If you recognize these 8 signs, you’re dealing with a genuinely good person

Avatar by Justin Brown | June 17, 2024, 2:16 pm

Navigating the complexities of human relationships can often be challenging, yet rewarding.

We all have experienced the relief and joy that comes from encountering a genuinely good person. They radiate warmth, kindness and sincerity, often leaving a profound impact on our lives.

But how do you discern whether someone is truly good at their core?

Spotting a genuinely good person isn’t always straightforward. However, there are certain signs that can help us identify them amidst the crowd.

In this article, I’ll share eight signs that indicate you’re dealing with a genuinely good person. By recognizing these traits, we can foster more authentic and enriching relationships in our lives.

1) They practice empathy consistently

One of the most significant indicators of a genuinely good person is the consistent display of empathy.

Empathy isn’t simply about feeling sorry for someone else; it’s about understanding their experiences and feelings from their perspective. It involves putting oneself in another’s shoes.

Good people don’t just empathize when it’s convenient or easy. They empathize consistently, even when it’s challenging or uncomfortable.

Consider those moments when you’ve shared a problem or a troubling experience with someone. A genuinely good person won’t just nod along or brush off your concerns; they’ll listen attentively, validating your feelings and offering supportive responses.

This trait is especially important in a world that often prioritizes self-interest over mutual understanding. Empathy breeds compassion and kindness, fostering stronger, more meaningful relationships.

2) They act with integrity

If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my journey, it’s that genuine goodness is deeply intertwined with integrity.

Integrity isn’t about being perfect, but rather about being honest, transparent, and accountable for one’s actions. It’s about making decisions that align with our values, even when no one is watching.

Good people understand the importance of walking their talk. They’re reliable and trustworthy, always striving to do the right thing. They apologize when they’re wrong and make amends when necessary.

This commitment to integrity isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial in building trust and respect in relationships. It reflects a deep sense of responsibility towards oneself and others.

As the acclaimed author and speaker Brené Brown once said, “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”

3) They respect boundaries

A genuinely good person respects the boundaries – both physical and emotional – of those around them. They understand that every individual has their own comfort zones, limits, and personal space that deserves to be acknowledged and honored.

Respecting boundaries is about more than just refraining from overstepping or imposing on others. It’s also about actively seeking to understand what those boundaries are and ensuring they are upheld.

It involves open communication, listening attentively to others’ needs, and being mindful of their feelings. It’s about creating a safe space where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected.

Respecting boundaries can be a complex issue, especially in close relationships where lines can sometimes blur. In my video on navigating the complexities of finding a life partner, I delve into this topic in more depth, discussing the importance of shared values and mutual respect.

YouTube video

If you find someone who consistently respects your boundaries and the boundaries of others, it’s a sure sign that you’re dealing with a genuinely good person.

For more insights into living life with greater authenticity and purpose, consider joining over 20,000 others who have subscribed to my YouTube channel. You can do so by clicking here.

4) They harness the power of resilience

Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but a genuinely good person understands the value and power of resilience. They don’t shy away from adversity; instead, they see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Resilience is more than just bouncing back from difficulties. It’s about using these experiences as stepping stones to becoming stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

Good people know that setbacks are not failures, but feedback. They take responsibility for their actions and attitudes, choosing to focus on what they can control rather than blaming external circumstances or others.

This is a raw and honest truth that many of us struggle with: It’s easy to play the victim when things go wrong, but it takes courage and integrity to stand up and take ownership of our lives.

5) They honor diversity and embrace inclusivity

In a world where differences are often a source of division, a genuinely good person understands the value of diversity and practices inclusivity.

They recognize that each individual is unique, bringing their own experiences, perspectives, and strengths to the table. Rather than creating hierarchies or promoting exclusion based on these differences, they celebrate them.

Good people honor diversity not just in words, but through their actions. They strive to create environments where everyone feels valued and heard, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or identity.

This appreciation for diversity is rooted in the belief that every person has inherent worth and dignity. It’s about rejecting systems that prioritize status or wealth over individual value and instead fostering mutual respect and cooperation.

6) They are comfortable with their imperfections

A genuinely good person understands that they, like everyone else, are a work in progress. They don’t pretend to be perfect or hide their flaws. Instead, they accept their imperfections as part of who they are.

This acceptance is not about complacency or lack of ambition for personal growth. It’s about acknowledging that being human involves making mistakes, having weaknesses, and facing failures. These experiences shape us, helping us to learn, grow, and evolve.

Good people aren’t afraid to admit when they’re wrong or ask for help when they need it. They see their imperfections not as shameful secrets to be hidden, but as opportunities for self-awareness and improvement.

This perspective aligns with the belief that true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives – including our flaws and failures. By embracing our imperfections, we cultivate resilience and foster authentic self-acceptance.

7) They act as a force for positive change

A genuinely good person doesn’t just aspire to be good for themselves; they aim to be a force for positive change in the world. They understand that their actions, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the people and environment around them.

Whether it’s through their work, their relationships, or their engagement with social issues, they strive to make a positive difference. This could be as simple as being kind to a stranger, or as significant as spearheading a community initiative.

This sense of responsibility towards the greater good is deeply rooted in the belief that prosperity goes beyond individual wealth. It’s about using our resources, talents, and time in ways that contribute to the welfare of others and our planet.

8) They value authentic relationships

The relationships we forge play a crucial role in shaping our lives. A genuinely good person understands the profound importance of authentic relationships. For them, relationships are not about superficial connections or self-serving alliances but about building meaningful bonds based on mutual respect, trust, and empathy.

These individuals invest time and effort into nurturing their relationships. They show up for their loved ones during times of joy and sorrow alike, offering support and companionship. They celebrate the successes of others as their own and are there to lend a shoulder during challenging times.

This approach to relationships aligns with the belief in the power of supportive communities. It’s through our connections with others that we find courage, resilience, and shared joy.

The power of genuine goodness

Recognizing a genuinely good person is more than just a checklist of positive traits. It’s about understanding the essence of humanity and appreciating the diverse expressions of goodness that exist within us all.

The signs we’ve explored, from empathy and integrity to resilience and a commitment to positive change, all hint at the transformative potential that lies within each individual. Each sign reflects a choice – a choice to be kind, to respect others, to grow from challenges, to contribute positively to the world, and to value authentic connections.

This understanding of goodness isn’t just about identifying these traits in others, but also nurturing them within ourselves. After all, we have the capacity to be that genuinely good person in someone else’s life.

As we navigate this journey of self-discovery and growth, it’s important to remember that it’s not about striving for perfection but embracing our authentic selves with all our strengths and flaws.

I invite you to join me on this journey by subscribing to my YouTube channel here. Together, let’s continue exploring how we can live life with greater authenticity and purpose.

As we close this discussion, here’s a question for reflection: How can you nurture these signs of genuine goodness in your own life?