8 subtle behaviors that indicate a low quality person, according to psychology

Lucas Graham by Lucas Graham | January 15, 2025, 10:54 pm

If you’ve ever found yourself dealing with someone whose actions consistently leave you feeling frustrated or belittled, you may be dealing with a low-quality person.

Understanding this isn’t always easy. After all, no one carries a sign announcing their character flaws.

According to psychology, however, there are eight subtle behaviors that can help you spot a low-quality person.

These behaviors aren’t always glaringly obvious, but once you know what to look for, you might see them more clearly.

So let’s dive into these indicators and arm ourselves with some knowledge.

1) Constantly shifting blame

Have you ever dealt with someone who never seems to take responsibility for their actions?

This could be a red flag. A behavior often exhibited by low-quality individuals, according to psychology, is a constant shifting of blame. They might make mistakes, but in their eyes, it’s always someone else’s fault.

For example, if they’re late for an appointment, instead of owning up to their lack of time management, they’ll blame the traffic, the weather, or even you.

This behavior can leave you feeling frustrated and questioning your own actions, even when you’ve done nothing wrong. You might find yourself constantly on the defensive or second-guessing your decisions.

Remember, everyone makes mistakes – it’s human nature. But a person of high quality will recognize their errors and strive to correct them instead of placing the blame elsewhere.

2) Excessive agreeableness

Does the person you’re dealing with always seem to agree with everything you say?

While this might initially come across as them being supportive or easy-going, it could be a subtle sign of a low-quality person.

Agreeing with everything suggests a lack of personal opinion or the fear of expressing one’s thoughts. It can also indicate a manipulative behavior, as they may be trying to win your favor or avoid conflict, only to use it against you later.

It’s important to remember that healthy disagreement is a part of any relationship. People are allowed to have differing opinions, and it’s through these differences that we grow and learn.

3) Lack of empathy

We’ve all felt misunderstood at one point or another. But imagine dealing with someone who never seems to understand or care about your feelings. This is a clear behavior of a low-quality person.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a key component in maintaining healthy relationships. Without it, connections can feel shallow and unfulfilling.

A person lacking empathy might dismiss your feelings, belittle your problems, or be indifferent to your experiences. This behavior can leave you feeling isolated and unimportant.

It’s worth noting that people who lack empathy often have difficulty forming meaningful relationships. They may also struggle with feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction in their own lives.

4) Inconsistency in their words and actions

Everyone has moments when their actions don’t quite match up with what they’ve said. We’re all human, after all. But if you’re dealing with someone whose words and deeds regularly don’t align, you might be dealing with a low-quality person.

For example, they might promise to help you with a project but then never follow through. Or they might say they value honesty but then engage in dishonest behavior.

This inconsistency can leave you feeling confused and hurt. You might start to question their sincerity and whether you can trust them.

Remember, it’s okay to feel upset about this. Your feelings are valid. It’s important to surround yourself with people who are reliable and who respect you enough to keep their word.

5) Always playing the victim

We all have those days when nothing seems to go right, and it’s normal to vent about our misfortunes from time to time. But have you ever met someone who always seems to be at the receiving end of bad luck, hardship, or unfair treatment?

When someone constantly plays the victim, it’s often a sign of a low-quality person. They might use their perceived misfortunes as a way to gain sympathy or avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

For instance, they might always have a reason why they can’t meet deadlines or why they’ve acted poorly. It’s never their fault – there’s always an external factor or someone else to blame.

This behavior can be draining for those around them and can lead to toxic relationships. It’s essential to recognize this pattern and handle interactions with such individuals carefully.

6) Frequent show of superiority

You might recall a person you’ve encountered who always seemed to believe they were better than everyone else. Whether it’s about their job, their possessions, or their achievements, they never miss a chance to remind you of their superiority.

This behavior can be quite off-putting. It’s as if they’re always trying to prove something or put others down to feel good about themselves.

In my experience, I knew someone who would always bring up their high-paying job in conversations, even when it was irrelevant. It wasn’t just bragging; it felt more like a way to belittle others and assert their perceived superiority.

Such behavior often indicates a low-quality person. They rely on constant self-aggrandizement to boost their ego, often at the expense of others’ feelings. 

7) Lack of respect for boundaries

We all have our limits, and that’s okay. Boundaries are essential for our mental and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes or respects these limits.

If you’ve ever dealt with someone who constantly invades your personal space, dismisses your feelings, or makes you uncomfortable, you’re dealing with a low-quality person.

They might pressure you into doing things you’re not comfortable with or disregard your needs and desires. This behavior is not only disrespectful but also harmful.

You deserve to be treated with respect and consideration. If someone can’t respect your boundaries, they’re showing you a clear sign of their character. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and demand the respect you deserve.

8) Refusal to apologize or admit wrongdoing

One of the most telling signs of a low-quality person is their inability to apologize or admit when they’re wrong. We all make mistakes – it’s a part of being human. What sets us apart is how we handle these missteps.

If the person in question never seems to say “I’m sorry” or constantly makes excuses for their poor behavior, take note. This stubborn refusal to acknowledge their faults can create a toxic environment filled with resentment and unresolved conflicts.

The ability to admit one’s mistakes, apologize, and learn from these experiences is what defines growth and character.

Remember, you have every right to expect sincerity and accountability from those around you. Don’t settle for less.

Final thoughts

Understanding and recognizing these subtle behaviors is an important step in navigating your relationships effectively. But always remember, it’s not about judging or labeling people, but rather understanding their actions.

This knowledge is meant to empower you, not to create animosity. It’s there to help you make informed decisions about who you let into your life and how you interact with them.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. You have the right to surround yourself with quality individuals who respect and value you.

Spending time with people who uplift you and make you feel valued is never a waste.

And being truly discerning means understanding that it’s okay to distance yourself from those who don’t align with your values or respect your boundaries.

Here’s to cultivating healthier, more fulfilling relationships in your life!