If someone displays these 10 traits, they’re a really lovely person

There’s a profound difference between being nice and being genuinely lovely.

This difference all comes down to authenticity. A nice person might just be polite, but a lovely person? They’re the real deal, consistently showing kindness, empathy and warmth.

So how do you spot a truly lovely person? Well, there are certain traits that can serve as a giveaway.

This article will lay out 10 key traits that signify someone isn’t just nice – they’re authentically lovely.

Let’s dive in.

1) Authenticity

The first trait of a truly lovely person? Authenticity.

In a world where it’s all too easy to hide behind masks and pretenses, an authentic person stands out. They’re not afraid to be themselves, no matter the situation or who they’re with.

Authentic people don’t conform for the sake of pleasing others. They stay true to their beliefs, values, and personality.

Think about it. Isn’t it refreshing when you meet someone who’s genuine, transparent, and doesn’t try to put on a show?

But remember, authenticity is about more than just speaking your mind. It also involves showing genuine respect and understanding for others’ perspectives.

If someone you know consistently exhibits authenticity, you can safely say they’re a really lovely person.

2) Kindness

Another unmistakable trait of a truly lovely person is kindness. And I’m not just talking about a random act of kindness here and there. Lovely people exude kindness in their everyday actions.

Let me share a personal example. My friend Jane is someone I’d undoubtedly call a lovely person. Her kindness isn’t just occasional; it’s part of who she is.

Just the other day, we were at a coffee shop, and she noticed the barista seemed stressed. Without missing a beat, she complimented her on how well she was handling the rush and thanked her for her hard work.

It was a small act, but it made an immediate difference. The barista’s face lit up, and you could see the stress melt away.

That’s the power of kindness. And if someone consistently shows this trait, they’re not just nice – they’re genuinely lovely.

3) Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it’s a fundamental trait of a lovely person. Empathetic individuals don’t just sympathize – they put themselves in the shoes of others, feeling their pain, joy, or confusion.

It’s interesting to note that mirror neurons in our brains are responsible for empathy. These neurons allow us to feel what others are experiencing as if it were happening to us. This is why when we see someone crying, we might feel a pang of sadness ourselves.

In practice, an empathetic person might listen intently when you’re sharing about a tough day, or they might go out of their way to comfort a friend going through a hard time. If you see someone displaying empathy consistently, you’ve got yourself a truly lovely individual.

4) Positivity

A truly lovely person tends to radiate positivity. They have an optimistic outlook on life and can often see the silver lining even in challenging situations.

Positivity isn’t about ignoring life’s problems or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about maintaining a hopeful perspective and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

For instance, a positive person might encourage a friend who’s job hunting by reassuring them that the right opportunity will come along. Or they might cheer up a colleague who’s having a rough day by sharing an uplifting quote or a funny joke.

This kind of positivity is contagious, and it can significantly brighten up the atmosphere around them. So if you encounter someone who consistently spreads positivity, they’re likely a genuinely lovely person.

5) Respectfulness

Respectfulness is a trait that lovely people never lack. They understand the importance of treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their status, age, or background.

A respectful person listens attentively when others speak, values differing opinions, and avoids negative or derogatory remarks. They are mindful of personal boundaries and always considerate of other people’s feelings.

For example, a respectful individual won’t interrupt you while you’re speaking. Instead, they’ll wait for their turn to contribute to the conversation. They also won’t make assumptions about what you’re capable of based on your age, gender, or race.

In essence, if someone treats everyone around them with genuine respect, you can confidently say they’re a truly lovely person.

6) Compassion

Compassion is the heart’s response to suffering, a trait that definitely characterizes a lovely person. Compassionate people not only notice when others are in pain, but they also feel moved to help alleviate that suffering.

A compassionate person understands that we all have our battles, and they’re always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. They’ll offer comfort during tough times, provide support when it’s needed, and show love even when it’s difficult.

Think about those individuals who volunteer at shelters, or who take time out of their day to help someone in need. Their actions stem from a deep sense of compassion.

If you find someone consistently showing compassion towards others, you know they’re not just lovely – they have a heart of gold.

7) Patience

Patience is a trait that truly lovely people possess, even when things get tough. They understand that good things take time, and they’re willing to wait without getting frustrated or upset.

I remember when I was learning to drive, I was pretty nervous about getting behind the wheel. My instructor, however, was an incredibly lovely person with an abundance of patience.

Even when I made the same mistake over and over again, he never lost his cool. Instead, he calmly explained what I needed to do differently, and encouraged me to keep trying until I got it right.

His patience made all the difference for me during that stressful time. It’s a shining example of how patience can truly set a lovely person apart.

8) Humility

Humility might not be the first trait that comes to mind when you think of lovely people, but it’s an essential characteristic. Lovely people don’t need to shout their accomplishments from the rooftops. They let their actions speak for themselves.

A humble person doesn’t seek recognition or applause; they do things because they believe it’s the right thing to do. They recognize their own strengths and achievements, but also acknowledge their mistakes and shortcomings.

For instance, a humble person won’t boast about their recent promotion at work. Instead, they’ll share the news in a modest way, and perhaps even attribute their success to their hard-working team.

If someone consistently displays humility, you can be sure they’re a genuinely lovely person.

9) Reliability

Reliability is a key trait that sets lovely people apart. They’re the ones you can count on, no matter what. They keep their promises and they’re always there when you need them.

A reliable person won’t let you down when you’re counting on them. If they commit to a task, you can be sure they’ll see it through. If they agree to meet you at a certain time, they’ll be there.

For example, a reliable friend will be there to help you move house, even if it means sacrificing their Saturday morning sleep-in. Or they’ll be the one to pick you up from the airport at an ungodly hour.

In a nutshell, if someone consistently shows themselves to be reliable, they’re undeniably a lovely person.

10) Gratitude

Lastly, a lovely person practices gratitude. They appreciate what they have and they don’t take anything for granted.

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a way of seeing the world. It’s recognizing the good in life and being thankful for it.

A grateful person might keep a gratitude journal, or make it a habit to share what they’re thankful for each day. They recognize the contributions of others and express their appreciation freely.

Gratitude breeds positivity, contentment, and love – all hallmarks of a truly lovely person.

Final thoughts: It’s about the heart

The complexities of human behavior and personality are deeply interwoven with our hearts and minds.

Consider the trait of kindness. According to a study from Emory University, acts of kindness can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the “love hormone”. This not only boosts our mood but also fosters trust and builds stronger relationships.

So, when we talk about a lovely person, what we’re really talking about is someone who has a heart rich in kindness, empathy, respect, and all these other traits we’ve discussed. Their actions and attitudes consistently reflect these qualities, creating a lasting positive impact on those around them.

Whether it’s showing patience during difficult times, expressing gratitude for small joys, or extending compassion to those in need, these actions might be more than just behaviors. They could be a reflection of the beautiful chemistry within their hearts.

As you reflect on the traits that make someone genuinely lovely, perhaps the question isn’t just about spotting these traits in others. Maybe it’s also about fostering these traits within ourselves. Because at the end of the day, being lovely isn’t just about how we interact with the world – it’s about who we are at our core.