10 little things people do that reveal their true character

Getting to know another person is not as easy as it may seem.

People hide their identity or do not express themselves for fear of being judged. But it all has to do with the little things people do that reveal their true character, and these are usually things we miss from the very beginning.

Fortunately, there are ways to find out who a person really is without having to figure it out yourself. Their daily actions and reactions are excellent indicators of their authenticity.

Here are 10 little things people do that reveal their true character

1. The way they treat service staff

PeopleImages.com – Yuri A | Shutterstock

If someone is rude or inconsiderate towards employees, especially servers or waiters, it is a good sign that this person lacks empathy. However, if he is kind and compassionate to the service staff, he is probably a compassionate person.

Research has shown that empathy is associated with life satisfaction, overall well-being, and self-efficacy. Moreover, disrespect for staff is a sign of narcissism. Because narcissists need power and control, they are often quick to put others down in order to put them “in their place.”

If a person treats waiters badly, take it as a warning sign that his true character is the opposite of his outer personality and the way he presents himself to others.

2. How they react in stressful situations

Studio Prostock | Shutterstock

If someone explodes in anger at the slightest bit of pressure, they may be an unstable person. In turn, a person who can cope with stressful situations and keep a cool head indicates calmness and emotional intelligence.

Research has shown that emotionally intelligent people are better equipped to deal with stressful situations compared to emotionally immature people. Additionally, emotional intelligence can increase happiness and self-esteem in a relationship.

3. How they manage their time

Twinsterfoto | Shutterstock

The way a person manages their time can indicate whether they are responsible or not.

People who are always late are more likely to be irresponsible and do not take into account other people’s time. However, punctuality consistently means caring for others and the need to present yourself in a positive light.

These people understand that once they make an impression on a person, it will be difficult for them to change their mind. Research backs this up, stating that it takes much longer to reverse a bad impression on someone than to create a good one.

4. How well they listen

bernard | Shutterstock

A person who lacks basic listening skills is most likely to have an egocentric personality. They don’t care about finding out about others because they focus on their own problems.

However, people who take the time to listen to others are both eager learners and open-minded. Research has shown that listening skills increase their general knowledge, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Additionally, highly intelligent people are usually more open to the opinions of others.

Being around someone who doesn’t listen is frustrating, but it reveals a lot about who that person is deep down.

5. Their ability to respect boundaries

fizkes | Shutterstock

Respecting other people’s boundaries is a sign that someone is caring and cares about the people around them. They understand the importance of boundaries and are aware of their actions, making sure others do not feel uncomfortable.

This means that the person has a good character and it can also benefit their relationships.

As one study found, respect a relationship based on satisfaction better than scales measuring avoidance or partner characteristics. Another study found that respect benefits not only the collective but also the individual.

Respect affects a person’s self-esteem and overall well-being, so someone who cannot respect the boundaries or wishes of others is probably not the person they present themselves to be.

6. Their level of self-awareness

Wiktoria Szabo | Shutterstock

The ability to be aware of your surroundings indicates the ability to step outside your comfort zone. In everyday life, people are so busy with their problems that they neglect the people around them. This leads to unconscious actions that show a lack of care and consideration.

However, people who are kind and caring about those around them tend to experience an increase in happiness and well-being. Showing kindness and compassion leads to improved physical health by lowering blood pressure.

A person’s level of self-awareness indicates what kind of person they really are, so it’s important to pay attention to it.

7. The way they talk about others

photopro | Shutterstock

The way people talk about others indicates whether they are safe or not. If someone is positive, they are probably confident and not easily threatened; however, those who spread rumors and lies or are rude to others for no reason probably feel insecure.

Research shows that insecurity is negatively associated with self-control, life satisfaction and low levels of hope. Insecure people spend a lot of time talking negatively about others; they also cannot control their negative thoughts, which leads them to attack.

8. The way they treat animals

Maximum barrel fire | Shutterstock

If someone disrespects or hurts an animal, they have no empathy or compassion. Many may also consider them as bad people. Unfortunately, such people believe that their actions are justified, thinking like: “animals are not people, so it doesn’t matter.”

However, lack of respect or concern for animals is not only inappropriate, but also gives people a bad reputation and negative perception by those around them.

Research shows that animal cruelty is closely linked to domestic violence. This doesn’t mean that people who don’t like animals are aggressive people, but the connection is still there. People who disrespect animals are not only rotten people, but they can also be dangerous, which strongly reflects their true nature.

9. Their work ethic

Photo 4you | Shutterstock

A person’s work ethic reveals his or her level of dedication. People who work hard are probably not careless in their tasks and usually do their best. On the other hand, people who are not hardworking have a reputation for being lazy. Most people perceive them as indifferent and unmotivated, which is quite true.

Psychiatrist Neel Burton, M.A., claims that lazy people lack motivation and willingness to perform their tasks. This causes them to fall behind, which causes frustration for everyone around them as they have to do double work.

10. How they react to other people’s success

Mortion Movies | Shutterstock

The way someone reacts to other people’s success shows how secure or insecure they really are. Being able to celebrate and stay authentic reveals a secure person who doesn’t need much reassurance. However, demeaning remarks, aggressive comments, or self-centered attention indicate that the person is very insecure.

This type of behavior leads to consequences such as damaging relationships with others. It is important to be wary of people who cannot rejoice in the success of others and may indicate that they secretly have a bad character.

Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor’s degree in psychology who covers topics related to self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology.