Lucas Graham
Navigating through life’s complexities isn’t always a bed of roses.
We meet countless people, and figuring out who’s genuine and who’s not can be as tough as running a marathon with no training.
I’ve been there; I’ve tried to decipher the enigma that is human nature, and it’s not always a walk in the park.
Sometimes, it’s not even about the grand gestures or the obvious signs.
You just have this subtle hunch about someone’s character, even when everything else seems perfect on the surface.
Here, I’m sharing some simple ways to know if a person is truly good-hearted or not, even if it contradicts your initial impression.
This is your guide to understanding these 8 simple ways to tell if someone is a good person or not.
1) Genuine kindness
Kindness is an attribute that cuts across all levels – intellectual, emotional, and physical.
You know that feeling when someone’s actions or words just exude warmth and genuine care? That’s what I’m talking about.
It’s not about grand gestures or going out of their way to help. It’s more about the little things – a comforting word, a pat on the back, or even a simple smile.
If they’re consistently kind to you and others around them, irrespective of the situation or who’s watching, it might just be your first clue.
A good person doesn’t practice kindness as a strategy but embodies it as a lifestyle.
Consistency is key here. One-off acts of kindness shouldn’t be your only gauge. Watch out for a pattern; it speaks volumes about their character.
2) They’re always respectful
Respect is another virtue that’s right up there with kindness.
Being a good person isn’t just about being nice; it’s also about valuing others and their perspectives.
If someone is truly a good person, they’ll respect you and everyone around them regardless of their status, background, or beliefs. It’s about recognizing the inherent worth of every individual and treating them accordingly.
I remember a colleague of mine from a few years back. We didn’t always see eye to eye on everything, but he never once disrespected me or belittled my opinions.
Even in heated discussions, he always maintained a level of respect and decency and would often say “I may not agree with you, but I respect your perspective”. That to me was a clear sign of his inherent goodness.
Respect isn’t just about the big things; it also trickles down to the minor details – like listening attentively when someone’s talking or not interrupting them mid-sentence. These are subtle signs that indicate a person’s overall character.
3) They show empathy
Empathy is often the thread that stitches together all other virtues.
As the famous saying by Plato goes, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of empathy in our interactions with others.
A good person can empathize with others, put themselves in another person’s shoes, and understand their feelings and experiences.
It’s not about feeling pity or sympathy, but rather about understanding and sharing the feelings of another.
For instance, when a friend shares a problem with them, a good person doesn’t just offer advice or try to fix things. They listen, they understand, they empathize. They make the other person feel heard and validated.
Empathy breeds kindness, fosters respect, and ultimately, defines one’s character.
4) They’re honest
Honesty is the cornerstone of any relationship, be it personal or professional.
In fact, a study conducted by the University of Notre Dame found that people who consciously avoided telling lies for 10 weeks experienced fewer physical and mental health complaints.
If someone is truly a good person, they’ll value honesty and integrity, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
They won’t shy away from speaking their truth and they won’t manipulate facts to suit their narrative. It’s not about being brutally honest or tactless, but rather about being truthful in a kind and considerate manner.
So, if you notice that someone consistently values honesty, even at the risk of discomfort or conflict, you might just be dealing with a good person. This is a clear sign of their commitment to integrity and authenticity.
5) They’re accountable
Accountability is an underrated virtue, but it says a lot about a person’s character.
A good person understands that they’re not flawless and they’re capable of making mistakes just like everyone else. But what sets them apart is their willingness to accept their mistakes and learn from them, rather than deflecting blame or making excuses.
If someone messes up and readily admits it, apologizes sincerely and makes an effort to rectify their mistake, it indicates a level of maturity and integrity that’s hard to find.
I’ve seen people who, when confronted with their mistakes, tend to get defensive or shift the blame onto others. But the ones who impress me are those who hold themselves accountable for their actions.
This trait is often seen in leaders and people with strong moral principles.
6) They possess humility
Humility is a quality that often goes unnoticed, but it’s an essential trait of a good person.
A humble person doesn’t feel the need to constantly prove themselves or show off their achievements. They’re content with who they are and don’t seek validation from others.
They also tend to be open-minded and willing to learn from others, regardless of their status or experience. They understand that everyone has something valuable to offer and they’re not too proud to acknowledge it.
I’ve encountered people who, despite their massive success, remained grounded and approachable. They didn’t let their achievements define them or create a barrier between them and others.
This quality of humility signals a level of self-confidence and self-assurance that reflects positively on their character.
7) They’re selfless
Selflessness is a virtue that’s indicative of a good person.
A selfless person puts others’ needs before their own. They’re willing to go the extra mile to help others, even when there’s no direct benefit to them.
It’s not about being a pushover or neglecting one’s own needs, but rather about having a genuine concern for others and taking action to support them when needed.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing people who would always lend a helping hand, whether it was a major favor or just a small act of kindness. Their selflessness never failed to impress me.
If you find someone who consistently shows selflessness in their actions, it’s a strong sign that they are indeed a good person. Their willingness to give without expecting anything in return speaks volumes about their character.
8) They have a positive attitude
A positive attitude can be the defining trait of a good person.
Positivity is not about always being upbeat and ignoring life’s challenges. A truly positive person acknowledges difficulties but chooses to focus on the brighter side of things.
They spread positivity around them, uplifting others with their words and actions. They’re the ones who see the glass half full, who find a silver lining in every cloud.
In my own life, I’ve seen how people with a positive attitude tend to handle challenges better. They’re resilient and optimistic, and quite often, they inspire others to adopt the same attitude.
Such people are indeed good at heart and their positive energy often spreads to those around them.
Final thoughts
There you have it – eight simple ways to discern the goodness in a person.
While it’s important to keep these signs in mind, also remember that people are complex. They can have good days and bad days, strengths and weaknesses.
However, these guidelines can give you a clearer understanding of what to look for when you’re trying to identify the goodness in someone.
Recognizing the goodness in others is beneficial not only for our relationships but also for our well-being. It fosters trust, promotes positive interactions, and nourishes our souls.
So, look out for these signs. And while you’re at it, strive to imbibe these qualities in your own life too. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.
Life is too short for negativity. So let’s focus on the good and strive to be better – for ourselves and for others.
