They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but that’s not always true.
The reality is that there are certain traits people have that reveal the type of human being they are within minutes of meeting them. These giveaways aren’t always major or super evident, but if you know what you’re looking for, they can be incredibly revealing. Here’s how you know someone is genuinely a good person deep down.
1. They’re nice to everyone, not just the people they want to impress/have something to gain from.
Pay attention to how they treat service staff, strangers, and people who can’t offer them anything in return. Do they hold the door open for people? Do they offer help to someone struggling? Do they smile at the cashier or thank the bus driver? Genuine kindness isn’t selective; it extends to everyone, regardless of the situation.
2. They listen a lot more than they talk.
A good person genuinely cares about people around them and how they’re feeling. They listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions, and make you feel heard and understood. They don’t interrupt, try to one-up your stories, or dominate the conversation. They value your perspective and are eager to learn from you.
3. They take responsibility for their mistakes and mean it when they say they’re sorry.
Everyone makes mistakes, but a good person owns up to theirs and apologises without making excuses or deflecting blame. They understand how their actions/behaviours affect other people, and they always take steps to make amends. They learn from their mistakes and always try to be better in the future.
4. They’re generous with their time, money, and resources.
They’re willing to go out of their way to help people, whether it’s volunteering their time, donating to charity, or simply lending a helping hand to a friend in need. They don’t expect anything in return; they really do just want to make a positive impact on the world around them.
5. They’re honest and trustworthy.
They keep their promises, follow through on their commitments, and always tell the truth, even when it’s difficult. They value honesty and integrity, and you can always count on them to be upfront and transparent with you. You never have to worry about them betraying your trust or stabbing you in the back.
6. They respect people’s opinions and boundaries.
Even if they disagree with you, they listen respectfully and try to understand your perspective. They don’t belittle your opinions or try to force their views on you. They also respect your boundaries and don’t push you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.
7. They’re just as thrilled about other people’s success as they are their own.
Source: Unsplash They’re not threatened by other people’s achievements; they genuinely celebrate them. They don’t get jealous or competitive; they’re happy to see the people around them succeed. They lift people up and offer support and encouragement, creating a positive and uplifting environment.
8. They’re humble and don’t feel the need to brag about their accomplishments.
They don’t feel the need to constantly brag about their achievements, nor do they depend on validation from other people to feel good about themselves or pump up their egos. They’re confident in their abilities but don’t feel the need to flaunt them. They’re more interested in helping people succeed and making a positive impact on the world.
9. They’re contrite when they hurt someone’s feelings.
Source: Unsplash They’re not afraid to admit when they’re wrong and take responsibility for their actions, as previously mentioned. However, this extends to even inadvertent wrongdoings. If they hurt someone’s feelings, they sincerely apologise and do what they can to make things right. They don’t try to justify their behaviour or blame other people. They value healthy relationships and are willing to do what it takes to repair any damage they’ve caused.
10. They stand up for what they believe in, even if it’s unpopular.
They have strong values, and they’re not afraid to defend them, even if it means that everyone is against them. They speak up against injustice, stand up for those who are marginalised, and advocate for what they believe is right. They’re not swayed by peer pressure or the desire to fit in; they follow their moral compass and do what they believe is fair.
11. They don’t talk about people like they’re scum or lesser-than.
They choose their words carefully and don’t waste the time or energy on talking badly about other people. They don’t participate in gossip or spread rumours, especially because they know it’s immature, petty, and hurtful. They follow that age-old adage: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
12. They’re compassionate and empathetic.
They can put themselves in other people’s shoes and understand their perspectives, even if they haven’t experienced the same things. Not only that, but they show compassion for those who are struggling and offer support and encouragement. They genuinely care about how people are feeling and want to make a positive impact on the world around them.
13. They’re consistent in their behaviour.
They don’t just act nice when it’s convenient or when they have something to gain. They consistently treat people with kindness, respect, and empathy, regardless of the situation. You can always count on them to be there for you, to listen without judgment, and to offer support when you need it.
14. They’re not afraid to be vulnerable and show their emotions.
Source: Unsplash They don’t put on a facade of perfection or try to hide their vulnerabilities. They’re open and honest about their feelings, both the good and the bad. They’re not afraid to show their emotions, whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or fear. This vulnerability allows them to connect with people on a deeper level and build stronger, more authentic relationships.
15. They have a positive outlook on life.
They focus on the good, even when things are tough. They don’t let negativity and cynicism consume them. They find joy in the little things, celebrate the good times, and learn from the challenges. Their positive attitude is contagious and inspiring, and it makes them a pleasure to be around.
16. They’re genuine and authentic.
They’re not trying to be someone they’re not. They’re comfortable in their own skin and don’t feel the need to conform to societal expectations or trends. They embrace their quirks, their flaws, and their unique personalities. Their authenticity shines through in their interactions with everyone, making them trustworthy and relatable. They’re the kind of people you can be yourself around without fear of judgment or rejection.
