Distinguishing between a genuinely nice guy and a fake one can be tricky. After all, they both can be charming and sweet on the surface.

But, there’s a fundamental difference.

A genuinely nice man isn’t just about charm or courtesy.

It’s about his consistent behavior, his respect for others, and how he treats people when no one is watching.

Being in the love business for years, I’ve noticed some key behaviors that are often displayed by truly nice men.

These behaviors are like telltale signs that separate the diamonds from the rhinestones.

In this piece, I’ll share these behaviors with you.

So, get comfy and let’s dive in!

1) Authenticity is his default

A genuinely nice man does not put up a facade or act differently based on who he’s interacting with.

He’s the same person in every situation, and that consistency is key.

He isn’t afraid to show his true self, even if it means being vulnerable or open.

He doesn’t feel the need to hide behind a mask or pretend to be someone he’s not.

This authenticity is often accompanied by a sense of humility and an understanding that no one is perfect.

He’s comfortable with who he is, warts and all, and doesn’t feel the need to constantly prove himself to others.

Authenticity shines through in all of his interactions.

You can see it in how he treats everyone with the same level of respect and kindness, regardless of their status or relationship with him.

So if you’re around a man who is consistently genuine and true to himself, chances are, you’ve found a genuinely nice man.

2) He’s not always Mr. Nice Guy

Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but bear with me.

A genuinely nice man is not always pleasant and agreeable.

He understands that being nice doesn’t mean saying ‘yes’ to everything or avoiding conflict at all costs.

In fact, he’s not afraid to express his feelings, even if it might lead to disagreements.

He acknowledges that conflict is a natural part of any relationship and is willing to navigate it in a respectful way.

He’s assertive without being aggressive, and knows how to establish boundaries.

He values honesty and integrity over the need to always appear friendly or easygoing.

When a man is willing to engage in difficult conversations, respects your boundaries as well as his own, and prioritizes honesty over superficial niceties, then he’s likely genuinely nice.

3) He encourages your independence

This is something that I’ve observed time and time again in my years of studying relationships.

A genuinely nice man respects and encourages your independence.

He understands that a healthy relationship isn’t about two halves making a whole, but rather about two complete individuals choosing to share their lives.

He doesn’t view you as an extension of himself, but as a unique individual with your own dreams, passions, and pursuits.

He encourages you to spend time on your own interests, to pursue your goals, and to continue growing as an individual.

He doesn’t feel threatened by your independence; instead, he cherishes it.

In my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeper into this concept and provide practical tips on how to maintain individuality while nurturing a healthy relationship.

But for now, know that a man who celebrates your independence and encourages personal growth is likely a genuinely nice man.

4) He values empathy over ego

Empathy, in my experience, is a key characteristic of a genuinely nice man.

He doesn’t let his ego get in the way of understanding and sympathizing with others.

He listens with an open mind and heart, and makes a conscious effort to understand where you’re coming from, even when it’s different from his own perspective.

He doesn’t belittle your feelings or experiences, but instead acknowledges them and shows compassion.

As the great Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

A genuinely nice man lives by this wisdom.

He knows that at the end of the day, it’s not about winning arguments or having the last word.

It’s about how he makes people feel, and he strives to make those around him feel valued, heard, and respected.

5) He’s a giver, not a taker

In my line of work, I’ve met countless people and been privy to their relationship dynamics.

One trait that stands out in a genuinely nice man is his willingness to give without expecting anything in return.

He’s the kind of person who derives genuine joy from making others happy.

Whether it’s his time, attention, or resources, he gives generously. He doesn’t keep score or expect you to ‘owe’ him.

But it’s not just about grand gestures.

Often, it’s the little things that count.

A cup of coffee made just the way you like it, a handwritten note tucked into your bag, or an errand run without being asked.

He understands that love is about giving, not taking.

And if you’re with a man who consistently shows up for you in this way, chances are, he’s a genuinely nice guy.

6) He respects everyone

In my journey as a relationship expert, I’ve learned that one of the most revealing ways to judge a person’s character is by observing how they treat others.

A genuinely nice man shows respect not just to those he loves, but to everyone he encounters.

He understands that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness, regardless of their job, status, or relationship to him.

From the waiter at a restaurant to his own family members, he treats them all with the same level of respect.

As philosopher Albert Schweitzer once said, “Reverence for life affords me my fundamental principle of morality.”

A genuinely nice man embodies this principle in his daily interactions.

If you’re interested in more insights like these, feel free to follow me on Facebook.

I share my latest articles and thoughts there regularly.

So if you find a man who respects everyone he encounters, you’ve likely found a genuinely nice guy.

7) He owns his mistakes

Here’s the raw and honest truth: even genuinely nice men are not exempt from making mistakes.

They’re human, after all. What sets them apart, however, is their ability to own up to their mistakes.

A genuinely nice man doesn’t make excuses or play the blame game.

When he messes up, he acknowledges it, apologizes sincerely, and makes a genuine effort to make things right.

He understands that taking responsibility for his actions is a sign of maturity and integrity.

It’s not about preserving his ego or image, it’s about doing what’s right.

Have you found a man who doesn’t shy away from admitting his mistakes and shows a genuine willingness to learn and grow from them?

Then you’re likely in the company of a genuinely nice man.

The heart of a genuine man

Diving into the behaviors of a genuinely nice man has been insightful, and I hope you’ve found it helpful.

It all comes down to authenticity, respect, empathy, and kindness – qualities that define a truly good man.

But, remember, no one is perfect.

We all have our moments of weakness and make mistakes.

What matters is our willingness to learn, grow, and become better human beings.

As the wise Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” 

As we conclude this exploration, I’d like to share a video by Justin Brown that beautifully captures the essence of what we’ve been discussing.

In this video, Justin reflects on the complexities of finding a life partner and shares his insights on shared values, growth, and mutual support in a relationship.

It’s a worthwhile watch if you’re navigating your journey of finding a compatible partner.

Remember, being genuine is about being true to oneself and treating others with kindness and respect.

And if you find these qualities in a man, you’ve likely found a genuinely nice guy. Enjoy the journey!