We all like to think we’re good people, but what does that even mean these days?
Is it really enough to just walk through the world without causing any trouble, or do we need to go above and beyond to truly be seen as good? Eh, we’re all probably overthinking it a bit. Here are some signs you’re doing pretty well and don’t need to stress so much.
1. You genuinely care about people, even ones you don’t know very well.
A good person’s compassion extends beyond their immediate circle. You feel empathy for strangers, donate to charitable causes when you can, and try to find ways to make the world a better place for other people, even in small ways. Your kindness isn’t limited to those they know and love; it’s a natural extension of their character.
2. You’re honest and upfront, even when it’s awkward, painful, or inconvenient.
As a good person, you have integrity in spades. You value honesty and try to always be 100% truthful, even when it might be easier or more advantageous to lie or stretch the truth a bit. You know that trust is built on honesty and that your words and actions have consequences, so you try to live accordingly.
3. You treat people with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or beliefs.
You don’t think anyone is better than anyone else, no matter where they were born, how much money they have, etc. You treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. You actually appreciate diversity and celebrate the unique qualities that make each person special.
4. You take responsibility for your actions and are willing to admit when you’re wrong.
You know you’re not perfect, and you don’t try to pretend otherwise. You own their mistakes, apologise (and mean it), and take steps to make amends. You don’t point the finger or make excuses; you get that accountability is a must, not only for healthy relationships, but for your own personal growth.
5. You’re generous with your time, energy, and resources.
As a good person, you’re always willing to pitch in and help when you can. You volunteer their time, donate to charities, and offer to help friends, family, and even strangers when they need it. Your generosity comes from a place of genuine compassion and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. That’s rare!
6. You practise empathy and always try to understand other people’s perspectives, even when you disagree.
You can put yourself in other people’s shoes and try to see things from their point of view, no matter how different their perspective might be. Not only that, but you listen without judgement, validate people’s feelings, and try to understand their motivations, even when you don’t share the same opinions or beliefs.
7. You’re forgiving and willing to let go of the past.
Source: Unsplash You don’t hold grudges or walk around with a chip on your shoulder. You know that clinging to anger and bitterness only hurts you, and it’s pointless. Instead, you choose to forgive, not because the other person deserves it, but because you deserve peace and freedom from negativity. This way, you can focus on moving forward and building healthier relationships.
8. You’re constantly focused on learning, growing, and becoming a better version of yourself.
A good person is committed to personal growth and self-improvement, and you see that as the whole point of life. You’re open to new ideas, you read a lot, you talk to people from different backgrounds, etc. You want your beliefs to be challenged, and you want to understand the world better because life is all about growth.
9. You try to practise gratitude and appreciate the good things in your life.
As hard as it can be sometimes, you try to take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in your life, big and small. You express gratitude for your loved ones, your health, your opportunities, and the simple joys of everyday life. It reminds you just how good you’ve got it during the rare times when you forget.
10. You think about and try to minimise your impact on the environment.
You recognise the importance of protecting our planet and make conscious choices to minimise your environmental footprint. As a result, you recycle, try to conserve energy, not produce so much rubbish, and support eco-friendly practices (yes, like bringing your own bags to the shops). You understand that we all have a role to play in preserving the Earth for future generations.
11. You stand up for people who are being mistreated or marginalised, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.
You have a strong sense of justice and fairness, and you’re not afraid to speak out against injustice or discrimination. You defend people’s rights, especially when it’s hard for them to do so themselves, challenge prejudice, and advocate for equality and inclusivity. You believe in creating a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
12. You’re humble and don’t need recognition or praise for the good things you do.
You do good things because it’s the right thing to do, not for personal gain or recognition. You’re not motivated by accolades or praise; you simply want to make a positive difference in the world. Talk about a rarity!
13. You’re a loyal and supportive friend who’s always there for those you care about.
You truly cherish your friendships and invest time and energy in nurturing those relationships. You’re a good listener, a confidante, and a shoulder to cry on. When your friends succeed, you’re there cheering for them, and you offer unwavering support during their struggles. Your loyalty and dependability make you a true friend.
14. You’re authentic and true to yourself, even when it’s not easy.
You’re a little bit different, and you like it that way. You don’t try to fit into a mould or conform to societal expectations. You express your true self, even when it’s not popular or convenient. It takes courage to be so authentic, and it has a positive effect on everyone you meet, as they feel it’s safer to be themselves, too.
15. You’re generally positive and kind, even in tough times.
You choose to focus on the good, even when faced with seriously challenging situations. You try to keep a positive outlook, encourage the people around you, and find the silver lining in every cloud. It’s not always easy, of course, but your optimism and kindness are contagious.
16. You make the world a better place simply by being in it.
Your presence has a positive impact on everyone around you. You radiate kindness, compassion, and authenticity, and you make people feel seen, heard, and valued. You’re a true gem, and the world is a better place because of you.
