There’s a real difference between appearing good and being genuinely good.

The difference is all about authenticity. A man who appears good may just be playing a role, hiding his true character beneath a veneer of charm.

A genuinely good man, however, is consistently kind and respectful, whether he’s dealing with a CEO or a janitor. It’s about having nine fundamental traits that reveal his true nature.

In this article, we’re going to explore these 9 traits that identify a man as genuinely good. Trust me, these traits are the real deal – not just a façade.

1) Consistency

When it comes to identifying a genuinely good person, consistency is key.

A man who is genuine doesn’t switch up his behavior based on who he’s with or what he wants. His kindness, respect, and integrity remain intact whether he’s interacting with a CEO or a janitor.

Consistency in character is a big deal. It’s about more than just being nice; it’s about being true to oneself and maintaining the same standards in all situations.

This is a trait that’s not easy to fake or maintain if it’s not genuine. So if a man consistently displays kindness and respect, you can be pretty sure that he’s the real deal.

So, the first trait of a genuinely good man? Consistency.

2) Empathy

Empathy is another big indicator of a genuinely good man.

I remember a time when I was going through a particularly rough patch in my life. It seemed like everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. I was feeling pretty down and hopeless.

That’s when a friend of mine, let’s call him John, stepped up. He didn’t just offer the usual “it will get better” platitudes. Instead, he listened to my problems, empathized with what I was going through, and helped me see things from a different perspective.

John didn’t have to fix my problems; he just needed to understand them. His empathy made me feel seen and understood during a time when I felt alone.

This is what empathy looks like. It’s about understanding others’ feelings and experiences, even if you haven’t experienced them yourself. A genuinely good man like John understands this and uses empathy to connect with those around him.

3) Humility

Humility is a trait that often goes unnoticed, but it’s a significant marker of a genuinely good man.

In a world where self-promotion and ego can often take center stage, those who stay humble stand out. A humble man doesn’t feel the need to boast about his accomplishments or belittle others to make himself look better.

Interestingly, research has shown that individuals who display humility are more likely to be high performers and get more promotions than those who are self-promoting. This might be because humble people are more likely to listen to feedback, learn from their mistakes, and put team success before their own.

So, if a man shows humility, it not only highlights his good nature but also his potential for success.

4) Resilience

Resilience is a trait that truly separates the men from the boys.

Life throws curveballs at us all the time. It’s how we react to these curveballs that defines us. A genuinely good man doesn’t crumble under pressure; instead, he shows resilience.

Resilience is about weathering the storm, not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. It’s about facing challenges head-on, learning from failures, and bouncing back stronger.

A man who displays resilience shows that he can be relied upon in tough times, and that’s a clear sign of a genuinely good person.

5) Respectfulness

Respect is a cornerstone trait of any genuinely good man.

This goes beyond just being polite or courteous. A respectful man values others’ opinions, listens actively, and treats everyone with kindness, regardless of their status or background.

He understands that every individual, regardless of their role or position, deserves to be treated with dignity. He doesn’t belittle or make fun of others but instead uplifts them.

So if a man treats everyone around him with respect, you can bet he’s a genuinely good person.

6) Compassion

Compassion, it’s a word we hear a lot, but what does it truly mean?

It’s about more than just feeling sorry for someone. Compassion is about feeling with someone, sharing in their pain, and genuinely wanting to alleviate their suffering.

I’ve seen compassion in action, and it’s a truly beautiful thing. It’s that hand extended in times of need, the shoulder offered for support, the kind words spoken when they’re needed most.

A man who displays compassion doesn’t just acknowledge the suffering of others; he steps up and does what he can to help. This deep sense of understanding and desire to help is a sure sign of a great man.

7) Honesty

Honesty is a trait that is often overlooked, but it’s also one of the most important.

I remember a time when I made a mistake at work, a pretty significant one. It would have been easy to shift the blame or to hide it, but that wouldn’t have been the right thing to do.

So I owned up to it. I admitted my mistake, apologized, and did what I could to rectify it. It wasn’t easy, and there were consequences, but it was the right thing to do.

A genuinely good man is honest. He tells the truth, even when it’s not convenient. He owns up to his mistakes and takes responsibility for his actions. 

8) Dependability

Dependability is a trait that’s absolutely crucial in a genuinely good man.

A dependable man keeps his promises. When he says he’ll do something, he does it. He doesn’t make commitments lightly, and when he does commit, he follows through.

Dependability builds trust and strengthens relationships. It shows that a man values his word and respects others’ time and expectations.

So if a man is dependable, always sticking to his word and following through on his commitments, you can trust that he’s a genuinely good person.

9) Kindness

Above all, a genuinely good man displays kindness.

Kindness is about more than just being nice. It’s about showing empathy, respect, and consideration to others. It’s about lending a helping hand when it’s needed, and sometimes when it’s not.

Kindness is the trait that ties all other qualities together. It’s the core of a genuinely good man.

A man who displays kindness in his words, actions, and intentions truly is a good person. That’s the kind of man who makes the world a better place.

Final thoughts

The true measure of a man’s character isn’t just about who he is when things are going well, but also about how he behaves when things get tough.

These nine traits – consistency, empathy, humility, resilience, respectfulness, compassion, honesty, dependability, and kindness – aren’t just random attributes. They’re the hallmarks of a genuinely good man.

They’re the traits that form the backbone of integrity and goodness. They’re what separate an average man from a truly good man.