If someone displays these 11 traits, they’re a really good person

Do you ever wonder what makes someone a genuinely good person? 

It’s not just about being nice or polite; it’s about embodying a set of qualities that reflect a deep-seated sense of kindness, compassion, and integrity. 

These are the people who light up our lives, inspire us to be better, and remind us of the goodness that exists in the world. 

In this article, we’ll explore 11 traits that, when combined, create the foundation of a truly good person!

1) They’re empathetic 

A good person has the ability to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and truly understand their feelings. 

They can sense the emotions of others and respond with kindness and compassion.

 I’ve experienced this firsthand when going through a tough breakup. 

Instead of dismissing my pain, my best friend was there for me day and night. She truly understood what I was going through, and it deepened our friendship tenfold!

You see, empathy is not just about feeling sorry for someone but also about showing genuine concern and offering support when needed. 

It’s about being there for people in their darkest hours and acknowledging their feelings without judgment.

2) They’re honest

Honesty is the foundation of any healthy relationship, whether it’s with friends, family, or a significant other. 

And a good person is truthful, reliable, and trustworthy. They don’t lie, cheat, or manipulate others for personal gain. 

Instead, they remain authentic and transparent in their intentions and actions.

But here’s the thing:

Being honest doesn’t mean being brutally blunt or insensitive. 

A good person knows how to deliver the truth with tact and kindness, considering the feelings of others

They understand that honesty, when delivered with compassion, can be a powerful tool for personal growth and better relationships!

3) They respect others

Respecting others is a clear sign of a really good person

They value people’s opinions, beliefs, and feelings, even if they don’t necessarily agree with them. 

That’s because a good person is aware that everyone has a unique perspective and that it’s essential to be open-minded and considerate!

For example, my coworker has vastly different political beliefs than I do. But instead of arguing or ridiculing my views, he respects my right to have my own opinions and listens with an open mind. 

This mutual respect has allowed us to have productive conversations and maintain a positive working relationship…and validates my impression that he is a good person!

4) They’re generous 

A good person is generous not only with their material possessions but also with their time, energy, and knowledge. 

They are willing to share what they have with others and go out of their way to help people in need

And that’s not all…

The generosity of a good person comes from a place of genuine care and concern, rather than seeking recognition or reward!

I remember a time when I was lost in London, and no one would make eye contact long enough for me to ask for directions.

That was until a woman stopped and asked if I was okay – she then proceeded to tell me exactly how to get to where I needed to go. Even though she was probably in a rush like everyone else, she was generous enough to give me her time and save the day! 

5) They’re humble 

Another trait of a really good person is being humble

Good people:

  • Recognize their own limitations
  • Accept their imperfections
  • Are willing to learn from others. 

And most importantly:

A humble person does not boast about their accomplishments or look down on others; instead, they appreciate the contributions of everyone around them.

This is why they make for good coworkers, as well as great friends. They’re easy to talk to and avoid making judgments – a true mark of a good person!

6) They take responsibility

A good person takes responsibility for their actions and choices. 

They own up to their mistakes, learn from them, and strive to do better. 

And instead of blaming others or making excuses, they recognize the consequences of their actions and work to rectify any harm they may have caused.

But it doesn’t stop there…

Taking responsibility also means being accountable for one’s commitments. 

A good person follows through on their promises and does their best to meet their obligations, whether it’s at work, at home, or in their relationships!

7) They’re patient 

Patience is another trait that a good person possesses. 

They understand that life is full of challenges and setbacks, and they don’t let these obstacles discourage them. Instead, they remain calm and composed, tackling problems one step at a time. 

Put simply – they know that growth and progress take time and effort.

And a good person also practices patience in their relationships with others. 

They are willing to give people the time and space they need, without putting undue pressure or expectations on them.

By doing this, they form strong connections and healthy relationships with others!

8) They practice gratitude 

A good person practices gratitude and appreciates the good things in their life. 

They don’t take their blessings for granted, and they express thanks for the people and experiences that bring them joy. 

The truth is, this positive outlook helps them maintain a healthy perspective and fosters happiness in their lives.

For example, my friend Alina has a daily gratitude practice. 

Each evening, she writes down three things she’s grateful for in a journal. 

This simple act has helped her cultivate a more positive mindset and appreciate the beauty in life, even during difficult times. 

I’ve seen how much it’s helped her and now I encourage everyone to try out this powerful technique, especially for those trying to better themselves! 

9) They’re adaptable 

Life is full of change, and a good person has the ability to adapt to new circumstances and situations. 

They are resilient and resourceful, finding ways to overcome obstacles and make the best of any situation. 

But here’s the thing – a good person doesn’t resist change but embraces it, recognizing that it is often an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

It’s also worth mentioning that adaptability is also crucial in relationships. 

A good person is willing to compromise and adjust their behavior or expectations to accommodate the needs and feelings of others. 

This flexibility helps them build strong, lasting connections!

10) They’re forgiving

A good person knows the power of forgiveness

They understand that holding onto grudges and resentment only hurts themselves and hinders their personal growth. 

So, instead, they choose to let go of past hurts, offering forgiveness to both themselves and others.

But it’s important to remember – forgiving someone doesn’t mean condoning their actions, it simply allows for healing and the possibility of moving forward. 

And ultimately, a really good person knows that everyone is capable of making mistakes!

11) They have integrity 

Last but not least, a good person has strong moral principles and lives by a code of ethics. 

They are honest, fair, and responsible in all aspects of their life, and they stand up for what they believe is right. 

You see, a person with integrity does not compromise their values or principles, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.

They’re the people that give us faith in humanity and remind us that there’s still so much goodness out there in the world! 

The other side to being a good person

It’s definitely important to be a good person.

But there’s also a danger to trying to be so good all the time.

The problem comes when we care too much about society’s standards of what “good” means.

For example, imagine an employee who is viewed as “good” by their manager for working late. This may be appropriate at times. But perverse situations can occur where the manager abuses the employee’s desire to be seen as good.

In this case, the employee should be comfortable at times in giving up the label of good in order to assert themselves and not work so late all the time.

Another example may happen in our relationships.

In some marriages, it’s important we give up on the idea of being a “good” husband or wife, if that’s what’s required to stand up for ourselves.

There are many examples like this.

The key point is this:

In general, we should strive to be “good”. But it’s not a black or white rule.

We should also take the time to examine how we define what good means.

The video below by Ideapod founder Justin Brown examines this issue in more depth. It’s worth watching.

YouTube video
Picture of Kiran Athar

Kiran Athar

Kiran is a freelance writer with a degree in multimedia journalism. She enjoys exploring spirituality, psychology, and love in her writing. As she continues blazing ahead on her journey of self-discovery, she hopes to help her readers do the same. She thrives on building a sense of community and bridging the gaps between people. You can reach out to Kiran on Twitter: @KiranAthar1

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