Recognizing genuine goodness within people isn’t always easy, but certain signs and characteristics rarely fail to tell the truth. If you notice them in others, you may one day be surrounded by genuine people you can trust.
So, how do you tell a good person from an untrustworthy one? The following list of positive personality attributes should decrease your odds of keeping toxic people in your circle. Remember that not everyone is all of these things all the time. But even a few of these green flags could be the key to uncovering a great new friend or partner.
1. Consistent Honesty
Research shows that many people are honest, but there are still prolific liars in the world. Watch out for the latter. If you know someone who constantly lies about things, big or small, this should raise a red flag. Instead, surround yourself with honest people who won’t leave you guessing whether they’re telling the truth.
2. Acts of Kindness
Doing something for others has positive mental benefits. It’s safe to assume that good people enjoy helping others because they want to help and it feels good. Helping others can come in different forms. You can volunteer your time or donate some of your clothes. If you notice someone actively helping others, it’s a safe bet they’re a good-hearted person.
3. Reliability
Life doesn’t always go as planned. Whether you get a flat tire or have an unexpected emergency, it feels good to have someone help you during these times. A good person will be willing to alter their schedule to help. They wouldn’t make the time or answer your call if they didn’t care.
4. Empathy for Others
You’ve most likely been in social settings where you’re with a group of people and someone feels left out. It takes empathy to help include the person who feels left out and ensure they feel welcome. Pay attention to people who remember others’ names and are great listeners—these are signs of empathy.
5. Nonjudgmental Attitude
No one is perfect. Unfortunately, some people are very critical of others without fully understanding their situation. Although it’s natural to make judgments, pay attention to those that jump to conclusions. Be wary of someone who is quick to label others based on first impressions. Instead, look for people who show compassion and tend to assume the best in others.
6. Acceptance of Differences
People who accept differences in others tend to listen with an open mind. Despite being different from others, they try to find common ground. These are the people you want to surround yourself with. People who accept differences often put themselves in your shoes to understand your perspective. These are people you can depend on when you need someone to talk to.
7. Active Listening Skills
Hearing and listening are different things. You may have experienced times when you’re telling someone about your day or an important event, yet it feels like your message is not coming through. This is a waste of time and often feels bad. Good people understand this and will actively listen or apologize and explain when they’re unable to.
8. Responsibility for Actions
It’s not easy to admit our mistakes, but some refuse. These are the people to avoid. Inevitably, there will be a time when they make a mistake and refuse to take responsibility. Instead, look for people who own up to their mistakes, big or small. You can bet these are good people who will be honest with you and themselves.
9. Compassion
There will always be people who aren’t happy for you when you succeed and feel threatened by you. Compassionate people are happy within themselves and will be glad to see your success. This can even inspire them to reach a similar goal or to continue chasing their own personal endeavors. If someone dismisses your success or makes you feel like you can’t reach your goals, stay away.
10. Humility
Humble people don’t believe they are better than others and don’t boast about their successes. Additionally, they aren’t afraid to ask for help. If you notice someone constantly bragging about their life, this is a red flag. The best part about being around humble people is that you can grow with them. You’ll spend less time comparing yourself to others and instead self-improving.
11. Gratitude Expression
Whether saying “thank you” or giving someone a gift to express gratitude, it’s safe to assume this is a trait of a good person. Although many good people struggle to show gratitude, be wary if someone fails to do so consistently. Keep in mind that this is a habit that may require practice for some. However, this is also a trait you should strive to have.
12. Encouragement of Others
We could all use encouragement during our low points in life. Good people are quick to help others in need because they tend to have an optimistic outlook on life. Keep these people close because they will be the ones who’ll help you during your tough moments in life. Meanwhile, stay away from those who do the opposite. For example, telling you to “toughen up,” during a challenging period in your life.