Over the last couple of years, I’ve written numerous articles and posts on difficult people, personalities, and relationships: Everything from Manipulative Marys to bullies in the workplace to people who break boundaries to toxic relationships. Let’s face it: In life, we come across all kinds.
As humans, we often focus on those who are negative or toxic leaving it difficult to appreciate those who are positive and healthy. Seeking out individuals with healthy, positive traits, however, may naturally help us to stay clear (or at least clearer) of those who are toxic, who zap our energy or who make us feel badly. Further, the more we can surround ourselves with those who are positive and healthy, the more we may model those positive behaviors.
If you really think about it, once in awhile you come across a person who knocks you off your socks … legitimately. Maybe they have the best outlook on life, maybe they’re really wealthy but you would never know it, maybe they make you feel special. There’s a good chance that many of these people possess a few, if not all of the traits mentioned below. (Although I could probably list a dozen characteristics, I thought I’d list those that seem to be the rarest or most difficult to find in others.)
1. Selflessness: In a world where many people don’t have the time to be interested in others, selflessness is a quality that seems to be less and less common. People can be selfless in the time they give, the ability to listen, their level of patience and the love that they give. Those who are giving and generous in nature have the power to make others feel loved, appreciated, and special, while those who are self-absorbed tend to do the exact opposite.
2. Tolerance: People who are tolerant make us feel comfortable with who we are and special as individuals. All of us are different, and many of us have quirks and idiosyncrasies. After all, these differences make the world go round. Having the ability to accept people for who they are and not expect them to be who we want them to be is important in life, happiness, and in the health of our relationships.
