There’s a world of difference between being perceived as good and being genuinely good.

The distinction boils down to authenticity.

Being genuinely good means embodying certain traits consistently, not just when it suits you or when others are watching.

Psychology can tell us a lot about what these traits are.

And as someone passionate about understanding human behavior, I’m here to share with you what I’ve learned.

So sit tight as we delve into the 8 traits of a genuinely good person, according to psychology.

Trust me, this might just give you a fresh perspective on what it truly means to be good.

1) Authenticity

Authenticity often tops the list when it comes to defining a genuinely good person.

It’s about being real, genuine, and transparent.

It’s about owning your strengths and weaknesses alike, showcasing your true self without any pretense or facade.

Think about the people you admire most. Aren’t they the ones who are unapologetically themselves?

They don’t conform to societal norms or expectations just for the sake of fitting in. They are true to themselves and their beliefs.

This trait is a cornerstone of genuine goodness.

Because an authentic person doesn’t merely strive to appear good; they genuinely want to be good, even when no one is watching.

2) Empathy

Another trait shared by genuinely good people is empathy.

This is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and feeling their joy, pain, or confusion as if it were your own.

Here’s a personal story to illustrate this. I once had a friend who was going through a tough time.

She had just lost her job and was feeling very down about it.

Even though I was dealing with my own issues at that time, I made it a point to be there for her.

And it wasn’t just about offering advice or solutions.

It was about listening to her, understanding her emotions, and validating her feelings.

I could see how my empathy made a difference to her during that challenging phase.

That’s what empathy is all about.

And in my opinion, it’s one of the most vital qualities of a genuinely good person.

3) Kindness

Kindness is a trait that’s universally recognized as a marker of a genuinely good person.

It’s about being considerate, helpful, and benevolent to the people around you.

Kindness has also been scientifically proven to boost happiness.

Research has found that performing acts of kindness can increase feelings of well-being and boost self-esteem. 

So not only does being kind make the world a better place, it also has a positive impact on our own well-being.

Truly, kindness is the gift that keeps on giving.

4) Integrity

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

A person with integrity does what they believe is right, not what is convenient or what might win them favor.

They stand by their values, even when it’s challenging or unpopular.

They honor their commitments and are reliable in their actions.

A genuinely good person doesn’t compromise their integrity for anything.

They understand that trust is hard to earn and easy to lose, so they consistently act in ways that uphold their credibility and character.

In essence, a person of integrity walks the talk, creating a harmony between their actions and beliefs.

5) Compassion

Compassion is a trait that touches the heart.

It’s feeling moved by others’ suffering and having a desire to alleviate it.

A genuinely good person doesn’t just feel sorry for others; they take action to help.

They’re the ones ready with a comforting word, a helping hand, or even just a shoulder to cry on when times get tough.

They care deeply about the well-being of others around them, not because they want something in return, but simply because they can’t bear to see others in pain.

Compassion is a trait that transforms empathy into action.

It’s the heart of all human connection and the essence of humanity itself.

To be compassionate is to let your heart touch the lives of others.

6) Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a trait that can be challenging to master.

It’s about letting go of resentment and giving up the right to seek revenge.

I remember a time when someone close to me hurt me deeply.

Holding on to the anger and bitterness felt like the easy thing to do.

But I realized that by not forgiving, I was only causing more harm to myself.

So, I decided to forgive, not for them, but for myself. It was an incredibly liberating experience.

I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders and my peace restored.

A genuinely good person understands the power of forgiveness.

They don’t hold grudges or harbor bitterness

. Instead, they choose to forgive, not because it lets the other person off the hook, but because it frees their own heart from the chains of resentment.

7) Humility

Humility is a trait that can be often overlooked, but it’s a hallmark of a genuinely good person.

A humble person doesn’t seek the spotlight or crave recognition for their achievements.

They’re comfortable in their skin and don’t feel the need to boast or brag.

They recognize their flaws and are open to feedback and growth.

They appreciate others’ contributions and are quick to give credit where it’s due.

A truly humble person understands that there’s always something to learn from others, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Their humility allows them to be lifelong learners, constantly growing and evolving.

8) Consistency

Ultimately, the true test of a genuinely good person lies in their consistency.

It’s about embodying these traits not just once or twice, but consistently over time.

Consistency is what separates genuine goodness from momentary kindness.

It’s about being kind, empathetic, compassionate, forgiving, and humble day in and day out, even when it’s challenging.

A genuinely good person doesn’t change their colors based on situations or company.

They remain true to their core values and principles, consistently acting in line with them.

So if you’re looking for the hallmark of a genuinely good person, look at their consistency.

It’s the truest measure of their character.

Final reflections: The power of goodness

The beauty of human nature lies in its complexity and diversity.

Yet, across cultures and societies, certain traits universally resonate as markers of genuine goodness.

These traits – authenticity, empathy, kindness, integrity, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and consistency – are not merely aspirational.

They are within the reach of each one of us.

Being a genuinely good person isn’t about being perfect or never making mistakes.

It’s about striving to embody these traits in our everyday lives, learning from our missteps, and treating others with the same respect and kindness we wish to receive.