8 signs someone isn’t an entirely good person, according to psychology

Distinguishing between a genuinely good person and someone who’s merely pretending can be tricky.

Psychology, however, has some clues that can help us decode the truth behind those friendly facades.

Spotting a not-so-good person isn’t about being judgmental, it’s about protecting yourself from potential harm. And trust me, there are certain signs that can give away the game.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 8 psychological signs that someone might not be as good as they seem on the surface. Keep your eyes open – this could be a real eye-opener!

1) They’re always playing the victim

We’ve all come across such individuals.

They’re the ones who never seem to take responsibility for their actions. It’s always someone else’s fault.

According to psychology, this is a classic sign of a person who isn’t entirely good. They avoid taking accountability for their actions and instead, they’re perpetually the victim.

This ‘poor me’ attitude can be a manipulative tactic to gain sympathy or avoid consequences. It also shows a lack of self-awareness and maturity, which are key elements of a genuinely good person.

So next time you meet someone who’s always got a sob story, take a moment to consider: are they genuinely unlucky or simply refusing to take responsibility? It could be a red flag that you’re dealing with a not-so-good person.

2) They’re consistently dishonest

Dishonesty is another huge red flag.

Let me share a personal example. I once had a friend, let’s call him Jack. Jack had a habit of bending the truth a little too often. It started with small things, like saying he was late due to traffic when he’d actually overslept.

As time passed, his lies became more significant, like lying about his whereabouts or making up stories to cover his actions. He would lie even when there was no apparent reason to do so.

Habitual dishonesty is a clear sign that someone might not be as good as they appear. Honesty is one of the fundamental traits of good people, and if someone is consistently dishonest, it’s an indication that they lack integrity.

So, if you find yourself dealing with a Jack, it’s worth considering whether this person is truly good or just good at putting up a facade.

3) They take pleasure in other people’s misfortunes

In psychology, there’s a term for this – schadenfreude. It’s the joy or pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune.

Good people tend to empathize with others when they’re going through tough times, not revel in their discomfort or pain. If someone seems to take delight in another’s failure or heartache, it’s a clear sign of a lack of empathy and kindness.

Interestingly, studies show that those who frequently experience schadenfreude also have higher levels of aggression and lower levels of self-esteem. This combination can indicate a person who isn’t entirely good.

So, if you encounter someone who seems to enjoy the suffering of others, it might be time to question their character.

4) They’re always right

Do you know someone who always has to be right, no matter what?

This can be a clear sign of someone who isn’t an entirely good person. It’s not just about being stubborn or strong-headed. It’s about the inability to accept that they could be wrong or that there might be another perspective to consider.

Good people understand that they’re not infallible. They’re open to constructive criticism and willing to change their minds when presented with new information.

Unfortunately, those who believe they’re always right often lack humility and respect for others’ opinions. This trait can make them difficult to deal with and potentially harmful in relationships.

So, if someone never admits they’re wrong or refuses to consider other perspectives, it could be a sign of a deeper character flaw.

5) They lack empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a quality that binds us together as humans.

When someone lacks empathy, it can be incredibly hurtful and damaging. They struggle to see things from another person’s perspective or to understand their feelings. This can lead to insensitivity, misunderstanding, and conflict.

Imagine a situation where you’re going through a tough time, and instead of offering comfort or understanding, someone minimizes your feelings or worse, doesn’t care at all. It’s a lonely experience, isn’t it?

That’s the reality of interacting with someone who lacks empathy. They’re often blind to the emotional needs of others, which is a clear sign that they might not be an entirely good person.

Remember, empathy is at the heart of all good relationships, and those who lack it can cause untold harm.

6) They’re excessively envious

It’s normal to feel a twinge of envy now and then, but for some people, envy tends to consume their lives.

I remember a time when I achieved something significant in my career. Instead of being happy for me, a close associate reacted with bitterness. They couldn’t seem to stand that I had achieved something they hadn’t. It was a painful experience that strained our relationship.

Psychologists suggest that excessive envy can indicate a not-so-good person. It’s because envy often comes from a place of insecurity and dissatisfaction with one’s own life. It can lead to destructive behaviors like gossip, sabotage, or even outright hostility.

So, if you’ve noticed someone who seems overly envious of others’ successes while downplaying their own, it could be a sign of deeper issues.

7) They’re overly critical

Everyone has flaws, and it’s okay to point them out constructively. However, there’s a line between helpful criticism and constant negativity.

If someone is always picking at your mistakes, highlighting your flaws, or making you feel inadequate, it’s a sign they may not be a good person. This kind of behavior can be a form of emotional abuse, designed to chip away at your self-esteem and keep you feeling unsure of yourself.

Remember, good people build each other up. They don’t tear each other down. If someone in your life is consistently critical without being constructive, it might be time to reevaluate your relationship with them.

8) They repeatedly break promises

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. When someone consistently breaks their promises, it erodes that trust.

It’s important to understand that everyone can occasionally forget a commitment or need to change plans. However, if someone habitually makes promises they don’t keep, it’s a clear sign they might not be a good person.

Breaking promises shows a lack of respect for others’ time and feelings. It also reflects a lack of responsibility and reliability.

If you find yourself dealing with a chronic promise-breaker, remember: actions speak louder than words. Trust what people do, not what they say. This could be the most important thing you should know when trying to discern someone’s character.

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Picture of Tina Fey

Tina Fey

I've ridden the rails, gone off track and lost my train of thought. I'm writing to try and find it again. Hope you enjoy the journey with me.

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