Most people think they’re a good judge of character. 

But many of us can be fooled much easier than we’d like to believe. 

People are complex creatures, and not everyone wears their motives on their sleeves for the world to see. 

Some people have a unique ability to see through false mirages and can easily judge someone’s character – even when they try to hide who they really are. 

Here are seven signs you might be an exceptionally good judge of character. 

1) You value authenticity

When it comes to human interactions, authenticity is a beacon of truth. As someone who is a good judge of character, you likely place immense value on authenticity.

Authenticity is more than just being ‘real’. It’s about consistency, transparency, and integrity in words and actions.

It’s about people who are true to themselves and their values, even when faced with difficult situations or social pressure.

You notice when someone’s actions match their words and when their persona remains consistent across different contexts.

This ability to discern authenticity makes you a magnet for genuine relationships and a skilled navigator through the often-convoluted maze of human character.

The appreciation for authenticity isn’t just about identifying it in others, but also living it yourself.

When you embody your values and beliefs in your actions, you create a trustworthy baseline that helps you discern the character of others.

2) You’re sensitive to non-verbal cues

I’ve come to realize that words are only a fraction of our communication. A significant part of our interactions lies in the unspoken – the gestures, body language, facial expressions, and even the pauses between words.

This sensitivity to non-verbal cues is another sign of being a good judge of character.

It’s about picking up on the subtleties: the way someone’s smile doesn’t quite reach their eyes when they’re pretending to be happy, or the way they fidget when they’re uncomfortable.

I remember a time when I was in a business meeting. One of the individuals at the table was pitching an idea with confidence and charisma. But something felt off. His movements were too rehearsed, his smile a bit too forced.

The incongruity between his words and his body language raised a red flag in my mind. And as it turned out later, my instincts were right. The project he was pitching wasn’t as promising as he made it out to be.

Being able to read these non-verbal cues gives you a deeper understanding of people’s true emotions and intentions. 

3) You understand the power of empathy

Building on the previous point, being sensitive to non-verbal cues often goes hand in hand with a deep sense of empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes, seeing the world from their perspective.

My experience in that business meeting taught me more than just spotting a dubious pitch. It highlighted the importance of empathy in understanding people and situations.

The person pitching may have had his reasons for the over-enthusiasm – pressure to succeed, fear of failure, or maybe he himself was misled.

Being a good judge of character is not about being judgemental, but about developing an understanding, an empathy towards others’ realities.

It’s about realizing that everyone is fighting their own battles – some are just better at concealing it than others.

Empathy allows you to connect with people on a deeper level. It helps in building authentic relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.

This is key not only in personal relationships but also in professional settings where understanding people can lead to more effective collaboration and communication.

4) You appreciate the beauty of imperfection

Perfection is a myth – we should all know this by now.

In a world that often glorifies perfection, it may seem odd to celebrate imperfection. Yet, this is exactly what an exceptional judge of character does.

You understand that it’s through our flaws and mistakes that our true character shines through.

Seeing people at their most vulnerable, during their moments of struggle or failure, can reveal more about their character than any of their triumphs.

How someone handles adversity, how they learn from their mistakes, and how they treat others when they’re at their lowest are potent indicators of their true character.

This appreciation of imperfections also resonates with my belief in the transformative power of personal growth. It’s through confronting our fears and challenges that we evolve and become better versions of ourselves.

By valuing others’ imperfections, you not only get a glimpse into their character but also foster an environment where growth and learning are valued over unrealistic ideals of perfection.

5) You’re not easily swayed by first impressions

While first impressions do matter, an exceptional judge of character knows that they don’t tell the whole story.

You understand that people are complex, multi-dimensional beings who cannot be accurately judged based on a single interaction.

You give people the space and time to reveal their true selves. You observe their behavior over time, in different situations, and with various people.

You understand that everyone has good and bad days, and that one off-color comment or action doesn’t necessarily reflect someone’s true character.

This ability to remain open and not rush to judgment is a powerful tool in understanding people at a deeper level. It enables you to build relationships based on authenticity and mutual respect rather than preconceived notions.

If you’re looking to take this principle even deeper, I recommend checking out my “Finding Your Purpose” free masterclass.

By taking this journey to discovering your true calling, you’ll further develop your ability to understand others as you gain a clearer understanding of yourself.

The insights offered in this masterclass can enhance your ability to see beyond first impressions and connect with people on a more meaningful level. Check it out here.

6) You’re comfortable with silence

In a world that often equates silence with awkwardness, being comfortable with it may seem out of place. However, those who are excellent judges of character understand the power silence holds.

Silence creates space – space for thoughts to settle, for emotions to be felt, and for the unsaid to be understood.

It’s in these silent moments that people often reveal themselves more honestly than they do in conversation.

Observing how people behave in silence can reveal a lot about their character. Some may feel the need to fill every quiet moment, revealing a discomfort with stillness or possibly an unwillingness to reflect.

Others may embrace the quiet, showing a capacity for introspection and peace within themselves.

7) You trust your intuition

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, an exceptional judge of character trusts their intuition.

Intuition, often referred to as our ‘gut feeling’, is an intrinsic part of our decision-making process. It’s that sense of knowing something without a clear logical reason.

Over the years, I’ve learned to trust this intuitive sense more and more.

There have been times when, despite all outward appearances suggesting otherwise, something felt out of alignment. And more often than not, these feelings turned out to be accurate.

Trusting your intuition doesn’t mean ignoring rational thought or concrete evidence. Instead, it’s about striking a balance between the conscious and subconscious parts of your mind.

It’s about recognizing when your gut is trying to tell you something that your conscious mind may be missing.

If you find yourself frequently relying on your gut feelings and they turn out to be right, it’s a strong sign that you’re an exceptional judge of character.

It shows that you’re in tune with yourself and the world around you in a way that goes beyond surface-level observations.

Final thoughts

Being an exceptional judge of character doesn’t mean you have all the answers. Instead, it means you’re open to learning and brave enough to trust your instincts.

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of this journey is that, as we learn to understand others more deeply, we also gain insights into ourselves.

Our ability to judge character is a reflection of our self-awareness, our values, and our capacity for empathy and compassion.

I invite you to reflect on these signs. How do they resonate with you? Are there areas where you excel, or where you might need more practice?

Remember, this isn’t about being ‘perfect’. It’s about growth, understanding, and authenticity.

For those wanting to delve deeper into this journey of self-understanding and authenticity, I recommend my “Finding Your Purpose” free masterclass.

This masterclass offers tools and insights that can help you connect with your deepest values and passions. You can check it out here.