If you’re someone who always cheers for the underdog, you may find that your perspective on life is a bit unique. Rooting for the underdog isn’t just about who wins or loses, it’s an outlook that can affect various aspects of your life.

You might find yourself drawn to characters who struggle, or perhaps you always stand up for the person who seems to be at a disadvantage. You may even find joy in seeing someone overcome obstacles against all odds.

This tendency isn’t just a personal preference, it could be deeply ingrained in your personality.

Psychologists have identified certain traits common among people who consistently root for the underdog. 

Let’s dive into these seven traits, and see what they tell us about those who always back the underdog.

1) Empathy

As someone who consistently roots for the underdog, you might find that empathy is a trait that is deeply woven into your character. You’re not just watching the game or the competition, you’re placing yourself in the shoes of the one who is struggling or at a disadvantage.

This empathy extends beyond the realm of sports or competition. It might manifest itself in your daily life too – standing up for a colleague who’s being unfairly treated, or maybe even rescuing stray animals in your neighborhood.

This isn’t to say that rooting for the underdog makes you a saint. But it does indicate that you have a heightened sense of empathy and understanding towards those who are facing challenges or hard times.

And this empathetic nature is one of the key traits that draws you to the underdog, and fuels your desire to see them triumph against all odds.

2) Ambiguity tolerance

Contrary to what some might think, those who always root for the underdog often have a high tolerance for uncertainty. They are comfortable with not knowing the outcome, which is usually uncertain when rooting for the underdog.

This doesn’t mean they enjoy chaos or instability, but rather, they’re able to remain calm and steady in situations where the outcome is up in the air.

This trait allows them to wholeheartedly support those who are less likely to succeed, and even find enjoyment in the unpredictability of it all.

Embracing ambiguity in this way also shows an ability to step away from societal norms and expectations, choosing instead to support someone or something that might not be popular or favored. It’s a trait that speaks volumes about a person’s character and worldview.

3) High emotional intelligence

People who consistently root for the underdog often have a high level of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as recognize, understand and influence the emotions of others.

It’s this understanding of emotions that allows them to connect deeply with the underdog. They can sense the struggle, the effort, and the desire to succeed that underdogs typically display. They can also manage their own emotions effectively when the underdogs they’re rooting for don’t win.

Interestingly, research has shown that people with high emotional intelligence are better at handling stress and are more likely to have strong relationships – perhaps another reason why they find it so compelling to support the underdogs in their lives, whether it’s on a sports field or in everyday situations.

4) Strong belief in fairness

If you’re one of those individuals who always roots for the underdog, chances are you hold a strong belief in fairness and justice. You may feel a deep sense of discomfort when you see inequality or a lopsided playing field.

This belief goes beyond just supporting the underdog in a competition. It translates to an everyday life where you might be the one to speak up against prejudices, or stand up for someone who’s being sidelined.

It is this innate sense of justice that guides your actions and decisions. You don’t root for the underdog simply because it feels good, but because you believe everyone deserves an equal chance at success, no matter the odds stacked against them.

You see their struggles, you feel their passion, and you believe in the possibility of their victory – not just for them, but for the fairness it represents.

5) Resilience

Life isn’t always smooth sailing. We all face our fair share of challenges and setbacks. If you’re someone who constantly roots for the underdog, it’s likely that you understand this better than most.

Perhaps you’ve faced your own struggles and risen above them, or maybe you’ve seen others do the same and admired their tenacity. This understanding of life’s ups and downs makes you resilient.

Resilience allows you to keep going, even when things get tough. It’s what propels you to cheer for the underdog, because you can relate to their fight and their journey.

You know what it’s like to keep pushing forward, despite the odds, and that’s why you find the underdog’s story so compelling.

6) Perseverance

If there’s one trait that stands out in those who always root for the underdog, it’s perseverance. You might remember a time when you were working on a project or a task that seemed almost impossible to complete.

Despite the difficulties, you didn’t give up. You persisted, worked hard, and eventually, you achieved your goal. It was a tough journey, but you made it.

This is exactly what you see in the underdog – that grit, that determination to keep going despite the challenges and obstacles in their way. And because you’ve experienced this yourself, you admire and support their journey towards victory.

Your personal experiences with perseverance make their struggle resonate with you on a deeper level.

7) Realism

While it’s admirable to always root for the underdog, it’s also important to be a realist. Sure, you appreciate the struggle and the fight, but you also understand that not every underdog story ends with a victory.

Sometimes, despite all the effort and determination, the underdog doesn’t win. And that’s okay. It’s a part of life. It’s about the journey, the fight, and the spirit that counts.

You understand this hard truth, accept it, and still choose to root for the underdog. This realism doesn’t dampen your support or enthusiasm, but instead enhances it.

You cheer them on knowing that a win isn’t guaranteed, but their effort and spirit deserve recognition nonetheless.

The underlying spirit

At the end of the day, if you’re someone who consistently roots for the underdog, it’s not just about who wins or loses. It’s about the spirit of the underdog – that relentless determination, the courage to face challenges head on, and the sheer willpower to keep going despite the odds.

These are not just traits of an underdog, but traits of a person with character and heart. And that’s probably why you root for them in the first place. Because you see beyond the surface – you appreciate their spirit, their resilience, and their fight.

So continue cheering for those underdogs, because it’s not just about them – it’s about acknowledging and celebrating these admirable traits that we all can, and should aspire to embody in our own lives.

Here’s to celebrating the underdog spirit – in others, and within ourselves!