In a world largely based upon social media, it has become extremely easy for people to present themselves as ‘good people.’ Society has started to value the traits that are surface-level and apparent to anyone and everyone. Traits such as being involved in community service, having a picture perfect family, wearing nice clothing brands, and succeeding in school or your career. However, there are many other traits to appreciate about people. Traits that are based upon small acts of kindness that will tell more about a person than their outward persona ever could.

1. Putting Shopping Carts Away:

Such a small action yet it completely depicts the laziness of people and their respect for other people. It’s not hard to take 45 seconds to push a cart back to the designated area to make parking lots safer for other customers and to greatly help out the employees who have to take them all back. (Bonus points for riding the cart because it’s fun to feel like a kid sometimes.)

2. Walking Street-Side On Sidewalks:

This is something many people don’t pay attention to but it showcases their protective nature for loved ones. When I am with my little sister, I never let her walk closest to the street because I want to keep her safe. Likewise, my dad does the same with me. It’s a small action that shows a whole lotta love.

3. Treating Service Industry Employees with Respect:

Nothing irks me more than adults who are disrespectful to people working in the service industry, as if they are above the employees on some sort of social pedestal. When it comes down to it, they are people just like you and me and deserve to be treated with respect because, ultimately, they are just doing their job. Finding humility and kindness in your heart in any situation should be valued.

4. Willingness to Take Initiative:

People doing things without being asked is growing more and more uncommon. I have so much appreciation for people who see something that needs to be done, and do it before someone has to ask them. It shows a great deal of independence and self-confidence.

5. Using “Please” and “Thank-You” Whenever Possible:

From ordering coffee to asking a classmate for help understanding a concept, there are tons of opportunities for us to say please & thank-you throughout our days. Making a conscious effort to be as polite as possible shows respect, humility, and appreciation for the humans we interact with on a daily basis. Plus, saying these words is such a small and effortless action that often gets neglected.

6. Talking Respectfully About People No Longer in Their Lives:

People who bash on their ex boyfriends/girlfriends/friends should automatically trigger 100 red flags. Regardless of how things ended, that person was obviously an important part of your life for however long and they deserve to still be treated with respect. First and foremost, things typically end because better things are in store. Second of all, respecting people who may have done you wrong shows humility, acceptance, and the ability to be the better person.

7. Valuing and Cherishing Their Parents:

Parents shouldn’t be people that you talk to only when you need something from them. Parents should also not be taken for granted because I promise no one will love you or understand you as much as your parents. Do everything you can to help them (yes wow get a job so they don’t have to support everything you do) and tell them how much you appreciate them as much as possible. They won’t be around forever and they are the two people you can always count on no matter what. It’s important to not forget where you came from and how you got where you are today.

8. Holding Doors Open:

This can be as simple as acknowledging the person behind you and deciding to be courteous, or going as far as going out of your way to open the door for someone who has their arms full. Regardless, every small effort is appreciated and shows respect and awareness for those around you.

9. Appreciating Moments of Silence:

Too many people are full of the idea that someone must be talking at all times, which typically leads many people to going on and on about themselves for extended periods of time. I’m a huge fan of people who can appreciate moments of silence. There is unspoken comfortability between people who can sit and do their own things while together in silence. I personally think it shows maturity and courtesy to those around you.

10. Laughing At Yourself and Your Mistakes:

It’s no fun to be around people who are so serious and hard on themselves that they don’t know how to laugh. I believe the best way to grow from mistakes is to laugh about what happened, acknowledge it, and move on. This shows so much acceptance and willingness to grow as a person, and should be more appreciated than it is.

11. RSVPing to Events, Even If It’s a No:

Apparently it’s not common knowledge that RSVPing is equally important when attending an event as it is when not attending an event. My mother went through so much distress when planning my graduation party because so many people didn’t reply and she didn’t know if that meant ‘no’ or ‘maybe.’ Learning to RSVP to anything and everything, and holding yourself accountable to your RSVP, demonstrates courtesy and organization.

12. Dedicating Themselves to Whatever Their Passion Is:

The cool part about life is that there are so many things to be excited about. It’s so important for people to find their own individual passions and to pursue them wholeheartedly. Whether it be Jesus, traveling, music, helping others, playing a sport, or whatever the case may be, pursuing a passion is an integral part of life. People who can dedicate themselves to a passion prove to be hardworking, persistent, and passionate about their lives.

So, don’t judge people based on how extroverted they are or how much they talk about loving to help other people. It’s easy to talk the talk, and not so easy to walk the walk. Being a good person comes from deep within and should be found and appreciated in the smallest of moments.