If someone displays these 10 traits, they’re a truly good person

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | August 6, 2024, 5:38 am

Ever wondered what makes a person truly good? It’s not about the size of their bank account or how many Instagram followers they have.

Nope, it’s not about their job or the car they drive either.

Believe it or not, it’s all about who they are as a person – their character.

Today, we’re going to talk about the 10 traits you’ll find in a genuinely good person. These are the things that shine through in people who are consistently kind, honest, and caring.

So, grab a comfy seat and let’s dive into these 10 traits.

1) They’re kind to everyone

Kindness is a universal language. A truly good person doesn’t pick and choose who to be kind to – they’re kind to everyone they meet.

Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a stranger, or lending an ear to a friend in need, their kindness shines through in everything they do.

And it’s not about the grand gestures; sometimes, even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference.

So if you know someone who is genuinely kind to everyone, you’ve got a truly good person right there.

2) They’re honest

Honesty is a key trait of a good person.

They tell the truth, even when it’s not the easiest thing to do.

They’re not afraid to admit when they’re wrong, and they always try to correct their mistakes.

They believe in fairness and integrity, and they live by these values every day.

If you see someone who is always truthful and upfront, you’re looking at a truly good person.

3) They’re empathetic

Empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

A truly good person can put themselves in someone else’s shoes and show genuine concern.

I’ll never forget a time when my friend, who’s always been a beacon of goodness, showed me this trait in action.

I was going through a rough patch and was feeling pretty low.

One day, out of the blue, she showed up at my door with my favorite comfort food and a bunch of funny movies to cheer me up.

She sat with me, listened to me vent, and just let me know she was there for me.

She didn’t just sympathize, but empathized with what I was going through.

4) They’re selfless

Selflessness is a beautiful trait that genuinely good people often possess.

They’re always ready to put others’ needs before their own.

Now, here’s an interesting fact: According to a study, acts of kindness and selflessness can actually make people feel happier.

This phenomenon is often referred to as the ‘helper’s high’.

So, not only does selflessness benefit those on the receiving end, but it also adds to the well-being of the one who’s giving.

Truly good people understand this and embrace the joy that comes from helping others.

So if you know someone who regularly goes out of their way to help others, chances are they’re a truly good person.

5) They’re forgiving

Forgiveness can be hard, can’t it? It takes a really big heart to forgive, especially when we’ve been deeply hurt.

But a truly good person knows the power of forgiveness.

They understand that holding onto anger and resentment only hurts them in the long run.

Instead, they choose to let go and move forward.

They choose understanding over anger, love over hate.

They give people second chances, not because they think the person will change, but because they themselves are strong enough to forgive.

6) They’re respectful

Respect is a fundamental trait of a decent person.

They treat everyone around them with dignity and consideration, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

I remember a time when I was working part-time at a restaurant during my college days.

My manager, who I consider one of the truly good people I’ve met, was always respectful to everyone – from the chefs in the kitchen to the janitors keeping the place clean.

He always said “thank you” and “please”, and never spoke down to anyone.

It struck me how his respect for everyone created a positive work environment where everyone felt valued.

So, if you know someone who treats everyone with respect and kindness, trust me, they’re a truly good person.

Their respect for others reflects their own self-respect, and that’s something worth admiring.

7) They’re accountable

Here’s the raw truth: it’s easy to take credit when things go right, but not so easy to take responsibility when things go wrong.

But a truly good person? They don’t shy away from owning their mistakes.

Accountability isn’t just about saying “my bad” when you mess up.

It’s about acknowledging your errors, learning from them, and making an effort not to repeat them.

It’s about standing tall and saying, “I messed up, and I’m going to make it right.”

8) They’re reliable

Reliability is a crucial trait of a good person.

They’re someone you can always count on, whether it’s for a small favor, or during a major crisis.

An interesting fact is that reliability is not only a significant trait in personal relationships but also highly valued in professional settings.

According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, reliability is one of the top qualities that colleagues appreciate in their coworkers.

It helps build trust, fosters teamwork, and promotes a positive work environment.

9) They’re optimistic

Optimism is a trait that’s not only uplifting but contagious. An optimistic person can brighten up even the gloomiest of days.

I have a dear friend who is one of the most optimistic people I’ve ever met, and she’s always been an inspiration to me.

No matter what life throws at her, she always looks for the silver lining.

Even in tough times, she finds a reason to smile and spreads that positivity to those around her.

It’s not that she ignores the negatives; instead, she chooses to focus on the positives, believing in better days ahead.

Her optimism has taught me the power of having a positive outlook and how it can change our perception of life.

So, if you know someone who radiates positivity and optimism, you’re in the company of a truly good person.

Their positivity can be a beacon of hope in tough times and a source of joy in good times.

10) They’re humble

Now, let’s talk about humility. In a world that often encourages us to put ourselves first, humility can seem like a forgotten virtue.

But here’s the raw, honest truth: A truly good person doesn’t need to boast about their achievements or belittle others to feel good about themselves.

They’re secure in their worth and don’t seek validation from external sources.

They appreciate others, acknowledge their contributions, and are always ready to learn.

They don’t view themselves as above or below anyone else – they see everyone as equals.

And if you know someone who’s genuinely humble, who doesn’t let success get to their head or allow failures to break their spirit, then you’re looking at a truly good person.

Their humility isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a mark of strength and wisdom. And that’s as real and honest as it gets.