Adrian Volenik
Being able to tell when someone is sincere with us or not is incredibly important in today’s world.
The genuine warmth of a sincere person can light up a room and provide a sense of trust and safety. But how do you discern between authentic sincerity and mere posturing?
Join me as I show you how to understand intriguing cues that indicate a person’s genuine sincerity.
1) They are patient and understanding
I’ve never met a person that was insincere and patient at the same time. I think it physically hurts them to take their time with people and understand where they’re coming from. They just look after themselves and no one else.
On the other hand, sincere people are patient and understanding when dealing with others.
They recognize that people have their own struggles, flaws, and limitations and approach interactions with others with empathy and patience.
2) They aren’t defensive
Sincere people are generally open to feedback and constructive criticism. They aren’t too defensive or defensive at all.
If the person you’re talking to is willing to admit when they’re wrong and doesn’t become overly defensive or argumentative when someone challenges their views or actions, there’s a huge chance they are indeed sincere.
On the other hand, some people can never admit they’re wrong about anything, and that’s where their defensiveness might come from. It all depends on the situation and the context.
3) They are consistent
Consistency in words and actions plays a big part when determining whether someone is genuine and sincere.
If you notice that their actions, words, and beliefs align over time, and they don’t change their story based on who they’re talking to, that’s a big sign they are, in fact, sincere.
Additionally, you need to pay attention that they aren’t simply telling you what they think you want to hear.
4) They are open and transparent in their communication
According to a survey, 46% of employees said they see gossiping and spreading rumors the most often.
Every workplace I’ve ever worked at had a number of people playing games, hiding information, or manipulating others.
The bigger and more paid the workplace was, the more people were willing to engage in that sort of stuff.
You could easily see that the ordinary and sincere folks were transparent about their intentions and unwilling to participate in office politics.
They also showed this next sign.
5) They exhibit open and relaxed body language
Sincere individuals typically display open and positive body language. They make good eye contact, have a relaxed posture, and use appropriate gestures.
Their non-verbal cues reflect their sincerity and genuine interest in the conversation.
Here are some non-verbal cues that can provide valuable insights into someone’s sincerity or lack thereof:
- Inconsistent microexpressions
- Forced or exaggerated gestures
- Lack of eye contact
- Tense or rigid body language
- Inconsistent vocal tone and pitch
Although some insincere people know how to mask negative body language, keeping an eye on their body language can help you distinguish the fakes from the genuine ones.
6) They treat everyone with respect
Another easy sign that separates good people from bad is how they treat others. If you see someone treat everyone with respect, regardless of their status or what they can gain from the relationship, they are very much authentic and sincere.
Again, I’ve never met a sincere person that didn’t consider different viewpoints and opinions. Being insincere automatically means you disrespect others and might even want them harm.
7) They’re trustworthy
It goes without saying that sincere people are inherently trustworthy. They respect the confidentiality of the information you share with them and honor the trust you place in them.
Refraining from spreading rumors or divulging sensitive details without permission shows how genuine they are.
This following sign is perhaps even more important in showing a person’s sincerity.
8) Their actions speak louder than words
For most people, talking the talk is incredibly easy. But when it comes to walking the walk, they often fall apart at the first instance.
Sincere people back up their words with actions. They don’t just make empty promises or offer you lip service.
Instead, they actively demonstrate their commitment and follow through on their intentions.
It’s much easier to trust someone you have a rapport with and who has a track record of taking actions that align with their words.
9) They consider the impact of their words and actions
Sincere people understand the profound impact their words and actions can have on others, so they consciously take that into account.
They have a high degree of empathy and emotional intelligence. They recognize and understand the emotions of others, allowing them to navigate interactions with sensitivity and compassion.
These individuals carefully choose their words and take the time to reflect on the potential impact of their communication, making adjustments as needed to ensure that their message is delivered in a respectful and meaningful way.
And while phony people don’t care about stuff like that, genuine folks are mindful of sensitive topics, triggers, or personal boundaries. They avoid engaging in behaviors or discussions that may cause pain or discomfort.
10) They display humility and modesty
We can safely say that a humble and honest person is much less likely to engage in insincere conversations.
Boasting about their achievements and desperately seeking attention isn’t their modus operandi.
An insincere person can appear humble to gain trust or manipulate others. This form of false humility would be used as a facade to hide their true intentions.
On the other side, genuine humility isn’t a show put on for others but a deeply held belief about one’s place in the world.
Final thoughts
Remember that sincerity is a nuanced trait, and individuals may display these signs to varying degrees.
When assessing someone’s sincerity, you’ll have to consider multiple factors, including consistency, context, and personal judgment.
It’s also worth noting that some people might doubt your sincerity because certain habits make you come across as sketchy and unreliable.
