The most admirable people defend others in times of need. These heroes make life more enjoyable and restore everyone’s sense of pride in humanity. They also demonstrate these typical behaviors because courageous individuals share many of the same personality traits.
1. They always care about everyone else’s well-being.
A kind person will ask how you’re doing and keep up with what’s going on in your life. They genuinely care about your well-being, which is partly why they’ll come to your defense when you need support.
Genuine care also helps the heroic person, even if they don’t realize it. Caring improves a person’s mental health by strengthening their sense of fulfillment in social interactions. It motivates people to extend kindness again and fosters long-term goodness in kind-hearted people.
2. They vocalize when someone’s doing something bad.
Someone who’s defensive of others isn’t afraid to speak up when something bad is happening. They don’t even wait until things get really bad to vocalize that the situation should change. If a supervisor is mildly rude to their team member, a heroic person will politely mention how they’d appreciate that person being nicer. Good people can’t help speaking up on behalf of others because they can’t ignore toxicity.
3. They empathize with life experiences they haven’t endured.
Empathy runs deeply in good people. They don’t have to experience something to understand how hard a situation is for someone else. This kind of empathy often occurs in people who grow up around animals or read a lot. They’re willing to feel another living being’s pain and stop it just because they know what it’s like to hurt.
4. They can recognize their own needs.
People sometimes learn to ignore their needs for various reasons, but courageous people are quick to defend others because they can’t put anyone’s needs aside. They can see when someone isn’t receiving the respect or care they deserve.
This is a crucial skill when helping others. A heroic person understands the internal needs of themselves and others, but doesn’t prioritize their own above all else.
5. They stick with their moral compass.
Your moral compass is the gut feeling that tells you when something’s right or wrong. Heroic people follow their morals even when it’s hard, like defending someone against a person in power. Morals are more important to them than avoiding confrontation.
6. They learn from their own mistakes.
Good people recognize that everyone can grow. Someone causing pain or harm could learn from the experience and become a better person. Heroic individuals decide to be the people who challenge toxicity and turn it into a learning opportunity.
Heroic people are emotionally mature enough to learn from their mistakes. They don’t experience inner paralysis and double down on their harmful actions. Experiencing this affirms a good person’s belief that defending others can make everyone better people.
7. They don’t seek attention.
It’s easy to seek attention or validation if your family or friends never gave it to you. A kind-hearted person doesn’t feel the need for that. They do good things because they make the world a better place.
8. They routinely do selfless things.
Heroes do positive things like standing up for others without expecting anything in return. It doesn’t matter whether their support occurs in extreme emergencies or minor moments. Helping people is rewarding enough, especially if the person they’re helping can’t defend themselves.
9. They’re always honest.
Kind-hearted people prioritize honesty because they’re sensitive to cruelty. They know how negativity affects people. The same person jumping between a bully and their victim is also likely someone who rarely lies.
10. They tend to observe people.
Quiet individuals are sometimes the bravest. They watch situations because they’re thoughtful. When they observe something they feel is wrong, they’ll step in to help.
People with bad intentions may observe others to put on a perfect act and hide their true intentions. Heroes use their observational skills to note when others need help. It sets the two personality types apart and creates people who are willing to step up for others.
11. They remain determined while pursuing goals.
Determination drives you to do things even when you’re tired or discouraged. Someone who defends people likely has a strong inner drive. They’re willing to put themselves at risk to pursue what they know is the right thing to do.
12. They participate in social causes.
There are numerous ways to help people who can’t help themselves. Heroic individuals know that. They go out of their way to defend those in need through volunteer causes. It’s another way to protect and help people from threats, systemic or otherwise.
13. They’re secure in saying no.
You have to really know your own values and morals to stick up for someone. People with this personality trait understand their values well enough to confidently say no when presented with something that makes them uncomfortable. Staying in touch with that part of yourself will help you stand up for people who can’t vocalize their discomfort or fight back when they feel similar uncomfortable feelings.
14. They ask how they can help.
Defending others requires deeply caring about other people. Once you have that deep empathetic skill, you’ll likely be quick to ask how you can help make their lives easier outside of conflict.
Some people may think that others will ask for help if they need it, but that isn’t always true. Research shows that people underestimate everyone’s willingness to help, no matter the situation.
Heroic people don’t leave room for that kind of doubt. They’re quick to ask how they can help someone through emotional times or logistical challenges.
15. They aren’t afraid to try new things.
You need an unflinching sense of bravery to stand up to people. One way to practice and develop that kind of bravery is by pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Heroes defend people because they know they can handle themselves in unsure situations. You’ll only do the same by practicing new things that boost your self-confidence.
