Adrian Volenik
In a world where many people live for showing off on social media, there’s a group of people that’s the exact opposite.
They live relatively simple lives and are approachable, unpretentious, and above all, genuine.
So, join me as we explore what personality traits people who are truly down-to-earth have.
1) They’re humble
Let’s start with the obvious. It’s safe to say that down-to-earth people are humble and far less pretentious than others.
They don’t boast about their achievements or look for excessive attention. In fact, I’d say they want to stay out of the spotlight as much as possible, like those people that run as soon a camera is pointed at them.
I think I’m pretty down-to-earth myself, and although it seems there are fewer people like that every day, I think the opposite is true.
Most people I know aren’t arrogant and are incredibly simple and pragmatic. What do you think?
2) They have empathy and compassion
Down-to-earth people also understand and share the feelings of others. They put themselves in others’ shoes, listen carefully, offer support, and are there to help you through your emotional challenges.
Above all, they show kindness and care for others, particularly in times of distress or difficulty.
For example, if a co-worker is dealing with a personal challenge or facing difficulty at work, a down-to-earth colleague shows empathy and compassion.
They offer a listening ear, encouragement, or, even better, help with tasks to lighten the load.
3) They’re approachable
When we think of someone down-to-earth, we think of an approachable person. Someone you’d ask for directions if you saw them on the street corner, right?
These kinds of people simply have a warm and friendly demeanor that makes others feel comfortable approaching them. They don’t put up barriers, and their openness and warm smile encourage meaningful connections.
Most down-to-earth people I know maintain eye contact, nod in agreement, and have positive body language that makes the other person feel heard and respected.
They also share the following trait.
4) They have an aversion to drama
Down-to-earth people are slayers of drama and drama queens. They avoid unnecessary conflicts and tension and far prefer a straightforward and drama-free approach to communication and problem-solving.
They do this by finding the root causes of issues and work towards finding practical solutions instead of getting caught up in heated arguments or creating unnecessary anxiety and pressure.
I’ve worked with one too many drama queens in my life, and I can tell you, they’re no fun. In fact, they’re emotional vampires sucking the life out of everyone they encounter.
Even the ones that are just in their orbit and aren’t directly involved in the drama.
Okay, let’s switch gears a bit.
5) They’re content with simplicity
Are you content with a simple life? Or do you need the best, the biggest, and the newest and most popular things?
We already know what a down-to-earth person would answer.
And it’s true. They’re content with leading a simple and unpretentious lifestyle, focusing on what truly matters to them rather than material possessions.
They find joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction in the uncomplicated aspects of life rather than constantly seeking complex or extravagant experiences.
And because they’re content with simplicity, they have unpretentious hobbies.
6) They have unpretentious hobbies
Instead of engaging in extravagant or flashy hobbies, down-to-earth folks find joy in simple activities like gardening, reading, hiking, or DIY projects.
These hobbies often don’t require elaborate setups, expensive equipment, or complex logistics. They’re accessible and easy to pursue, emphasizing the pure enjoyment of the activity itself.
Some down-to-earth hobbies also encourage a sense of community and social connection. Playing team sports, participating in local events, or volunteering for a cause are examples of such hobbies.
7) They’re open-minded
Down-to-earth individuals are inherently open-minded. An open-minded person is receptive to different perspectives, ideas, and experiences. They aren’t quick to judge and value the opportunity to learn from diverse viewpoints.
Above all, they appreciate the complexity all human beings bring to the table and are open to understanding their unique stories.
For example, if a down-to-earth friend decides to adopt a different lifestyle, such as becoming a vegan or minimalist, they don’t judge their friend’s choice.
Instead, they listen to their friend’s reasons and support their decision, even if it disagrees with theirs.
8) They’re grateful
More often than not, down-to-earth people are grateful individuals who recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives. They often express thanks and acknowledge other people’s efforts, which strengthens their relationships.
For them, gratitude goes hand-in-hand with mindfulness. They practice being present in the moment and aware of the abundance surrounding them.
This mindfulness lets them appreciate the richness of life’s experiences fully.
9) They’re genuine
Down-to-earth people are authentic and genuine in their interactions. They don’t feel the need to impress others by pretending to be someone they aren’t.
They also talk honestly and truthfully without resorting to deception or manipulation. Because of that, they earn the trust of others through their straightforward communication.
For example, when asked about their thoughts on a particular project at work, a down-to-earth person honestly shares their concerns and reservations instead of pretending to be fully on board with it.
This can and often does, land them in hot water with co-workers that don’t appreciate honesty.
10) They’re adaptable
Down-to-earth people easily adjust to new situations and are flexible when facing changes or challenges.
The reason they’re so adaptable is that they maintain a balanced perspective and don’t get too upset by unexpected things happening to them and around them.
For instance, when a down-to-earth entrepreneur faces a huge issue in their business.
Instead of giving up, they analyze the situation, learn from their mistakes, and adjust their business strategy to overcome challenges and continue with their dreams and goals.
But entrepreneurs often need to have incredible patience for what they do too.
11) They’re patient
Down-to-earth people are the same. They stay calm and composed, even in frustrating situations. They understand that some things take time to resolve, and they avoid getting overwhelmed by impatience.
If they didn’t, they’d give up on most things. Take, for example, raising kids. I now know how challenging and frustrating this experience is. It’s unlike anything else in life.
Down-to-earth people lead by example and show kids that admitting mistakes and learning from them is okay.
They avoid projecting a sense of superiority and are willing to learn from others, including their own children.
12) They’re generous and sincere
Generosity comes in many shapes and forms. It goes beyond material possessions. In fact, to help someone, you’re better off being generous with time, attention, and emotional support instead.
Down-to-earth people are, of course, willing to lend a helping hand without expecting something in return.
They don’t need or expect recognition for their help, as that’s not what it’s all about, anyway.
But they also know how important the following trait is.
13) They have a good sense of humor
Although not a defining trait of down-to-earth people, most of those I’ve met and personally known had a pretty good sense of humor.
They use it to break the ice or even diffuse tense or awkward situations. They know how important a good sense of humor is and how it lightens the atmosphere and helps to cope with stress.
But more than anything, down-to-earth people can laugh at themselves and find joy in everyday situations.
14) They have emotional intelligence
When someone has emotional intelligence or EQ, they’re in tune with their own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, and they’re honest with themselves about how they feel.
Because down-to-earth people are so emotionally aware and self-aware, they easily manage and maintain their interpersonal relationships.
I mean, who would you rather spend your time with? Someone who’s self-absorbed and doesn’t actively listen to you, or a person that loves talking to you about many topics and remembers many details about you and your past conversations?
Final thoughts
I think this article clearly explained who down-to-earth people are and how they see the world around them.
I wouldn’t expect a single person to embody all of these traits because being down-to-earth is a journey, and people display these traits to varying degrees.
Still, if you want to be more laid back and down-to-earth, start incorporating as many of these as you can.
