Do You Understand and Embody the 15 Good Qualities of a Person?

Being a good person isn’t hard, but it doesn’t happen out of thin air. So, what are the good qualities of a person? It’s time you find out.

Growing up, my teacher would tell the class that we need to be good people. Of course, we’re kids, so we nodded in agreement. I don’t think any of us really understood what that meant. What are the good qualities of a person? Does walking your dog every day or cleaning your room qualify you as a good person?

We think the answer to this question is easy. But it’s not actually. It took me years to understand what I thought were the good qualities of a person. And it took me even longer to practice them.

15 must-know good qualities of a person

It’s a lot easier to let someone else do the things that good people do while you reap the benefits. But at the end of the day, people only see you as selfish and needy. And let me tell you, no one likes those traits.

[Read: How to be true to yourself and start living your life on your terms]

But if you’re looking to improve yourself, you’ve come to the right place. It’s time you learned the 15 good qualities of a person. Of course, it will require practice and time to become a better person, but if you’re reading this, I know it’s something you want.

It’s time to become an even better human.

#1 They don’t take things for granted. It’s easy to take things around you for granted, but a good person is grateful for what’s given to them. This isn’t something you can overcome in a day; it’s an on-going process. What you did in your past doesn’t ensure you anything in your future. [Read: How to start a new life and move on from the toxicity for good]

#2 They’re thoughtful to others. It’s easy to think about yourself and your needs without considering other people. We all get wrapped up in our heads from time to time. A good person is someone who takes the time to go out of their way to do acts of kindness for others. Whether it’s driving your grandma to the doctor’s office or buying your mom a carton of milk, these small acts go a long way.

#3 They’re empathetic. A good person is someone who can understand the people around them. You know the old saying, “put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” well, this is about empathy. Being empathetic shows you’re able to practice compassion in times when it may be challenging. [Read: How to develop empathy and master the art of growing a real heart]

#4 They aren’t afraid to smile. The world is full of bad things, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep a frown. People who are considered to be good are ones who aren’t afraid to smile even through hard times. One smile can go a long way, so show those pearly whites off.

#5 They show their manners. Everyone has manners, but not everyone shows them. A good person is someone who respects themselves and others. Without manners, it’s easy to come across as disrespectful and rude. Do good and show your manners. 

#6 They’re loyal. A good person is a loyal person. Whether it’s to your family, friends, or partner, being loyal is crucial. If not, there won’t be trust in any of your relationships. Loyalty is a great quality to have and shapes how people see you.

#7 They find the good in every situation. Of course, you’re going to experience situations where it won’t be pleasant. But there is good in everything; you just need to find it. A good person is someone who finds the silver lining in everything, even when it looks like there’s no hope. 

#8 They forgive. Listen, forgiving others and yourself isn’t easy. In fact, I think it’s one of the hardest things you can do. By forgiving, you’re essentially accepting the situation and deciding to move on. Many of us struggle moving on, which is what leaves us feeling bitter and angry. [Read: Should you forgive and forget? 15 guidelines you need to use]

#9 They’re good listeners. There are not enough good listeners in the world. I was one of the bad ones. Actively listening is hard when you love being in the center of attention. But good people know when they should put their needs to the side and give a friend or family member full attention. Be a good listener, and it’ll change your life.

#10 They praise others for their accomplishments. Jealously is an ugly face, and most of us become jealous from time to time. But, being a good person is about praising people around you who are accomplishing goals and improving their lives. It’s hard to put your ego aside, but when it comes to other people moving forward, good people will praise them.

#11 They take responsibility for their actions. Good people are those who acknowledge their actions when they make a mistake. It’s not easy to do; many of us struggle with doing this. But once you take those steps forward and acknowledge the mistakes you made, people respect you more. [Read: 15 mature ways to grow up and behave like an adult]

#12 They’re honest. Well, without honesty, it’s hard to be a good person. Honesty is the basic foundation of being wholehearted and good. If you’re lying to other people, that’s not a sign of goodness. You don’t need to be brutally honest, but you must speak the truth.

#13 They’re life-long learners. Learning doesn’t stop at school. It continues with us until the day we die. Oh, I know that sounded intense, but it’s true. Good people are those who are dedicated to learning every day, whether it’s about the world, themselves, or others. Being a good person doesn’t happen overnight; you should always work on it.

#14 They’re self-aware. Self-awareness is about knowing your strengths and weaknesses. How can you become a better person when you aren’t aware of your flaws and strengths? If you want to improve, you need to know the problems you face, that way you can work to solve them. [Read: How to get to know yourself and reveal your life’s true passion]

#15 They’re consistent. In today’s world, most of us are flakes. Listen, I’m not any different. I had a horrible habit of bailing on my friends because I didn’t want to go out. But after a while, no one wants to spend time with you. Consistency is crucial and builds strong relationships between you and the people you love.

[Read: How to live a good life that you’ll cherish]

Sometimes it’s hard to be a good person, especially when you need to make tough decisions. But use these tips to improve on the good qualities of a person in yourself.