The beauty of being humble: 25 traits of down-to-earth people

Humility is often overlooked, but I think it’s a characteristic that says so much about a person.

Humble people aren’t boastful or arrogant. They may excel at something but they don’t feel the need to show off. They’re genuine, down-to-earth, and approachable.

What’s more, they always treat others with respect, which is one of the reasons people love to be around them.

Let’s take a look at the 25 characteristics that make down-to-earth people so great:

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1) Genuine

It’s easy for successful people to put up a false front or pretend to be someone they’re not.

That’s why there’s something beautiful about the humility of down-to-earth people. It doesn’t matter that they’re accomplished business people, scientists, politicians, authors, photographers, or actors, they’re genuine in their interactions with others.

They don’t act like they’re better or more important than everyone else – they’re just regular people.

2) Laid-back

Another trait of down-to-earth people is that they like to go with the flow and they don’t sweat the small stuff.

They can enjoy the simple things in life and appreciate life’s little moments.

And the best part?

They’re easy-going and not very demanding.

3) Accepting

The wonderful thing about humble, down-to-earth people is how accepting they are of other people.

No matter how different someone’s background, culture, politics, religion, or personal views are, they’ll be seen and treated as an equal.

4) Relatable

How is it that some movie stars just seem like regular people? No matter how rich and famous they are, they’re somehow relatable.

Well, the reason they’re like that is that they haven’t let fame get to them. They’re regular people with regular people problems which is why you can relate to them.

5) Respectful

I really hate it when people are obnoxious and disrespectful, don’t you?

I’ve met plenty of people who think that because they’ve attained a certain “position” it gives them the right to treat other people like cr*p.

They think that they deserve to be respected but it doesn’t occur to them that respect needs to be earned and that it’s a two-way street.

But that’s why humble people are so wonderful – no matter who they are or what they’ve achieved, they’re respectful of other people.

6) Unpretentious

And that brings me to my next point: they’re unpretentious.

Down-to-earth people know that in the great scheme of things (in this vast universe) we’re all just tiny insignificant beings.

Think about it, we’re all in the same boat, so why pretend otherwise? Why put on airs?

Life’s too short for such nonsense. Know what I mean?

7) Empathetic

Down-to-earth people have a deep understanding of other people’s struggles and they can relate to them on a personal level.

They never look down on others, but instead, offer compassion and kindness.

8) Aware of their imperfections

And do you know what else?

They know they’re not perfect.

They don’t kid themselves that they’re great at everything or incapable of making mistakes. They’re perfectly aware of how imperfect they are and they’re happy to learn from their mistakes.

9) Uncomplicated

The thing about humble and down-to-earth people is that they like things to be simple and straightforward. They’re uncomplicated people who lack pretense.

I guess that’s what makes them so appealing.

10) Adaptable

They know that things don’t always go according to plan.

And because they’re not “drama queens” they don’t have fits of hysteria because something changed, instead, they adapt and try to get the best out of any situation.

11) Self-aware

What exactly does it mean to be self-aware?

It means being mindful of your own limitations and understanding your strengths and your weaknesses.

It also means being aware of the impact that your actions and choices have on the people and environment around you.

That’s why self-aware people take the time to consider the consequences of their actions.

12) Self-deprecating

I just love a self-deprecating sense of humor.

The “greater” the person, the more I appreciate that about them.

And do you know why?

Because it tells me that they’re humble and unpretentious. It means that they don’t take themselves too seriously and are able to laugh at their own expense. I respect that.

13) Loyal

Humble and down-to-earth people know the importance of loyalty.

  • That means that they’re supportive and dependable.
  • They’re willing to stand up for their friends and family.

But that’s not all!

They’re not easily swayed by superficial or materialistic things and would never betray someone or stab them in the back.

14) Open-minded

The truth is that down-to-earth people don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to life.

Because they’re humble and accepting, they want to understand different cultures, religions, and lifestyles.

They don’t judge others for their choices or beliefs, instead, they take the time to listen to what others have to say and are open to learning new things about the world they live in.

15) Fair

And what’s more, they’re well aware of the fact that life is not always fair, but when it’s up to them, they give everyone a fair chance.

They are not swayed by money, power, or prestige, and they have the courage to stand up for what is right even when it is unpopular.

The bottom line is that humble and down-to-earth people recognize the importance of treating everyone equally and giving them a fair chance.

16) Compassionate

Compassionate people make the world a better place.

They know that some people have it tough and that’s why they don’t judge and are always willing to listen and lend a hand to those in need.

They’re kind and have no trouble putting others before themselves.

Because they’re humble, they are driven by their desire to do good and not because they expect their good deeds to be recognized.

17) Patient

Down-to-earth people know that patience is a virtue.

They know that patience is essential for success – whether it be in relationships, work, or any other area of life.

And trust me, I know that being patient isn’t always easy.

It requires taking a step back and being able to wait without complaining. It means being able to delay gratification, but it’s definitely worth it because great things are worth waiting for.

18) Practical

There’s a lot to be said about being practical.

You see, down-to-earth people usually have a pragmatic and realistic approach to life. They don’t normally act on impulse, instead, they make decisions based on facts and the best possible outcome.

Simply put, being practical requires balancing reason and emotion and it’s an important life skill to have.

19) Realistic

And let’s not forget about being realistic. 

Being realistic means that your expectations from other people, life, and yourself are reasonable.

It means being able to recognize your own limitations and to acknowledge that sometimes, life just doesn’t work out the way you planned.

It means being honest with yourself and accepting the world as it is and being able to move on when things don’t go your way.

20) Grounded

Grounded people know what’s truly important in life.

  • They don’t like to gossip.
  • They don’t care about materialistic things.
  • They’re in touch with reality and have a sense of clarity, even in difficult situations.

And that’s what humble and down-to-earth people are, grounded and real.

21) Approachable

Look, when someone is humble and down-to-earth, it doesn’t matter who they are (they could be royalty for all it matters) because they’re the most approachable people on the planet.

They immediately make you feel at ease in their presence. Within minutes you forget that they’re famous or whatnot, you’re just talking to another human being.

22) Reasonable

They don’t like to make a scene.

They don’t have unrealistic expectations about life.

They know how the world works.

And as I mentioned before, humble people are not drama queens or divas and they don’t expect their achievements, fame, or success to make the impossible possible.

23) Non-judgmental

Everyone makes mistakes, even the smartest, most successful person makes them. None of us is perfect. That’s why humble people aren’t judgemental.

What is it that they say again? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone… something like that.

24) Supportive

It’s very difficult to get anywhere in life without the support of others. Whether it’s a mentor, a family member, or a friend, it’s important to know that someone believes in you and has your back.

That’s why down-to-earth people who’ve made it are supportive of others – they know just how much their encouragement and understanding means.

25) Sincere

I wish that more people were sincere. There’s nothing I hate more than fake, insincere, pretentious people.

That’s why I really think that it’s beautiful to be humble and down-to-earth – it means being confident to always be yourself and to speak your mind.

They’re not afraid to show their true feelings, even when they know it may make others like them less. But that’s what makes them so trustworthy and relatable I think.

Jelena Dincic

Jelena has a background in photography and film-making and has spent the last few years as a content editor and copywriter. Jelena is a citizen of the world who is passionate about travel and learning about new cultures. She’s a foodie who loves to cook. And, as an art lover, she is always experimenting with new art mediums. When she’s not at her computer, she’s usually out and about in some forest with her dogs.

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