7 clever ways to tell if someone is a genuinely good person or not, says a psychologist

As an entrepreneur, you deal with a myriad of people every day, don’t you?

From business partners to clients, employees to investors, your success often hinges on your ability to judge character accurately.

But let’s admit it, deciphering the true nature of someone is no easy feat.

So, how can you tell if someone is genuinely good or just pretending?

Is it possible to determine the authenticity of a person’s character without possessing some kind of supernatural gift?

Well, you’re in luck.

According to psychologists, there are certain signs and behaviors that can shed light on a person’s true nature. While these aren’t foolproof, they can certainly provide some much-needed clarity.

In this article, we’ll explore seven clever ways to tell if someone is a genuinely good person or not. These insights won’t just help you navigate your business relationships more effectively, but also enrich your personal interactions.

After all, in an increasingly connected world, understanding people is not just a skill—it’s a necessity.

So let’s dive in and decode the mystery that is human behavior. Who knows? You might just uncover the secret to surrounding yourself with genuinely good people.

1) They show empathy

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a hallmark of a genuinely good person.

It’s easy to say kind words or perform good deeds, but genuine empathy requires a deeper level of connection.

Empathy is a key indicator of emotional intelligence, which is often found in people with strong moral compasses. They don’t just sympathize with your situation; they genuinely feel your pain or joy.

If you find someone who can understand your perspective without judgment, who can share in your joys and sorrows without any pretense, you might have found a genuinely good person.

Anyone can act kind or say the right words. But it takes a truly good person to empathize and connect on a deeper level.

2) They are consistent

Now, here’s a personal example. I once worked with a fellow named John. He was always the life of the party, charming everyone with his wit and charisma.

But I noticed something rather odd. His demeanor would change drastically depending on who he was with. It was like he had different personas for different people.

This inconsistency made me question his authenticity. Was he genuinely good or was it all an act?

Consistency, psychologists say, is a strong indicator of a person’s true character.

If someone is consistently kind, respectful, and honest, regardless of the situation or the people they are with, it’s likely they are genuinely good.

On the flip side, inconsistency could be a red flag. It might mean that the person is adjusting their behavior to fit in or to manipulate others.

Watch out for consistency (or lack thereof). It might just give you a sneak peek into someone’s true character.

3) They don’t shy away from apologies

Ever known someone who could never admit they were wrong? I have. It’s not pleasant. It’s a trait that screams arrogance and a lack of self-awareness.

I remember a colleague who, despite messing up big time on a project, never uttered the words “I’m sorry.”

The blame was always shifted elsewhere. It was the computer’s fault, the client’s unrealistic expectations, the weather – you name it.

A genuinely good person, on the other hand, isn’t afraid to admit their mistakes. They understand that being wrong is human and apologizing doesn’t make them weak – it makes them responsible.

The ability to apologize sincerely is linked to emotional intelligence. It shows that the person is self-aware, can take responsibility, and cares about the feelings of others.

Next time you’re gauging someone’s character, see how they handle mistakes. It can be quite revealing.

4) They respect boundaries

We all have our personal space, both physically and emotionally, don’t we? It’s our comfort zone where we feel safe and secure. When someone repeatedly intrudes this space, it can be very unsettling.

Respecting boundaries is a trait of a genuinely good person. They understand the importance of personal space and do not impose their thoughts, feelings, or presence on others.

For instance, if you tell someone you’re not comfortable discussing a particular topic and they persist, it’s a clear sign they don’t respect your boundaries.

A person who understands and respects boundaries exhibits emotional maturity and respect for others. It shows they value your comfort and feelings over their curiosity or needs.

Pay attention to how people respect (or disregard) your boundaries. It could be a significant indicator of their character.

5) They practice gratitude

You might wonder, what’s the connection between being a genuinely good person and practicing gratitude? Well, it’s more profound than you might think.

People who regularly express gratitude aren’t just happier; they’re often kinder too.

They appreciate the good in their lives and tend to spread this positivity to others.

If you come across someone who often expresses sincere thanks for the small things in life, chances are, you’ve found a genuinely good person.

Their ability to recognize and appreciate the good around them often translates into kindness and goodness towards others.

6) They lend a helping hand

I remember a day when I was struggling with a heavy workload, deadlines looming, stress levels through the roof. Out of the blue, a colleague, who was equally swamped, offered to help me.

He saw I was struggling and stepped in without a second thought.

His act of kindness didn’t just lighten my load; it lifted my spirits. It was a clear demonstration of his genuine goodness.

A genuinely good person doesn’t hesitate to help others, even when it’s inconvenient for them. They don’t do it for recognition or rewards; they do it because they care.

Altruistic behavior, like helping others without expecting anything in return, is a significant indicator of a genuinely good person.

Keep an eye out for those unsung heroes who lend a helping hand. Their actions speak volumes about their character.

7) They treat everyone with respect

Regardless of status, wealth, or background, a genuinely good person treats everyone with the same level of respect. They believe in the fundamental principle that every person deserves kindness and courtesy.

This behavior goes beyond just being polite. It’s about acknowledging the inherent worth of every individual. It’s about seeing beyond societal labels and recognizing the human being.

This universal respect is a strong indicator of a genuinely good person. It shows their capacity for empathy, fairness, and equality.

Observe how people treat others, especially those they don’t necessarily benefit from. This could be the most telling sign of their true character.

In conclusion

Deciphering the true nature of someone isn’t a walk in the park, is it?

But the signs we’ve discussed today can guide you in the right direction and help you differentiate between a genuinely good person and one who’s merely putting on an act.

And while these pointers are insightful, remember – nobody is perfect.

We all have our moments of inconsistency, reluctance to apologize, or failure to respect boundaries. It’s part of being human.

However, as psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

So if someone consistently shows these signs over time, chances are they’re on their way to being genuinely good.

Take these pointers with you as you navigate your personal and professional relationships.

Let them guide your judgment but also inspire you to be a better person yourself.

After all, recognizing goodness in others often starts with cultivating it within ourselves.