Often, a person’s true character is revealed not by what they say, but how they say it. Body language, according to psychology, can tell you a lot about a person’s intentions and emotions.

It’s not just about reading another person’s signals, though. Our own body language can influence how others perceive us. That’s why understanding the body language habits of genuinely good people can be so beneficial.

In the following article, I’ll share seven body language habits that, according to psychological studies, are often exhibited by truly good-natured individuals. These are simple yet profound cues that anyone can adopt to improve their personal and professional interactions.

So whether you’re looking to make a good first impression, boost your communication skills, or simply want to better understand the people around you, these insights will prove valuable. Let’s dive in.

1) Open posture

Genuinely good people tend to have an open body language. Their shoulders are relaxed, not hunched, and their arms are open, not crossed. This posture suggests that they are open to others and ready to engage in conversation.

An open posture is inviting. It sends out a signal that says “I’m here, I’m approachable, and I’m ready to listen.” It’s a simple yet powerful way of showing kindness and empathy, two traits commonly associated with good people.

So if you’re trying to improve your interactions with others or simply want to be perceived as more likable, try adopting an open posture. It might feel unnatural at first, but with practice, it will become second nature.

Remember, it’s not about pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about enhancing the genuine goodness inside you by aligning your body language with your intentions.

2) Eye contact

In my experience, one of the most telling signs of a genuinely good person is their willingness to maintain eye contact during a conversation.

I remember meeting a woman at a conference once, and I was immediately struck by the way she held my gaze while we were talking. It was a simple gesture, yet it made me feel heard and valued. And it wasn’t just me – I noticed she did the same with everyone she interacted with.

When it comes to maintaining eye contact, it creates a connection, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Eye contact shows that you’re fully present in the conversation and genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. It’s a clear sign of respect and attentiveness, both crucial traits of a genuinely good person.

So next time you’re engaged in a conversation, try maintaining eye contact. It might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re not used to it, but over time it will become a habit – a habit that can transform your relationships by making others feel valued and respected.

3) Genuine smiles

Have you ever met someone whose smile seemed to light up the room? A genuine smile, one that reaches the eyes and transforms the face, is a powerful indicator of a genuinely good person.

Psychologist and human behavior expert Dr. Paul Ekman refers to these as ‘Duchenne’ smiles, named after the 19th-century French physician Guillaume Duchenne who studied the physiology of facial expressions.

A Duchenne smile involves not just the muscles around the mouth, but also those around the eyes – it’s a smile you can’t fake.

Here’s where I get raw and honest. I’ve struggled with depression for a large part of my life. And during my darkest days, it was the genuine smiles of good people that often provided a flicker of hope.

It wasn’t just about the curve of their lips, but the warmth in their eyes – a clear indication they truly cared.

A Duchenne smile can be a beacon of positivity and kindness in a world that often seems cold and distant. It’s a habit that costs nothing to adopt but can mean everything to someone else. 

4) Nods of understanding

Nodding is a universal sign of understanding and agreement. But did you know it’s also a habit commonly associated with genuinely good people?

A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Cognitive Therapy found that nodding can actually improve our perception of others. In the study, participants were more likely to rate speakers as likeable and approachable when they nodded as they spoke.

In my own interactions, I’ve found that when people nod while I’m speaking, it makes me feel heard and understood. It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I’m with you, I understand what you’re saying.”

Nodding isn’t just about agreement, but empathy. It’s about showing the other person that you’re fully present in the conversation and genuinely interested in their perspective.

So next time you’re in a conversation, take a moment to nod when the other person is speaking. You’ll not only make them feel valued, but also reinforce your position as a genuinely good person.

5) Respectful personal space

Understanding and respecting personal space is another habit of genuinely good people. They intuitively know how close is too close, and they adjust their distance based on the comfort level of the other person.

In my journey to understand people better, I’ve found that respecting personal space goes a long way in building trust. Once, at a social gathering, I noticed a man who would stand uncomfortably close to others while conversing.

Despite his friendly demeanor and interesting stories, people seemed to instinctively pull away from him.

Respecting personal space isn’t about following rigid rules but being sensitive to others’ comfort levels. It’s about showing that you respect their boundaries and are considerate of their feelings.

It’s a subtle yet powerful way of conveying respect and kindness.

6) Comfortable with silence

Here’s something that might surprise you: genuinely good people are often comfortable with silence. While many of us rush to fill any lull in conversation, these individuals understand that silence can be a form of communication in itself.

I remember a conversation I had with a close friend about a personal issue. Instead of trying to offer advice or share his own experiences, he simply sat in silence, offering me the space to express my feelings.

It was a powerful moment that made me feel truly heard.

Being comfortable with silence shows that you’re not just waiting for your turn to speak but are genuinely interested in understanding the other person’s perspective. It’s about giving them the space to express their thoughts and feelings without interruption.

The next time you find yourself in a conversation with gaps of silence, don’t rush to fill them. Embrace these moments and let them serve as a testament to your genuine goodness.

7) Mirroring

The final habit of genuinely good people is mirroring, a subtle form of body language where a person unconsciously imitates the gestures and expressions of the person they’re interacting with.

Psychologist Albert Mehrabian, known for his studies on nonverbal communication, said, “When language contradicts nonverbal behavior, people tend to believe the nonverbal behavior.”

Mirroring is a powerful way to build rapport and show empathy, as it sends out nonverbal signals of understanding and agreement.

So, next time you’re in a conversation, pay attention to your body language. Are you mirroring the other person’s actions? If so, you’re on your way to being seen as a genuinely good person.

Final thoughts

The world of body language is nuanced and intricate, with each gesture, posture, and expression revealing a piece of our internal world.

When it comes to identifying genuinely good people, these seven body language habits offer some insights. Yet, it’s important to remember that true goodness extends beyond physical manifestations. It’s deeply embedded in one’s character and actions.

As you navigate through your interactions, be mindful of these habits – not just in others, but also in yourself. Remember, the goal isn’t to manipulate perceptions but to align your external expressions with your inner goodness.

Whether it’s adopting an open posture, maintaining eye contact, or simply being comfortable with silence, each small change could potentially enhance your connections with others.

So take a moment to reflect – what does your body language say about you?

More importantly, what changes would you like to make? As you ponder these questions, remember that the journey towards becoming a genuinely good person is continuous and filled with opportunities for growth.