9 signs you’re genuinely a good person, according to psychology

Being a good person isn’t all about grand gestures and heroic deeds. Sometimes, it’s the little things that truly define our goodness.

Psychology has a thing or two to say about this. It presents some subtle signs that indicate you are genuinely good, even when no one is watching.

In this article, we’ll delve into nine such signs. But remember, it’s not about ticking all the boxes; it’s about self-improvement and personal growth.

Let’s get started. 

1) Empathy is your second nature

One of the most telling signs of a genuinely good person is the ability to empathize. Empathy is more than just understanding someone else’s feelings. It’s about sharing those feelings, stepping into their shoes, and viewing the world from their perspective.

Psychologists agree that empathy is a fundamental aspect of human interaction. It builds bridges, fosters understanding, and creates a sense of community.

If you find yourself naturally empathizing with others, feeling their joy and pain, it’s a strong indicator that you are intrinsically good. But remember, empathy isn’t about solving everyone’s problems. It’s about letting them know they’re not alone.

This is not about being a doormat or letting others take advantage of your kindness. It’s about being there for people when they need you and showing compassion without any expectation of reward.

2) You practice honesty, even when it’s tough

They say honesty is the best policy, and I’ve found this to be true in my life. Being a good person often means telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult.

I remember a time when I found a wallet on the street, full of cash and cards. It would have been easy to pocket the money and walk away, but that wouldn’t be right. Instead, I tracked down the owner using his ID and returned everything intact.

It wasn’t about getting a reward or recognition. It was about doing the right thing because that’s what good people do. They remain honest and uphold their principles, even when no one is watching.

Psychology supports this concept by classifying honesty as a key virtue indicative of moral character. If you follow the path of truthfulness, even in challenging situations, you’re showing one of the strongest signs of being a genuinely good person.

3) You’re consistently kind to everyone

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. This phrase holds a lot of weight and depicts the essence of being a good person.

Kindness isn’t selective; it doesn’t differentiate between a friend and a stranger, or between someone who can benefit you and someone who can’t. It’s about treating everyone with respect and compassion, regardless of their status or how they treat you.

One might think that being kind all the time can be draining, but here’s something fascinating: studies have shown that acts of kindness actually release hormones that make us feel happier and more positive.

If you’re someone who spreads kindness like confetti, always ready to lend a hand or share a smile, you’re not only making the world a better place, but you’re also increasing your own happiness. That’s a sign of a genuinely good person.

4) You’re not quick to judge others

We all have our own stories, our own struggles, and our own triumphs. And a genuinely good person understands this. They know that everyone is fighting their own battles, which may not always be visible on the surface.

Instead of jumping to conclusions or making snap judgments based on someone’s actions or appearance, you take a step back. You give people the benefit of the doubt and strive to understand their perspective before forming an opinion.

This ability to withhold judgment and show understanding is a sign of emotional intelligence. It shows that you value people for who they are and respect their individuality.

If you find yourself practicing this often, it’s another sign pointing towards your genuine goodness.

5) You appreciate the good in others

As human beings, we all have a mix of strengths and weaknesses. But a truly good person has a knack for recognizing and appreciating the positives in others.

Instead of focusing on their flaws or mistakes, you look at their virtues and achievements. You celebrate their success without envy and acknowledge their efforts without undermining them.

This shows a sense of security in who you are and a genuine happiness for others. If you routinely find yourself uplifting those around you and acknowledging their good traits, you’re demonstrating one of the key signs of being a good person.

6) You forgive and let go

Holding onto grudges and resentment can be like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. A genuinely good person understands this, and chooses the path of forgiveness instead.

Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you condone their actions or forget what they did. It means you’re choosing to free yourself from the burden of resentment and move forward with your life.

It’s not always easy, but it’s a sign of strength, compassion, and emotional maturity. If you’re someone who can forgive and let go, not only for the sake of others but for your own peace of mind, you’re showing a powerful sign of being genuinely good.

7) You stand up for what’s right

There are times when doing the right thing isn’t the easiest thing. I recall a moment in high school when I saw a group of kids bullying a classmate. It would have been easier to walk away, to ignore it, but that wouldn’t have been right.

So, I stepped in. I stood up for my classmate, and though it wasn’t easy, it felt right.

Being a good person means standing up against injustice, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary. It’s about using your voice for those who can’t and advocating for fairness and equality.

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t shy away from standing up for what’s right, you’re showing an undeniable sign of being genuinely good.

8) You’re selfless in your actions

A genuinely good person understands the power of giving without expecting anything in return. They recognize that being selfless isn’t about being a martyr or neglecting their own needs, but about considering the needs of others.

Whether it’s volunteering your time for a cause you believe in, helping a friend in need, or performing random acts of kindness, these selfless acts show that you value the well-being of others.

Selflessness is a testament to your character. It shows that you’re willing to make sacrifices for the greater good and that you put love and kindness above personal gain. If this sounds like you, it’s another strong sign that you’re genuinely good.

9) You strive for personal growth

Being a good person isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It’s about constantly striving to be better, to learn, grow, and evolve.

Nobody is perfect, and we all have areas in our lives where we can improve. A genuinely good person acknowledges this and sees every day as an opportunity to become a better version of themselves.

They take responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes, and work on their weaknesses. They embrace feedback and see criticism not as an attack, but as a tool for growth.

If you’re committed to personal growth and continuous improvement, it’s not only a sign that you’re genuinely good – it’s a sign that you’re truly exceptional.

Final thoughts: The heart of the matter

Understanding the signs of being a genuinely good person goes beyond just a list. It’s about introspection, about looking deep within ourselves and recognizing our own values and actions.

Psychology offers a mirror into our own behaviors and motivations. It provides a framework to understand why we do what we do, and how to strive for improvement.

Being a good person is more than just a label – it’s a way of life. It’s about empathy, kindness, honesty, forgiveness, appreciation, selflessness, standing up for what’s right, and continuously striving for personal growth.

These are not just qualities. They are choices we make every day, in every interaction.

So take a moment to reflect: How many of these signs resonate with you? Where can you improve? What steps can you take today to become a better version of yourself?

Because at the end of the day, being a genuinely good person isn’t about trying to be perfect. It’s about trying to be better than who you were yesterday.