8 subtle habits of people who have zero integrity

It’s an absolute minefield out there, navigating human behaviour.

You know, we meet all sorts of characters in the journey of life. Some leave us in awe of their kindness and humility, and then there are others who leave us feeling…well, less than impressed.

I’ve been around the block a few times, and I’ve seen it all. The sweet talkers, the backstabbers, and those who just can’t seem to find their moral compass no matter how hard they try.

It’s not always a scene from a drama series. Sometimes it’s as subtle as an off-hand comment or a dismissive gesture that makes you pause. That little voice in your head whispers, “something’s not right here”.

Here’s how you can spot those subtle signs that you’re dealing with someone who has zero integrity. And trust me, it’s going to be an eye-opener.

1) They have a habit of twisting the truth

Let’s start with a classic, shall we? People with zero integrity have this uncanny ability to twist the truth.

You see, it’s not always about those big, glaring lies. More often than not, it’s about those little white lies they’re so fond of telling.

You know the ones I’m talking about; the harmless fibs that are so small you could almost overlook them.

Like when they say they were stuck in traffic, but you know they were just late. Or when they promise to call back, but never do.

It’s these subtle distortions of reality that make you question everything: their words, their actions, even your own perception.

If someone is making you doubt your own sanity, that’s a clear sign of someone who lacks integrity.

2) They’re notorious for avoiding responsibility

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people with zero integrity have a talent for avoiding responsibility.

It’s like they’ve mastered the art of vanishing whenever there’s work to be done or blame to be taken.

They’re always the first to jump ship when things get tough, leaving everyone else to clean up the mess.

I remember this one time at my old job, I had a colleague who was always shirking his duties.

He’d always have an excuse ready, whether it was a sudden family emergency or a fictitious doctor’s appointment.

And you know what the worst part was? His actions always left the rest of us picking up the slack.

It wasn’t just frustrating – it was downright unfair. But that’s just how it is with people who lack integrity; they’re more interested in saving themselves than in doing what’s right.

3) They have a knack for playing the victim

You know, Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

It’s a powerful quote that has stuck with me through the years.

People with zero integrity tend to turn themselves into victims at every opportunity. It’s a subtle way of manipulating others and diverting attention from their own actions.

They’re the masters of playing the blame game, always pointing fingers at everyone but themselves. It’s never their fault; it’s always someone else who made them do it or forced them into a corner.

It’s a sneaky way of making you feel guilty and responsible for their actions or their failures.

And it can be incredibly draining to deal with, especially when you’re trying to maintain a positive environment. 

4) They’re quick to break promises

Did you know that in ancient cultures, a promise was considered a sacred vow? Breaking a promise was seen as dishonorable and could lead to serious consequences.

Now, not everyone who breaks a promise is void of integrity. We all have moments when we overpromise and underdeliver. But people with zero integrity make it a habit.

They’ll promise the moon and stars, knowing fully well that they can’t deliver.

They use these hollow promises to win your trust, get what they want, or simply to keep you hooked.

It’s like they have a knack for saying all the right things at the right time. But when it comes to actually following through on their promises, they’re often nowhere to be found.

This consistent lack of follow-through is a clear sign of someone with zero integrity.

5) They are consistently inconsistent

Inconsistency is the hallmark of people with zero integrity.

One day they’re your best friend, the next day they’re acting like you barely exist. They’re hot and then they’re cold, they’re yes and then they’re no. It’s enough to give anyone whiplash.

It’s not just about their fluctuating moods or interests, it’s also about their values and principles. They seem to change their stance based on what’s convenient for them at that moment.

For instance, they might preach about the importance of honesty, yet have no problem lying to get what they want. Or they might talk about loyalty, but wouldn’t hesitate to throw you under the bus if it suits them.

This kind of inconsistency is not just confusing, it’s a clear sign of someone lacking integrity.

6) They exploit others without remorse

Exploitation is a surefire habit of those with zero integrity. It’s not always as obvious as stealing or cheating.

Sometimes, it’s as subtle as taking advantage of someone’s kindness or manipulating someone into doing their bidding.

We’ve all come across such individuals at some point. These are the people who see others not as fellow human beings, but as tools to be used for their own gains.

They have no qualms about stepping on others to climb the ladder of success.

They’re the ones who’ll take credit for your ideas without batting an eyelid or push you aside once they’ve gotten what they wanted from you.

It’s a cold, calculated approach to life that has no room for empathy or fairness. And it’s a clear indication of a person who lacks integrity.

After all, a person of integrity respects and values others, and would never dream of using them for personal gain.

7) They lack empathy

At the heart of integrity lies empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Unfortunately, this is a quality that people with zero integrity seem to lack.

It’s not that they can’t empathize. It’s more like they choose not to. They’re perfectly capable of understanding how you feel, but it just doesn’t affect them.

They’ll hear your words, but they won’t take them to heart.

They’ll see your tears, but they won’t feel your pain. It’s like there’s a disconnect between them and the rest of the world.

And it’s this lack of empathy that allows them to behave the way they do.

Because if they don’t feel for others, they can easily dismiss their feelings and needs.

8) They never show remorse

The final, and perhaps the most telling trait of people with zero integrity is their lack of remorse.

We all make mistakes, it’s a part of being human. But when we do, we apologize and we strive to make amends.

This is something that people with zero integrity fail to do.

They seem to have a hard time admitting when they’re wrong, let alone feeling sorry for it. It’s like they’re immune to guilt or regret.

They can hurt people, break promises or act dishonestly without losing a night’s sleep over it.

This refusal to show remorse isn’t just a sign of arrogance or pride, it’s a clear indication of a person with zero integrity. Because at the end of the day, integrity isn’t about never making mistakes.

It’s about owning up to them, learning from them, and trying to do better next time.

Final thoughts

Navigating the world of human behavior is no simple task. We’ve explored the subtle habits of those with zero integrity, but it’s important to remember that we all possess the capacity for change.

If you’ve recognized some of these traits in someone you know, don’t lose hope. People can and do evolve, given the right conditions and motivation.

And if you’ve spotted these habits within yourself, take heart. Self-awareness is the first step towards transformation.

Once we become aware of our actions and their impacts, we’re better equipped to make positive change.

It’s not easy to face our own shortcomings. It takes courage to admit when we’re in the wrong and strength to make amends.

But it’s worth it. Because integrity isn’t just about how we treat others, it’s about how we treat ourselves.

It’s about being true to our values, even when it’s hard. It’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Take a moment to reflect on these habits. Consider how they show up in your life and how they affect your relationships.

Ask yourself: Are there areas where I can improve? How can I live more authentically?

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every step towards integrity is a step in the right direction.

As Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Here’s to doing better, one step at a time.