It’s one thing to think you’re a good person and quite another to actually be one.
But what does it mean to be genuinely good? According to psychology, there are certain indicators that can guide you in determining this.
Being a truly good person goes beyond just doing good deeds. It’s about your core values, how you treat others, and how you interact with the world.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 signs that show you’re a genuinely good person, as suggested by psychology.
Let’s get started.
1) Empathy is your second nature
If there’s one thing that psychology consistently highlights as a sign of a genuinely good person, it’s empathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, feeling their pain, their joy, and everything in between.
Good people tend to be naturally empathetic. They instinctively feel for others and are driven by a desire to help or at least uplift their spirits.
Think about those times when you’ve felt deeply for a friend going through a tough time or when you’ve been moved by a stranger’s plight. That’s empathy in action.
According to psychologists, if empathy comes easy to you, it’s likely that you’re a genuinely good person.
But remember, it’s not just about feeling the emotions; it’s also about responding in a caring and compassionate way.
2) You’re quick to admit your mistakes
Mistakes are a part of life. We all make them. However, it’s our ability to own up to them that reveals our character.
Being a good person doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about acknowledging when you’re wrong and striving to make things right.
I’ll share a personal example here. Just last week, I was working on a project with a tight deadline. In the rush of things, I made a mistake that could have potentially delayed our progress. Instead of blaming it on someone else or trying to hide it, I owned up to it immediately. It wasn’t easy, but the respect I earned from my team was worth it.
Admitting your mistakes doesn’t show weakness; instead, it shows strength, humility and integrity – traits that are often associated with genuinely good people.
3) You treat everyone equally
In the grand scheme of things, no one is superior to anyone else. We all bleed the same color, and we’re all trying to find our way in this world.
Genuinely good people understand this on a fundamental level. They don’t discriminate or judge others based on their race, religion, social status, or any other superficial factor. They treat the janitor with the same respect and kindness as they would treat the CEO.
The Golden Rule – “treat others as you want to be treated” – is something they live by. But here’s something you might not know: this rule is found in some form in almost every ethical tradition around the world.
4) Giving comes naturally to you
Generosity is a trait that’s often associated with good people. But it’s not just about giving money or material possessions.
It’s about giving your time, your attention, your advice and even your shoulder to lean on. It’s about being there for others, even when it’s not convenient for you.
If you’re the kind of person who’d give the last slice of pizza to someone else, spend your weekend helping a friend move house or listen patiently to someone who needs to vent, then you’re likely a genuinely good person.
Generosity like this shows that you value others and their happiness, sometimes even more than your own. And that’s a sure sign of a good heart.
5) You’re not afraid of vulnerability
Being vulnerable isn’t easy. It requires courage to open up and show your true self, complete with your fears, dreams, and insecurities.
But here’s the thing: genuinely good people aren’t afraid of vulnerability. They understand that it’s a part of being human, and they aren’t afraid to express their feelings or ask for help when needed.
They don’t put on a facade or hide behind a mask. They’re authentic and real, showing the world their true selves, warts and all.
If you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, but instead embraces it as an integral part of your human experience, then there’s a high chance you’re a good person.
6) You strive to make a positive impact
Making a difference, no matter how small, is what life’s all about for genuinely good people. It’s not about grand gestures or high-profile charity work – though those are great too – it’s about small actions that make the world a bit better.
Maybe it’s picking up litter when you see it, or maybe it’s taking the time to mentor a young person in your field. Perhaps it’s as simple as making someone smile when they’re having a bad day.
These actions may seem small, but they ripple outwards, creating a positive impact that goes beyond what you may initially see.
If you find joy in doing good and strive to leave every place a little better than you found it, then you, my friend, are most likely a genuinely good person. These seemingly small actions speak volumes about your character and your desire to make a positive contribution to the world around you.
7) You practice gratitude regularly
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s about appreciating the good in your life and recognizing that a lot of it comes from outside yourself. It’s about acknowledging the people who support you, the opportunities that come your way, and even the challenges that help you grow.
I have a little ritual every night before going to bed. I take out my journal and write down three things I’m grateful for that day. Some days it’s big things like getting a promotion or a loved one’s health. Other days, it’s the small things like a good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset.
This practice of gratitude has changed my perspective on life. It has made me appreciate what I have and, more importantly, who I am.
If you too find yourself regularly reflecting on the things you’re thankful for, then psychology suggests you’re likely a genuinely good person. Regularly practicing gratitude shows an awareness of the positive aspects of life and an ability to focus on them, which is indicative of a kind and appreciative personality.
8) You’re comfortable with saying no
It might seem odd, but being able to say “no” is actually a sign of a genuinely good person.
Why? Because it shows that you respect your own time, energy, and boundaries. It means you understand that you can’t be everything to everyone, and you’re okay with that.
Saying “yes” to everything is often a sign of people-pleasing behavior, which isn’t healthy or genuine. On the other hand, being able to kindly but firmly say “no” when needed means that you are honest and true to yourself and others.
If you are someone who can decline requests or opportunities that don’t align with your values or capacity, then there’s a good chance you’re a genuinely good person. It’s a subtle balance, but one that speaks volumes about your respect for yourself and others.
9) You’re a good listener
In a world where everyone wants to be heard, good listeners are rare. But if you’re one of them, then that’s a strong sign of a genuinely good person.
Good people understand the value of active listening. They don’t just hear the words being said; they pay attention, they engage, and they show genuine interest in understanding the other person’s perspective.
They don’t interrupt or rush to give their opinion or advice. They listen, and they do it well.
If you often find yourself being the one who friends turn to when they need someone to listen, or if you naturally pay close attention to others during conversations, then you’re likely a genuinely good person. Good listeners are not just good friends; they’re good people.
10) You respect yourself
While it’s essential to respect others, a genuine person also understands the importance of self-respect.
It’s about knowing your worth and not letting others take advantage of you. It’s about setting boundaries and not compromising on your values. It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health.
Respecting yourself is the cornerstone of being a good person. Because only when you respect yourself can you genuinely respect others.
If you value your well-being and stand up for yourself when necessary, then you’re not just a good person – you’re a great one.
Final thoughts: The true measure of goodness
When it comes down to it, being a genuinely good person isn’t about ticking off a checklist. It’s deeper than that. It’s about the choices we make, the values we uphold, and the actions we take.
The renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” And this rings true when we reflect on our journey of being good.
Being a genuinely good person isn’t a destination, but rather, a journey – an ongoing process of growth and learning. It’s about continually striving to be better, not just for ourselves but for those around us as well.
So as we navigate our way through life, let’s remember that our pursuit of goodness should be rooted in authenticity and compassion. Because at the end of the day, the true measure of our goodness lies not in how we treat those who can do something for us, but in how we treat those who can do nothing for us.
This is what psychology suggests, and this is what being genuinely good is all about.
