I’ll be honest – for a long time, I didn’t believe true altruism existed.

The idea of people helping others with absolutely no expectation of anything in return seemed like a beautiful, yet unrealistic, concept.

But, as I encountered individuals who embodied this selfless spirit, my skepticism began to wane.

These encounters led me to realize that such selflessness does indeed exist.

But what makes these individuals tick? What are the key characteristics that set them apart?

In this article, we’re going to delve into this topic and uncover the 9 traits that define selfless helpers.

1) They’re empathetic by nature

Empathy is a trait that runs deep in the veins of people who selflessly help others.

Often, we think it means understanding someone else’s point of view.

But the actual meaning of empathy is truly feeling what others feel, sharing their joys, their pains, their hopes, and their fears.

Simply put, selfless helpers are able to put themselves in the shoes of others.

This trait enables these individuals to connect with others on a deeper level.

To them, helping isn’t a chore or an obligation, it’s an instinctive response triggered by their ability to empathize.

They don’t just understand your situation — they feel it.

And it’s this emotional connection that drives them to lend a hand without expecting anything in return.

This empathetic nature is indeed a defining trait of people who selflessly help others with no strings attached. 

2) Altruism is their driving force

Altruism – it’s a concept we’ve all heard of, but do we truly understand it?

In the realm of psychology, altruism refers to the selfless concern for the well-being of others. It’s the act of helping others without seeking any benefit in return.

This means that people who have altruistic traits derive genuine happiness from assisting others.

They feel a sense of fulfillment when they can lighten someone else’s burden, even if it means adding to their own.

Sounds familiar?

That’s because true altruism is a core trait of those who help others selflessly.

They’re not looking for applause or gratitude. They’re driven by pure, unadulterated altruism.

This isn’t about seeking validation or improving one’s social standing.

The happiness and well-being of others is their primary concern.

And that’s what makes their acts of kindness all the more special and impactful.

3) They don’t always think logically

While altruism drives their actions, it’s worth noting that these selfless individuals don’t always operate on logic and reason.

Now, that might seem counter-intuitive at first.

After all, don’t we make decisions based on what makes the most logical sense?

But here’s the thing:

When it comes to helping others selflessly, the heart often overrules the head.

These individuals may go out of their way to help others, even when it’s not the most practical or rational choice.

What I mean here is that they might donate their last dollar to someone in need or spend their free time volunteering when they have a pile of personal work waiting.

Surprisingly, this doesn’t mean they’re reckless or impulsive.

Instead, they prioritize emotional satisfaction over logical reasoning. 

4) They’re surprisingly generous

Now, think about the people you know who always seem ready to lend a hand.

Do their acts of kindness sometimes leave you surprised or even awestruck?

That’s because another trait of people who selflessly help others is their extraordinary generosity.

This isn’t about monetary giving alone, though.

Generosity, in this context, extends beyond material possessions — it encompasses time, effort, attention, and emotional support.

These individuals are generous with what they have and even with what they don’t have in abundance.

However hard it may seem to believe, selfless people view generosity not as a duty or a sacrifice, but as a natural extension of who they are.

Their generous spirit is infectious, inspiring those around them to embrace a similar attitude.

You know what’s the result of this ripple effect of their actions?

Well, it can reach far and wide, creating a positive impact on the lives of many.

5) Their actions speak louder than words

People who selflessly help others are often people of action. They don’t just preach about kindness and generosity, they live it.

Here’s what sets them apart:

• They step up when action is needed
• They don’t wait for others to take the lead
• Their deeds reflect their values

Their actions are their voice, and it resonates with authenticity and sincerity.

They don’t just talk about making a difference – they actually do it.

Yes, selfless people are the ones who roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, all for the sake of helping others.

This trait of being action-oriented is a defining characteristic of individuals who help others selflessly with no strings attached. 

6) They’re humble to the core

When I think about people who selflessly help others, one trait that springs to mind is humility.

• They’re the people who’ll sweep the floors after an event and not wait for a pat on the back.
• They’re the ones who’ll share their resources without expecting a “thank you”.

Let’s be clear: these individuals aren’t seeking to be martyrs or saints.

They don’t do good deeds for accolades or applause. Their humility is genuine and deep-seated.

We might not always notice their acts of kindness because they don’t flaunt them. 

The reason is that these people quietly help in the background rather than taking center stage.

7) They’re resilient even when things get tough

Imagine you’ve had a long, exhausting day. You’re mentally and physically drained.

Would you still gather the energy to help someone else?

Well, people who selflessly help others often do.

Somehow, they display an impressive level of resilience, even when faced with their own challenges.

Life isn’t always smooth sailing for them either. Just like all of us, they have their share of struggles and difficulties.

But guess what?

That doesn’t deter them from extending a helping hand to others.

In simple terms, they don’t buckle under pressure or retreat when situations get tough.

So ask yourself:

Can you find the strength to help others even when you’re struggling?

Because that could be a sign you share this trait with those who selflessly help others with no strings attached.

8) They’re non-judgmental and accepting

Thinking of this trait, I can think of one moment from my life that made me realize the value of accepting other people as they are:

One day, a friend of mine found himself in a difficult situation. He made a mistake that cost him a lot, both personally and professionally.

Most people distanced themselves, unwilling to be associated with his misfortune.

But there was one person, a mutual friend, who stayed by his side throughout.

She didn’t judge him or look down on him because of his mistake.

Instead, she offered understanding and support, helping him deal with the tough times.

Her non-judgmental and accepting nature is a trait I’ve seen time and again in people who selflessly help others.

These individuals are able to look past the surface, perceive the inherent worth of every individual, and extend their support without judgment.

9) Above all, they have a deep love for humanity

Finally, the most important trait that defines people who selflessly help others is their profound love for humanity.

Let’s admit it: 

Sometimes we people help because we feel obligated to, right?

Unlike us, truly selfless people don’t help because it’s expected of them. They help because they genuinely care about the well-being of others.

Their love for humanity extends beyond their immediate circle of friends and family.

It encompasses strangers, people from different walks of life, and even those who may not be able to reciprocate their kindness.

This love for humanity is the cornerstone of all their actions. It’s the fuel that drives their selflessness and altruism.

It’s not just a trait — it’s the essence of who they are.

And it’s this deep-rooted love for humanity that truly sets them apart as individuals who selflessly help others with no strings attached.

How can we cultivate these traits?

As we reflect on these traits, we might wonder how to cultivate them within ourselves.

Here’s a short list to help us on this selfless journey:

• Practice empathy: Try to put yourself in other people’s shoes. Understand their feelings and perspectives.
• Be humble: Acknowledge that we’re all equal and no act of kindness is too small.
• Be generous: Share your time, resources, and love with others freely.

These traits aren’t exclusive to some, they’re inherent in all of us. It’s just a matter of cultivating them and letting them guide our actions.