They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but let’s be honest—some things are fair game.
Certain behaviours, habits, and attitudes can tell you a lot about someone before you even get to know them. Here are 14 things you can pick up on quickly and might want to consider when forming your opinion.
1. How they treat service staff
Nothing reveals someone’s character faster than how they interact with waiters, cashiers, or anyone in a service role. Being kind and respectful shows emotional maturity, while rudeness or entitlement is a major red flag. It’s a quick way to see how they treat people when there’s no benefit to them.
2. Their ability to listen
If someone constantly interrupts or talks over you, it’s a sign they might not value what those around them have to say. Good listeners create space for meaningful conversations and show real interest in other people. It’s an easy way to gauge how they approach relationships.
3. How they handle being wrong
Admitting mistakes gracefully says a lot about someone’s humility and self-awareness. If they double down, make excuses, or deflect blame, it can reveal an unwillingness to grow. Being wrong is human—owning it shows strength of character.
4. Their sense of humour
Source: Unsplash Humour can be incredibly telling. Someone who finds joy in shared laughter often brings positivity, while mean-spirited jokes can reveal deeper insecurities or a lack of empathy. How someone uses humour says a lot about their approach to life and people.
5. How they talk about other people
If someone constantly gossips or puts people down, it’s likely they’ll do the same about you. On the other hand, speaking positively about people shows kindness and a secure sense of self. What people say behind everyone else’s backs often reflects their true nature.
6. Their attitude toward time
Source: Unsplash Being consistently late or dismissive of commitments can signal a lack of respect for other people’s time. Punctuality shows reliability and consideration, while chronic tardiness might mean they don’t prioritise you—or anything, really. Time management habits speak volumes about responsibility.
7. The way they drive
Driving behaviour can reveal surprising details about someone’s patience, temperament, and ability to handle stress. Aggressive or reckless driving often points to impulsiveness, while calm and steady drivers tend to have more self-control. It’s a small but telling aspect of someone’s personality.
8. Their hygiene and self-care
While appearances aren’t everything, basic hygiene and self-care show that someone respects themselves and the people around them. Neglecting these can hint at deeper issues, while taking care of the basics suggests they’re grounded and considerate of their environment.
9. How they handle disagreements
Someone who can stay calm, listen, and engage respectfully during a disagreement shows emotional intelligence. On the flip side, shouting, dismissing, or belittling people is a clear sign they might struggle with conflict resolution. How they argue can shape the tone of any future relationship.
10. Their generosity (or lack thereof)
Generosity doesn’t have to mean extravagant gestures—it’s in the little things, like sharing their time, attention, or resources. Stinginess or a lack of thoughtfulness can indicate self-centredness. Generous people often build stronger, more meaningful connections.
11. How they react to small inconveniences
Whether it’s a slow line or a wrong coffee order, minor frustrations can reveal how someone handles adversity. Overreactions or tantrums suggest a lack of emotional control, while calm acceptance shows resilience and grace. Little moments often reflect bigger patterns in behaviour.
12. Their consistency
If someone says one thing and does another, it’s a sign they might struggle with integrity or reliability. Being consistent in words and actions shows honesty and dependability, traits that are crucial for trust. Consistency is often the foundation of good relationships.
13. The way they treat animals
People who are kind and gentle with animals tend to have a compassionate side that extends to other areas of life. Cruelty or indifference toward animals can be a red flag for deeper issues. How someone interacts with vulnerable beings speaks volumes about their character.
14. Their body language
Non-verbal cues like eye contact, posture, and tone of voice can reveal confidence, attentiveness, or disinterest. Someone who avoids eye contact or appears overly distracted might struggle with engagement, while open and relaxed body language shows they’re approachable and present. Paying attention to the unspoken often reveals what words don’t.
