Life has a funny way of testing our character. Some people respond to pain by becoming bitter and cynical, while others manage to maintain their sweetness and kindness, regardless of the hurt they’ve experienced.
These kind souls, who persist in their kindness even after being hurt, often possess certain unique strengths that set them apart.
Let’s dive into these distinct qualities that make them so resilient and inspiring.
Here are seven unique strengths often displayed by people who remain kind despite being hurt.
1) Unwavering resilience
Resilience is a quality that sets apart those who can maintain their kindness even after being hurt.
Being hurt, disappointed, or betrayed can feel devastating. It’s easy to let these experiences harden your heart and close you off from others. But those who remain kind have an unwavering resilience that allows them to bounce back from these painful experiences.
Their resilience isn’t about denying or minimizing the hurt they’ve been through. Instead, they acknowledge their pain, learn from it, and then choose to not let it control their actions or define their character.
They see each hurt as an opportunity to grow, to develop more empathy, and to deepen their understanding of others. Their resilience enables them to maintain their kindness, even in the face of adversity.
This unique strength is not only inspiring but also a testament to their emotional strength and maturity.
2) Empathy in abundance
Empathy, in my experience, is a strength that is often underappreciated.
I remember when I faced a tough time in my life. I was dealing with a broken relationship and felt betrayed, hurt and angry. I could have easily let those feelings turn me bitter, could have created walls around my heart to protect myself.
But instead, I chose to empathize. I tried to understand the other person’s perspective, their motivations and reasons for doing what they did. It wasn’t easy; it was an emotional rollercoaster. But at the end of it, I found myself more compassionate and kind than before.
Those who remain kind after being hurt often have this incredible ability to empathize with others deeply. They don’t just understand other people’s emotions in theory; they feel them in practice. This empathy allows them to respond with kindness even when they themselves are in pain.
This empathetic perspective helps them to heal and continue being kind, making empathy an undeniable strength in their character.
3) Boundless optimism
Staying kind after being hurt requires a significant level of optimism. People who possess this unique strength believe in the inherent goodness in others, despite evidence to the contrary.
According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, optimists are not only happier but also have better physical health. This is because optimism helps individuals cope with stress more effectively, which in turn improves their overall wellbeing.
People who remain kind after being hurt often display this boundless optimism. They hold onto the belief that people can change, that situations can improve, and that kindness is never wasted. This optimism fuels their kindness and makes them resilient in the face of adversity.
4) Emotional intelligence
People who stay kind after being hurt often exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence. They have a keen understanding of their emotions and can manage them effectively, even in difficult situations.
They don’t allow negative experiences to dictate their emotional state. Instead, they process their feelings, understand the source of their pain, and then consciously choose to respond with kindness.
This emotional intelligence isn’t just about managing their emotions; it’s also about understanding the emotions of others. This enables them to respond empathetically to others, regardless of their own personal pain.
Emotional intelligence is a powerful strength that allows these individuals to remain kind, compassionate, and understanding, even when they’ve been hurt.
5) Forgiveness over bitterness
There was a time in my life when my best friend betrayed my trust. I was deeply hurt and felt an overwhelming urge to hold onto my anger and resentment. But I soon realized that holding onto those feelings wasn’t hurting anyone but myself.
People who remain kind after being hurt often have an innate ability to forgive. They understand that holding onto bitterness only prolongs their pain and prevents them from moving forward.
Instead of dwelling on the pain, they choose forgiveness. They let go of their resentment, not necessarily because the person who hurt them deserves forgiveness, but because they deserve peace.
6) Strong sense of self
People who stay kind after being hurt often have a strong sense of self. They know who they are and what they stand for, and they don’t let the actions of others change that.
They understand that people’s actions are more a reflection of them, not a reflection of the person being hurt. So, they don’t allow someone else’s behavior to change their own character.
This strong sense of self allows them to stay grounded, hold on to their values, and continue to act with kindness, even when they’ve been hurt.
Having a strong sense of self is a powerful strength that helps these individuals maintain their kindness and compassion, regardless of the circumstances.
7) Capacity to love
The capacity to love, even in the face of hurt, is perhaps the most significant strength of all. People who remain kind after being hurt have a remarkable ability to continue loving others, despite their personal pain.
They don’t close off their hearts due to fear of getting hurt again. Instead, they choose to keep their hearts open, offering love and kindness to others, even when it’s not reciprocated.
This capacity to love, despite everything, speaks volumes about their character. It’s this unique strength that makes them resilient and inspiring. This is the strength that allows them to persist in their kindness, no matter what life throws at them.
