If you’ve interacted with someone who seems to stand out in the crowd, you may have noticed certain non-obvious behaviors that make them unique.

A high-quality person, as psychology defines it, often exhibits certain traits which might not be immediately apparent.

They might show signs of emotional intelligence, humility, or empathy that leave you impressed and inspired.

They may display a sense of calm even in stressful situations or show resilience when faced with adversity.

Being a high-quality person isn’t an act or a façade.

It’s about genuine behaviors and attitudes that create a positive impact on others.

But everyone is different, so recognizing these non-obvious indicators can be tricky.

Understanding these behaviors could prove insightful, whether you’re aiming to develop these qualities yourself or trying to identify them in others.

So, let’s delve into the 8 non-obvious behaviors of a high-quality person, according to psychology.

1) Emotional intelligence

Emotionally intelligent people are often high-quality individuals, though it might not be immediately noticeable.

This trait involves recognizing and understanding both your own emotions and the emotions of others.

For instance, if a friend is upset, an emotionally intelligent person will not only notice this but also adjust their behavior accordingly.

They might offer comfort, give them space, or find a way to lighten the mood, depending on what they perceive the friend needs.

Emotional intelligence isn’t about being a mind reader. It’s about being in tune with others’ feelings and responding appropriately.

It’s about having the ability to manage and control your own emotions too, which can help in reducing conflicts and improving relationships.

This trait may make you feel valued and understood when interacting with such individuals.

You might not even realize why you feel so comfortable around them, because this is one of those non-obvious behaviors that high-quality people often exhibit.

2) Comfort with vulnerability

High-quality individuals often exhibit a comfort with their own vulnerability.

This might seem odd at first, as vulnerability is typically associated with weakness.

But in reality, it requires strength to open up and show your true self, flaws and all.

When someone is comfortable with their vulnerability, they aren’t afraid to admit mistakes or share personal stories of failure.

They don’t feel the need to put up a façade of perfection. Instead, they’re genuine and authentic.

This behavior can create a sense of trust and relatability.

It can make you feel more at ease around them, knowing that they’re human just like you, with their own struggles and setbacks.

Being comfortable with vulnerability also means they’re open to growth and learning.

They see their mistakes as opportunities to improve rather than something to be ashamed of.

3) Active listening

High-quality individuals often have a knack for active listening.

They don’t just hear the words being said, they truly listen and understand the underlying sentiments and ideas.

Active listening involves giving full attention, providing feedback, and showing empathy.

When you’re talking, they’re not just waiting for their turn to speak.

They’re engaged, asking relevant questions, and showing interest in what you have to say.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found a strong positive correlation between perceived listening and relationship quality, suggesting that effective listening significantly improves interpersonal connections.

So if you find someone who seems to really absorb what you’re saying, chances are you’ve encountered a high-quality individual.

Active listening is a skill that can be developed over time.

Practicing it can improve your personal and professional relationships, making you a better communicator overall.

4) Noticing the unnoticed

 

Ever met someone who seems to remember the little things you said, or notices when you’ve had a tough day even before you mention it?

This is another behavior often exhibited by high-quality individuals.

They have an eye for detail when it comes to people they care about.

They remember your favourite book, your coffee order, or that you prefer texts over calls.

It’s not about grand gestures but these small acts of consideration that show they truly know and value you.

In tough times, they’re the ones who realize you’re not yourself before anyone else does.

They understand that everyone has off days and instead of judging, they offer a listening ear or a comforting word.

This kind of attentiveness can make you feel seen and appreciated in a very special way.

It’s a subtle art that high-quality people master, making them stand out in their relationships.

And it’s something we can all strive to be better at, because noticing the unnoticed can make a world of difference to someone.

5) Adaptable to change

Life is unpredictable and things don’t always go according to plan.

High-quality individuals understand this and have an ability to adapt to changes, big or small.

Maybe they had planned a beach day, but it starts raining.

Instead of getting upset or frustrated, they switch gears and suggest a cozy movie day indoors.

Or perhaps a major change happens in their life – like a job loss or relocation – they might naturally worry, but they don’t let fear paralyze them.

They take it as an opportunity to explore new avenues.

Adaptability doesn’t mean they’re always happy about changes, but they accept that change is a part of life and are willing to adjust their sails accordingly.

We’ve all faced unexpected changes and we know it’s not always easy.

But seeing someone handle these situations with grace can be inspiring and remind us that we too have the strength to adapt.

After all, it’s not the change itself, but how we respond to it that truly matters.

6) Gratitude in everyday life

One distinct behavior of high-quality individuals is their practice of expressing gratitude regularly.

They don’t reserve their thankfulness for big wins or special occasions, but find reasons to be grateful in their everyday life.

For example, I once knew someone who would start each day by listing three things they were grateful for.

It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee or a phone call with an old friend.

This simple act set a positive tone for the rest of their day and cultivated an attitude of appreciation.

Exhibiting gratitude not only enhances their own happiness but also influences the mood of those around them.

It’s a ripple effect – when you see someone appreciating the small things, it encourages you to do the same.

Practicing gratitude is a choice we can all make to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.

7) Setting firm boundaries

High-quality individuals understand the importance of setting boundaries.

They recognize their worth and aren’t afraid to communicate their needs clearly, even if it might disappoint others.

Boundaries aren’t about being selfish or unapproachable. It’s about respecting your own time, energy, and emotional well-being.

Whether it’s saying ‘no’ to an extra task at work when they’re already overwhelmed or not tolerating disrespectful behavior in personal relationships, they’re firm in maintaining their boundaries.

It might be hard to accept when someone sets a boundary that affects you, but it’s crucial to respect it.

It shows they value themselves and expect others to do the same.

And remember, setting your own boundaries isn’t something to shy away from.

It’s a crucial aspect of self-care and commands respect from others.

It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely necessary for your personal growth and mental health.

8) Unwavering kindness

Above all, high-quality individuals are consistently kind.

They treat others with respect and understanding, regardless of who they are or how they’ve been treated in return.

Kindness isn’t about being a pushover or pleasing others.

It’s about acknowledging the inherent worth of every individual and treating them with dignity.

From the way they speak to the waiter at a restaurant, to how they handle a disagreement with a friend, their kindness is unwavering.

In a world where you can be anything, being kind is a choice that speaks volumes about your character.

It’s the golden thread that ties all other qualities together.