Lachlan Brown
Have you ever met someone who just feels real?
They’re the kind of people who make you feel at ease and say things that just make sense.
In a world full of different types of people, it’s not always easy to find ones who are genuinely real.
So, how can you tell who’s real and who’s not?
I’ve put together a list of 11 traits that genuine people often have.
If you spot someone with these traits, there’s a good chance they’re a truly genuine person.
1. They’re Honest
The first and most fundamental trait of a genuine person is honesty.
This doesn’t just mean they tell the truth when asked – they’re the kind of people who can’t help but be honest, even when it’s difficult.
They don’t like to sugarcoat or bend the truth to make things seem better than they are.
Instead, they believe in laying the cards on the table and facing reality as it is.
If you know someone who always speaks their mind truthfully and does not shy away from difficult truths, there’s a good chance you’ve met a genuinely real person.
2. They’re Consistent
Genuine people are like a rock – steady and consistent.
They don’t change their beliefs, attitudes, or behavior based on who they’re with or what situation they’re in.
They remain true to themselves at all times. They don’t say one thing today and another thing tomorrow. Their words always match their actions.
If you see someone who behaves the same way, whether they’re with their boss or their friends, you’ve likely found a truly genuine person.
3. They’re Empathetic
A genuine person always has room for empathy.
They understand and feel what others are going through. They don’t just listen to respond; they listen to truly understand.
For instance, I have a friend named Mark who is possibly the most genuine person I know.
I remember when I was going through a tough breakup, Mark was there for me.
He didn’t just offer the standard “I’m here if you need to talk” line, but he truly made an effort to understand what I was going through.
He listened to me without judgment and offered comfort in a way that made me feel seen and understood.
His empathy in that moment, and many others, confirms his genuineness.
If you know someone like Mark who shows deep empathy towards others, chances are, they’re a real deal!
4. They’re Not Materialistic
Genuine people don’t define their worth or others’ worth by material possessions.
They understand that material things are temporary and not a measure of real success or happiness.
The value they see in others and themselves is independent of what they own or how much money they have.
Genuine people tend to place a greater emphasis on personal growth and self-acceptance over materialistic goals.
So if you know someone who’s more into experiences and relationships rather than the latest gadgets or luxury items, you’ve likely met a genuine person.
5. They’re Humble
Genuine people don’t boast about their achievements or flaunt their successes.
They’re humble and down-to-earth, no matter how successful they become.
They recognize that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and they never see themselves as superior to others.
There’s a famous quote from the legendary basketball player, Michael Jordan, who said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Despite being one of the greatest athletes of all time, he remained humble about his accomplishments and openly acknowledged his failures.
Genuine people have this trait in common with Michael Jordan – they remember where they came from and they don’t let success get to their heads.
If you can feel the humility in someone’s words and actions, you’re likely in the company of a genuine individual.
6. They’re Respectful
Genuine people treat everyone with respect, no matter their background, status, or beliefs.
They believe that everyone deserves kindness and understanding.
I’ll never forget a lesson in respect I learned from my grandmother, one of the most authentic people I’ve ever known.
She used to say, “Treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO.”
She lived by this principle every day. It didn’t matter if she was talking to a waiter at a restaurant or the mayor of our town; she treated everyone with the same level of respect and kindness.
Her actions taught me that a genuine person doesn’t distinguish between people based on their social status or job title.
If you know someone who treats everyone equally and with respect, you’ve probably found a genuinely authentic person.
7. They Own Their Mistakes
If there’s one thing genuine folks aren’t good at, it’s playing the blame game.
They don’t pass the buck when things go wrong, instead they own up to their mistakes.
They admit when they mess up, and you know what? They’re not ashamed of it either.
They believe that we’re all human and to err is part of the deal.
They don’t try to hide their failures under the rug or make excuses.
Instead, they see mistakes as a chance to learn and grow.
So, if you know someone who’s upfront about their screw-ups, who doesn’t shy away from saying, “Yep, I goofed up,” then hold on tight.
You’ve got a real one right there.
8. They’re Good Listeners
Genuine people are not just good talkers; they’re also good listeners.
They don’t just wait for their turn to talk – they genuinely care about what you have to say.
They make you feel heard, valued, and understood.
So, if you know someone who actually listens when you talk, who doesn’t interrupt or try to make everything about them, then you’ve likely found a genuine person.
9. They’re Not Judgmental
Genuine people understand that everyone has their own journey, and it’s not their place to pass judgment.
They accept people for who they are, without trying to change them.
I have a cousin named Lisa who embodies this trait perfectly.
Lisa has always been the person in our family who everyone could open up to without fear of judgment.
Whether it was my unconventional career choices or our uncle’s quirky hobbies, she never judged or criticized.
Instead, she would listen, understand, and offer support if needed. She taught me that a genuine person doesn’t judge you based on your choices or lifestyle.
If you’ve got someone in your life like Lisa, you’ve likely found a truly genuine person.
10. They’re Not People Pleasers
Genuine people aren’t here to play the people-pleasing game.
They don’t bend over backwards to make everyone like them or seek constant validation from others.
They’re comfortable in their own skin and don’t feel the need to change who they are based on what others might think.
If someone doesn’t like them? Well, they’re okay with that.
They know they can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and they’re cool with it.
So, if you know someone who doesn’t try to impress everyone and stays true to themselves, you’ve got a genuine person on your hands.
11. They’re Self-Reflective
Lastly, genuine people have a knack for self-reflection. They take time to reflect on their actions, decisions, and feelings.
They don’t run away from their flaws or imperfections; instead, they acknowledge them and strive to learn and grow.
They’re not scared to look in the mirror and confront the person staring back at them – in all their flawed glory.
They understand that nobody’s perfect, and they’re always working on being better.
If you know someone who isn’t afraid to question themselves and reflect on their actions, then you’ve found a real gem – a truly genuine person.
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