Being genuine seems to be a rare trait these days.

In a world filled with facades and pretenses, if you’re one of the few genuine people out there, it can be challenging to find others who appreciate your authenticity.

More often than not, people mistake your honesty for bluntness.

In fact, you’ve probably been labeled as “too straightforward” more times than you care to count.

Sound familiar? If it does, keep reading as we delve into the 10 phrases only genuine people use, according to psychology.

1) “I don’t know”

One of the phrases often used by genuine people is “I don’t know”.

Genuine people aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t have all the answers.

They understand that it’s impossible to know everything and are comfortable with admitting their lack of knowledge in certain areas.

People might see you as unprepared or uninformed because you don’t always have an immediate answer. But that’s not the case at all.

Being genuine means being honest, even when it’s about your own limitations or ignorance.

You know that it’s better to admit you don’t know something than to pretend like you do. You value honesty over false pretense, even if it makes you appear less knowledgeable in the eyes of others.

2) “I made a mistake”

Another common phrase genuine people use quite frequently is “I made a mistake”.

Now, let me share a personal experience with you. A few years ago, I was leading a project at work. There were numerous responsibilities on my shoulders and I was determined to make it a success.

However, in the process, I overlooked a critical piece of information which led to a delay in the project. It was clearly my mistake and it had consequences.

Instead of trying to shift the blame or justify my actions, I went straight to my team and said, “I made a mistake”. I acknowledged my error, apologized for it, and worked harder to rectify it.

Being genuine means being accountable for your actions and not shying away from admitting when you’re at fault.

You understand that everyone makes mistakes and what truly matters is how you learn and grow from them.

3) “I appreciate you”

“I appreciate you” is a phrase that genuine people use often, and it’s more than just a token of gratitude.

A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley found that expressing gratitude not only improves one’s own well-being but also strengthens relationships and fosters a sense of community.

Genuine people understand the importance of making others feel valued and appreciated.

They are not stingy with their compliments and always make sure to express their gratitude when someone has helped them or made a positive impact in their lives.

They know that saying “I appreciate you” is not just about making the other person feel good, it’s also about acknowledging the positive qualities and efforts of those around them.

4) “What do you think?”

Genuine people often use the phrase “What do you think?”.

They’re not just interested in expressing their own opinions, but they also genuinely want to hear what others have to say.

It’s not about agreeing or disagreeing with others. Instead, it’s about understanding different perspectives and expanding their horizon of knowledge.

They understand that the world isn’t black and white, and they are open to having their views challenged and learning from others.

Being genuine means being open-minded and respectful of other’s perspectives. This is why they’re often eager to ask “What do you think?”.

5) “I’m sorry”

“I’m sorry” – two simple words that genuine people are never afraid to utter.

Let’s be real here. Apologizing is hard. It requires swallowing your pride and admitting that you were wrong. It’s an act of vulnerability, and in today’s society, vulnerability is often perceived as a weakness.

Yet genuine people understand the power of a sincere apology. They know they aren’t perfect and they are bound to make mistakes.

But they also know that it’s important to take responsibility for those mistakes and apologize when they have hurt or wronged someone.

They are not afraid to admit their wrongdoings and apologize because they know it’s the right thing to do.

Being genuine means being humble and sincere in your interactions with others, even when it means admitting you were wrong.

6) “How are you really doing?”

Genuine people frequently ask, “How are you really doing?”.

In a world where “I’m fine” has become the default response to the question “How are you?”, genuine people aren’t satisfied with surface-level answers.

They genuinely care about the well-being of others and want to understand how they’re truly feeling.

They aren’t asking out of courtesy or to make small talk, but because they truly want to know. They want to be there for others and offer their support in times of need.

This might seem intrusive or overly personal to some, but to the genuine person, it’s just a way of showing empathy and compassion.

They understand that everyone goes through highs and lows, and they want to be there to celebrate the good times and offer support during the tough times..

7) “I’ve been there”

Genuine people often say, “I’ve been there”. They use this phrase not as a way to shift focus onto themselves, but to empathize and connect on a deeper level.

We all have experienced trials and tribulations, moments of joy and moments of sorrow. Genuine people understand this universal human experience and aren’t afraid to share their own experiences as a way to relate.

Instead of offering unsolicited advice or trying to fix everything, they simply acknowledge the other person’s experience and offer understanding. They know that sometimes, what people really need is someone who gets it.

In a world where everyone wants to appear perfect and unflappable, admitting you’ve faced challenges can be seen as exposing your weaknesses.

But for the genuine person, it’s about connecting, empathizing, and being human.

Being genuine means being relatable and willing to share your own experiences in order to connect with others on a deeper level. This is why they’re often heard saying, “I’ve been there”.

8) “That’s hilarious!”

Genuine people have a knack for saying “That’s hilarious!” They have a genuine appreciation for humor and aren’t shy about expressing their amusement.

 They don’t feel the need to hide their joy or suppress their giggles. If something is funny, they’ll laugh heartily and let you know they find it hilarious.

This might seem trivial or even silly to some, but to the genuine person, it’s just another way of expressing their authentic self. They’re not afraid to show their lighter side and enjoy life’s humorous moments.

Being genuine means being authentic in all your responses, even when it comes to laughter and amusement.

9) “You can do better”

Genuine people aren’t afraid to say, “You can do better”. They believe in the potential of those around them, and they aren’t shy about pushing them towards it.

In a world where it’s easy to settle and become complacent, genuine people refuse to let their loved ones sell themselves short.

They’re not being overly critical or unsupportive; on the contrary, they see the greatness in others even when they can’t see it in themselves.

This might seem harsh to some, but to the genuine person, it’s a form of tough love. They know that growth comes from pushing boundaries and stepping out of comfort zones.

Being genuine means being honest even when it’s hard. It means believing in others and encouraging them to strive for more. 

10) “I’m here for you”

The phrase “I’m here for you” is a testament to a genuine person’s character. They say it and mean it. They are reliable, supportive, and present when you need them the most.

In a world where people often make promises they don’t keep, a genuine person’s word is their bond.

They understand the importance of being there for others, not just in words but in action.

Despite their own struggles or busy schedules, they make time to support those they care about. They lend an ear when you need to talk, offer a shoulder when you need to cry, and stand by your side when you need them the most.

Being genuine means being there for others in their time of need. This is why they frequently say, “I’m here for you”, because they truly are.

Final thoughts

Being genuine in a world full of pretenses can be challenging.

You can be perceived as too straightforward, overly sensitive, or even naive, but that’s merely because society often misunderstands those who refuse to wear masks—especially those who defy the norms of superficiality.

So if you’re a genuine person who often uses these phrases, don’t be discouraged—you possess a rare authenticity that not everyone can appreciate.

Only those who value sincerity and depth will recognize the beauty of your authenticity.

Remember, your genuineness is your strength. Don’t let the world harden you or make you feel that you have to hide your true self.