Being a good person isn’t just about following rules — it’s about how you treat other people and yourself.
If you’re guilty of any of these behaviors, they contradict the idea of being a good person. If you recognize these traits in yourself, it might be time for some self-reflection.
1. You always break promises or commitments.
If you regularly fail to follow through on what you’ve said you’ll do, it shows unreliability, Forbes notes. This completely destroys respect in relationships. Good people strive to keep their word and follow through on commitments. They understand that their actions affect other people and that reliability is a key component of integrity.
2. You’re always gossiping about people.
If you spread rumors or talk behind people’s backs, you might claim you’re just sharing information. But gossip can hurt reputations and relationships. It’s a form of bullying that creates a toxic environment. Good people focus on positive conversations and respect people’s privacy. If you can’t say something nice, it’s better to say nothing at all.
3. You’re always late without consideration for other people’s time.
If you’re chronically late, it’s not just a bad habit. It’s disrespectful. It shows a lack of consideration for people and their time. Good people make an effort to be punctual or at least communicate when they’re running late. Valuing people’s time is a simple way to show respect and consideration.
4. You never admit when you’re wrong.
If you can’t acknowledge your mistakes or apologize, you’re difficult to be around. This shows a lack of humility and self-awareness. Good people can admit when they’re wrong, learn from their mistakes, and make amends. It’s not about being perfect, but about being willing to grow and improve.
5. You’re rude to service workers.
How you treat waiters, cashiers, or customer service reps says a lot about your character. Being rude to service workers shows a lack of empathy and respect. Good people treat everyone with kindness, regardless of their job or status. They understand that everyone deserves respect and that kindness costs nothing.
6. You’re always playing the victim.
If you’re constantly blaming others for your problems or claiming unfair treatment, it’s a red flag. This victim mentality prevents personal growth and responsibility. Good people take ownership of their actions and situations. They look for solutions rather than just complaining about problems.
7. You’re quick to anger and slow to forgive.
If you have a short temper and hold grudges, you create a negative atmosphere around you. This shows a lack of emotional control and maturity. Good people work on managing their emotions and practice forgiveness. They understand that everyone makes mistakes and that holding onto anger only hurts themselves.
8. You’re always trying to one-up people.
If you’re constantly trying to outdo everyone or turn every conversation into a competition, it’s exhausting. This often stems from insecurity. Good people celebrate other people’s successes and don’t feel the need to always be the best. They understand that life isn’t a competition and that there’s room for everyone to succeed.
9. You ignore boundaries.
If you repeatedly disregard people’s personal space, time, or emotional limits, it’s not okay. This shows a lack of respect for people’s autonomy. Good people understand and respect boundaries. They ask for consent and are mindful of people’s comfort levels in different situations.
10. You’re inconsiderate of shared spaces.
If you leave messes in public areas, are loud in quiet spaces, or don’t clean up after yourself, it shows a lack of consideration. This suggests you think your convenience is more important than other people’s comfort. Good people are mindful of shared spaces and try to leave them better than they found them.
11. You’re always looking for freebies or handouts.
If you’re constantly trying to get things for free or taking advantage of people’s generosity, it isn’t a good look. This can be manipulative and shows a lack of gratitude. Good people are willing to contribute and understand the value of paying their fair share. They’re grateful for what they receive and don’t expect people to always provide for them.
12. You’re quick to judge people.
If you make snap judgments about people based on appearances or limited information, it’s unfair. This shows a lack of empathy and open-mindedness. Good people try to understand other people’s perspectives and circumstances before forming opinions. They know that everyone has a story and that first impressions aren’t always accurate.
13. You’re unwilling to help people unless there’s something in it for you.
If you only help when there’s a clear benefit, it shows selfishness. This transactional approach to relationships lacks genuine kindness, Verywell Mind points out. Good people help people because it’s the right thing to do, not because they expect something in return. They understand that kindness and generosity create a better world for everyone.
14. You’re constantly seeking attention and validation.
If you always need to be the center of attention or fish for compliments, it can be draining for people. This often stems from insecurity. Good people are comfortable with themselves and don’t need constant external validation. They’re able to celebrate people and don’t feel threatened when they’re not in the spotlight.
15. You’re unwilling to listen to different viewpoints.
If you refuse to consider opinions that differ from your own, it shows closed-mindedness. This can lead to ignorance and conflict. Good people are open to hearing different perspectives, even if they don’t agree. They understand that diversity of thought leads to growth and that they don’t always have all the answers.
16. You treat animals poorly.
If you mistreat animals or are indifferent to their suffering, it’s a major red flag. This shows a lack of compassion and empathy. Good people treat animals with kindness and respect. They understand that animals are sentient beings capable of feeling pain and deserve to be treated humanely.
17. You’re constantly breaking promises or commitments.
If you regularly fail to follow through on what you’ve said you’ll do, it shows unreliability. This destroys trust and respect in relationships. Good people strive to keep their word and follow through on commitments. They understand that their actions affect other people and that reliability is a key component of integrity.
