, “Don’t women always go for the bad boys and leave the nice guys in the ditch?”

The answer is: it depends.

“On what?”

Your definition of “nice.” See, there are two types of nice guys – those who are nice just to reach their goal and those who are genuinely kind-hearted.

And according to research, women who want support actually really like the latter kind. Gentle and loving men can be relied upon; their love is consistent and gentle; they can hold space for a woman’s feelings and stick by her through thick and thin.

What’s more, a soft-spoken man will never raise his voice, call you names, or use words as weapons. This creates a sense of safety within the relationship and helps both partners open up on a deep level, fostering an intimate bond built upon vulnerability.

Women do like nice guys, but only when their niceness stems from genuine kindness. It shows they have a beautiful soul.

2) He wouldn’t hurt a fly

Another common belief is that women always go for the alpha male, that is, a muscular man with high ambitions and a great economic standing.

The truth?

Some women do. Some don’t. It varies on a case-by-case basis.

If a woman places a lot of importance on the beauty of a man’s soul (his kindness), though, she’s more likely to go for someone with high levels of empathy rather than someone with unstoppable drive.

And that’s because, as Judith Orloff M.D., an expert on empathy, explains, “A man’s empathy allows him to love more fully and be more committed in a loving relationship.”

She adds, “Sensitive men are incredibly attractive. They are path-forgers in the new paradigm of the evolved man. Strong and sensitive. Intuitive and powerful. They’re able to give and receive love without ambivalence, being ‘unavailable,’ or commitment phobia.”

A man who has a really beautiful soul wouldn’t hurt a fly – not because he can’t do so but because he chooses to live and let live.

Every day, he tries to be as kind as possible. And no, I’m not saying he’s meek. On the contrary, his kindness is so universal that it applies to his own self, too, which means that he always holds himself with self-respect and inner confidence.

He is the perfect blend of kindness and dignity, generosity and self-love.

3) He’s a man of honor and principle

What do the four qualities above (kindness, dignity, generosity, and self-love) boil down to?

Honor.

Yep, that archaic word that too many men no longer really care about.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a man of honor is someone who has “a good character, or a reputation for honesty and fair dealing.”

When you’re doing business with an honorable man, you know he’s not going to screw you over.

When you’re in a relationship with an honorable man, you know he’s not going to be unfaithful or lie to you about important matters.

When you’re talking to an honorable man, you have an inherent sense of respect for him because he exudes kindness, virtue, and good moral principles.

Thus the third sign a man has a beautiful soul: he follows through on his promises, treats everyone as their equal, and has everyone’s best interests at heart.

4) He appreciates the little things in life

People say that beauty comes from within, and science agrees – happier people are generally in better health, impacting their overall well-being and possibly even appearance.

For example, experts say that “happiness lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, lowers your blood pressure, enables better sleep, improves your diet, allows you to maintain a normal body weight through regular exercise, and reduces stress.”

And since research shows that gratitude increases our overall well-being, it stands to reason that a man who appreciates the little things in life and cherishes everything he has is more likely to have a beautiful soul, improving his relationships with others.

Drive and determination are amazing qualities, but if you can’t find it within yourself to be grateful for what you have right now, you will always be chasing after some ideal beyond the horizon.

Life happens in the Now. The more perceptive you are of the beauty already surrounding you, the higher your chances at true happiness.

5) He pursues his meaning in life with curiosity and passion

Of course, the fact that a man sees beauty in life doesn’t mean he doesn’t plan, go after his goals, or pursue his purpose.

In fact, it is through fulfilling our meaning – what the Japanese refer to as “Ikigai”, that is, “reason for being” – that we reach true happiness.

And did you know that happy people experience a boost in satisfaction levels when they’re kind toward others, rendering their souls even more beautiful?

Happiness, having a sense of purpose, gratitude, honor, generosity…

They’re all part of a positive feedback loop, reinforcing each other and helping us grow.

6) He listens to his higher self rather than his ego

So, how is it that some men enter the positive feedback loop, to begin with while others fall prey to unhealthy habits and are stuck in negative mindset traps?

It’s all about the difference between one’s higher self and one’s ego.

When you listen to your ego, you’re feeding on validation, short-term pleasure, an inflated sense of self-importance, and the desire to always be right.

The moment it gets fractured, you feel like all parts of your identity are falling apart, scattering in all directions.

Your highest self works differently, though.

It looks at all situations from a bird’s point of view. It nudges you in the direction of compassion, kindness, and objectivity. It wants you to be the bigger person. Always.

And as you might have already guessed, this isn’t easy at all. You do want to be right during an argument; you do want to get people’s approval; you do lust after that short-term pleasure that will make things worse in the long run.

And that’s why real growth – not just the glamorized kind you see on social media – is uncomfortable. It’s hard and raw and messy.

And it’s the only way to work on yourself to the point when your soul begins to change, bit by bit.

Until one day, you wake up and realize you’ve become a man who radiates beauty. 

It is in reclaiming your honor, kindness, and empathy that you turn into your highest self.