13 signs someone has so much integrity that people immediately trust them

If there’s one word that speaks volumes about your character and self-confidence, I believe it’s this: Integrity.

Simply put, integrity is doing the right thing, especially when it’s the hardest thing to do.

It’s in the way you speak to and treat other people. 

It’s the one trait that matters most when you want to build a happy, healthy, meaningful, and long-lasting relationship with yourself and others. 

But what does acting with integrity really look and feel like? 

Here are some of the most common signs someone has so much integrity that people immediately trust them. 

Learn more about how you can cultivate integrity and be a person that inspires trust.

1) They’re consistent in words and actions

How do you feel about people who say they’ll do something and always end up not doing it?

I feel annoyed and manipulated, and I lose respect for them.

At the end of the day, integrity is a matter of keeping your word. People who act with integrity value themselves enough to not let themselves and others down. 

That means keeping your commitments and promises. It’s about saying yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no.

It means behaving in ways that align with your values and beliefs.

The more consistent a person is, the more they build feelings of trust and support.

2) They take responsibility for their actions

Here’s the deal: It’s easy to accept accountability for something that goes well.

But what happens when you mess up? When you come up short and falter on your commitments? 

People who live with integrity never let pride get in the way. They face failure by admitting their mistakes, apologizing for them, and learning from them. 

They own up to their shortcomings because they realize that the only person responsible for their integrity is themselves.

Those who turn to excuses, or worse, blame others for their lack of integrity act selfishly and do nothing to repair the trust that was broken.

3) They’re honest

Honesty is crucial to someone who wants to maintain their integrity. But let’s face it, it can be very challenging to be honest all the time.

That’s a true test of integrity: Being truthful, especially when it’s difficult for both the teller and the receiver.

Again, matching our deeds to our words is more powerful than words alone. People appreciate, respect, and reward honesty.

On the other hand, deceit and lying erode someone’s trustworthiness. Sometimes, the lies can be obvious.

Most of the time, however, it’s difficult to point them out because people manipulate their tone and body language. 

This leads me to my next point….

4) They’re transparent

If you feel like someone is making you question their real intentions, that’s a sign to keep your guard up.

Someone who acts with integrity will always be open and upfront about their intentions. They won’t hide things from you so they can deceive you.

In other words, you’ll appreciate and feel their sincerity. They’re clear and direct in the things they say and do. 

5) They’re reliable

This goes back to our point about how consistency is key to having integrity. 

You won’t be able to build trust and earn the respect of people if they can’t count on you to follow through on what you say you’re going to do.

Sure, there may be times when there are good reasons for not keeping up with commitments. 

But if you let people down over and over, that’s a sign of a lack of integrity.

Being trustworthy means you do your best to keep your word, even if it takes extra effort. 

6) They’re humble

Don’t get me wrong, there are times when self-promotion is justified. 

But when you let your ego drive you to boast or show off to gain people’s approval or applause, that’s not a sign of someone with integrity.

When you live with integrity, you have that quiet confidence in your knowledge, talents, and skills. 

But it doesn’t stop there. You’re secure enough to recognize your weaknesses and seek the help of others.

You give credit where it is due, and you never belittle others just so you can get to the top. Your humble attitude means you’re intellectually curious and emotionally open. 

7) They can argue in a healthy way

In other words, someone with integrity is never rude to people who may not share their beliefs or opinions.

You may be wondering: How do they handle arguments constructively?

They always start with respect, and they approach differences with curiosity rather than correctness. They don’t feel the need to always be right.

They’re open to learning from others. They practice active listening and have a genuine desire to understand the other person’s point of view. 

They stay kind and polite when they agree to disagree. 

8) They’re empathetic

It’s no surprise that someone who acts with integrity possesses a high level of emotional intelligence.

That’s because at its core, integrity is also about realizing that not everything is about you. 

It’s about the willingness to understand why others think and feel the way they do.

Most importantly, it’s demonstrating a genuine concern for other people’s well-being. This includes discerning emotional cues and validating the feelings of others. 

9) They’re fair and just

Here’s a harsh truth: In today’s diverse world, selfishness and indifference are becoming too commonplace.

That’s why it takes a lot of courage and empathy to stand up for yourself and others and to take action against any injustice.

People who lead a life of integrity treat everyone with respect every day. They never discriminate based on background, status, race, gender, religion, or any other criteria.

They engage with people from all walks of life, identify strengths in others, and empathize with people who are different from them. 

10) They’re forgiving

Forgiving is much easier said than done. But for people who have so much integrity, it’s one of the most powerful things anyone can do.

They don’t hold on to anger, hurt, and resentment. They see value in giving the benefit of the doubt and offering second chances. 

They know that forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting what happened, minimizing the pain, or condoning the misdeed. 

It’s more about going beyond ourselves — letting go of the past, moving on, and choosing the path of healing, freedom, and self-empowerment.

11) They’re non-judgmental

You know that someone maintains integrity when they always resist the urge to pass judgment.

They know that every person they engage with has their own stories, values, opinions, and challenges. That’s why they always approach situations with an open mind and heart.

They’re the type of people who will create an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves without fear of criticism or ridicule. 

12) They express gratitude and help others

This one’s a cliché but is always worth repeating: No man is an island.

That’s why people who act with integrity never fail to appreciate the people and experiences that helped them reach their milestones and make their lives better.

Whether it’s a simple “thank you,” a note, or a gift, they find ways to show their gratitude to all those who supported them every step of the way.

And the best part? They’re willing to share their time, skills, and resources to give back and help other people succeed.

13) They stay true to themselves

The bottomline: Practicing integrity is a lifelong journey. And people cultivate this skill by living by their truth.

This means you never pretend to be someone you’re not. You stand by your beliefs, principles, and values, and you don’t change your narrative frequently just to appear more credible.

Simply put, you build your self-worth by being honest with yourself and others.