The Art Of Being A Good Person: 15 Simple Traits Of Naturally Good People
Timeless traits that naturally kind and compassionate people embody without even trying.
Tim Bernhard | Unsplash Everyone has positives and negatives about them, and whether you’re a good or bad person is subjective. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to come up with a one-size-fits-all blueprint for either. But some bad traits include being conniving and manipulative, or exhibiting toxic behavior.
People who are "good" have certain characteristics, like selflessness, and are seen as "pure of heart." But how do you know if you truly are a good person? Are you a naturally good person? The traits below describe someone who is.
Here are 15 simple traits of naturally good people:
1. Honesty
Honesty is always the best policy. Good people understand that lying is low vibrational and impacts your ability to show up authentically and with purpose. They are always honest and upfront.
2. Inspirational
insta_photos / Shutterstock
Paying compliments to other people is more than just flattery — it’s an opportunity to connect and inspire someone to keep going or tell them they are on the right track. Good people compliment others openly and give credit where credit is due.
3. Polite
Being polite is a cornerstone of being good. It’s a sign that you respect everyone, even strangers, and are not above showing respect to others. If everyone in the world were polite, it would be a much better place to live.
Polite speech emerges from a mix of communicative goals, including the need to convey information, be kind, and present oneself positively. Research has found that this suggests that polite behavior is a dynamic process influenced by context and motivation.
4. Communicative
A good person understands that relationships with friends and family members have to be cared for to flourish. They call their loved ones regularly and take every opportunity they can to stay connected.
5. Kind
Being kind seems simplistic when thinking about good people, but it’s super important. Good people are not only nice when others are watching but are the same no matter where they are.
6. Generous
No matter how much material wealth you have gained in life, you can’t take it with you when it’s your time to go. Being good means understanding that if you have enough to share, you should.
While people have a capacity for generosity, the motivation is not always purely selfless. Researchers acknowledge that generosity can stem from a mix of both selfless and self-interested motivations. A person's values, morals, and sense of identity also significantly influence how willingly they engage in generous acts.
7. Thoughtful
Good people are naturally thoughtful and keep track of important things going on in the lives of people they care about. They check on them, show up when needed, and exemplify what a friend should be.
8. Optimistic
If you see the glass as half full and recognize that life is filled with ups and downs, you have a good disposition. You know that for everything, there is a season, and no matter how bad things get, they will turn around.
9. Warm
You make people feel good with your smile, body language, and demeanor. They feel comfortable approaching you and can feel your "good energy" for a mile away.
Research shows that people judge warmth before competence, likely due to a need to determine whether another person's intentions are benign or harmful. Our ability to quickly assess if someone is a friend or foe was crucial for survival, making warmth judgments a higher priority than assessing their skills or abilities.
10. Welcoming
fizkes / Shutterstock
Good people are not of the "no new friends" era. They are open to meeting other people and making their own impression. A good person has no problem inviting others into the fold.
11. Grateful
Gratitude for what you have will get you everywhere in life. It goes hand in hand with optimism and thoughtfulness. People who are good inside are fortunate and live abundant lives due to their gratefulness for all they have.
12. Consistent
Being dependable, reliable, and consistent makes a person good to everyone around them. They know that your word is gold and that when you make a promise, you always keep it.
When a person's actions align with their stated principles and past behavior, it creates a sense of reliability and predictability. A 2023 study explained that this consistency builds trust, a fundamental component of positive relationships and reputation.
13. Prudent
Another characteristic of good people is their prudence. They think their decisions through, considering the impact on everyone around them. Their choices are based on the collective experience and not just their own.
14. Disciplined
Good people practice self-discipline. They are not swayed by flashy things or the trappings of wealth and pleasure. They move in accordance with passion, purpose, and for the greater good.
15. Brave
Good people stand up for themselves and others in the face of mistreatment or injustice. They are willing to put themselves on the line to make sure that no one is treated unfairly or inequitably.
Studies on leadership show that brave leaders uphold integrity and ethical standards when making difficult, unpopular decisions. This form of bravery is considered a type of moral courage.
NyRee Ausler is a writer from Seattle, Washington, and the author of seven books. She focuses on lifestyle and human interest stories that deliver informative and actionable guidance on interpersonal relationships, enlightenment, and self-discovery.
