What does it mean to be a genuinely good person? The answer is more complex than you might think.
Psychology provides us with some intriguing insights. It suggests that being good doesn’t just mean being kind or polite. It’s about authenticity, empathy, and respect for others.
In this article, we’ll delve into nine signs that indicate you’re genuinely a good person.
Let’s get started.
1) Authenticity
Being genuine is more than just being honest. It’s about being true to your own personality, values, and beliefs.
Psychologists argue that one of the key signs of a genuinely good person is authenticity. This means not pretending to be someone you’re not, or changing your behavior to fit in with what you think others want.
Authenticity is a trait that people admire and respect. It’s also connected with higher levels of well-being and happiness.
If you’re someone who doesn’t feel the need to put on a mask and can comfortably be yourself in different situations, this could be a sign that you’re genuinely a good person.
Authenticity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real and staying true to who you are.
2) Empathy
Empathy is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence and a clear sign of a genuinely good person. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, to put yourself in their shoes.
I remember a time when I was going through a rough patch. I confided in a friend who, instead of offering advice or trying to fix things, simply listened. He didn’t interrupt or try to minimize my feelings. Instead, he acknowledged my pain and let me know he was there for me.
His empathy in that moment made a world of difference to me. It made me feel seen, heard, and valued.
If you find yourself naturally understanding and validating others’ emotions, that’s a clear sign of your goodness shining through. It’s not just about being kind; it’s about truly understanding the human experience.
3) Respect for others
Respect is a fundamental element of being a genuinely good person. It means valuing other people’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even if they differ from your own.
Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who show respect to others are more likely to be viewed as leaders. This is likely because respect fosters trust and collaboration.
If you find yourself naturally treating others with dignity and understanding, even when you disagree with them, this could be a sign that you’re genuinely a good person.
4) Kindness
Kindness is often associated with being a genuinely good person. It’s about being considerate, helpful, and benevolent to others.
Being kind doesn’t mean you have to make grand gestures or sacrifices. It can be as simple as offering a smile, lending a listening ear, or offering assistance to someone in need.
Acts of kindness are not only beneficial for the recipient but also for the person performing the act. Engaging in acts of kindness can significantly boost happiness and life satisfaction.
If you find yourself naturally extending kindness to others, even when there’s nothing in it for you, this could be a sign that you’re genuinely a good person. It’s about doing good because it feels good, not because you expect something in return.
5) Accountability
Genuinely good people understand that they’re not perfect and are willing to take responsibility for their actions. They don’t shy away from admitting when they’ve made a mistake or done wrong.
Accountability is about owning your actions, apologizing sincerely when necessary, and making amends where possible. It’s a sign of maturity and integrity.
Psychology shows us that individuals who practice accountability are more likely to build strong, trusting relationships. This is because owning your mistakes demonstrates honesty and reliability, which are key traits of a genuinely good person.
6) Compassion
Compassion is an emotion that compels us to reach out to others, to feel for them, and to help them in their times of need. It’s a deep sympathy for another’s suffering and a desire to alleviate it.
Imagine seeing a stranger struggling with heavy bags. A good person doesn’t just watch and walk away. They feel the stranger’s struggle and offer help. That’s compassion.
Compassion goes beyond mere empathy. It’s empathy in action. And it’s a trait that’s deeply ingrained in genuinely good people.
If you find your heart aching for those in distress, and you’re moved to act on their behalf, this is a strong sign of your inherent goodness. It shows that you not only understand another’s pain but also want to do something about it.
7) Open-mindedness
Open-mindedness is a willingness to consider different ideas, perspectives, and experiences. It’s about being receptive to new information, even if it challenges your existing beliefs or views.
I remember a time when I strongly held onto certain beliefs about career paths. I believed that success was defined by a high-paying job in a well-established corporation. However, when I met people from various walks of life who found fulfillment and success in unconventional careers, my worldview began to shift.
Open-mindedness helped me understand that success is subjective and can come in many forms. It allowed me to respect and appreciate diverse paths to fulfillment.
If you’re someone who embraces new ideas and perspectives, respects diversity, and is willing to learn from others, this could be a sign that you’re genuinely a good person.
8) Generosity
Generosity is not just about giving money or material possessions; it’s about being willing to offer your time, advice, and help to others without expecting anything in return.
Studies have shown that generosity is linked to greater life satisfaction and happiness. It cultivates a sense of community and connection with others, which is a crucial aspect of being a genuinely good person.
If you find joy in sharing what you have, whether it’s tangible or intangible, and if the act of giving makes you feel fulfilled, this could be a sign that you’re genuinely a good person. It speaks volumes about your willingness to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
9) Integrity
Integrity is often considered the cornerstone of a genuinely good person. It’s about being honest, being consistent in your actions and values, and standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
Integrity means that your actions match your words. It means you keep promises and follow through on commitments. It means you treat others fairly and honestly, regardless of who they are or what they can do for you.
If you’re someone who upholds a strong moral compass and stays true to your principles, even when no one is watching, this is a powerful sign that you’re genuinely a good person. It shows that you value honesty and justice above personal gain.
In conclusion: It’s about connection
The essence of being a genuinely good person often boils down to our ability to connect with others, with ourselves, and with the world around us.
Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The great majority of us cannot listen; we find ourselves compelled to evaluate, because listening is too dangerous. The first requirement is courage, and we do not always have it.”
This underlines the importance of empathy, understanding, and respect for others – key traits of a genuinely good person.
Being a good person isn’t about being perfect or pleasing everyone around us. It’s about authenticity, empathy, respect, kindness, accountability, compassion, open-mindedness, generosity, and integrity. It’s about being brave enough to show our true selves, to listen without judgment, and to connect on a deeper level.
As you navigate through life, remember that goodness comes from within. It’s not something you acquire; it’s something you nurture. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. And this journey begins with a single step: the decision to be genuine in your interactions with yourself and others.
