These 7 Subtle Habits Can Reveal a Person's True Character

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Accurately assessing someone's character is an invaluable life skill. It can guide you toward meaningful relationships and help you avoid unnecessary pain and frustration.

Seven subtle habits can offer deep insights into someone's personality. These observations have either marked the beginning of rewarding friendships or served as early warnings of potential issues.

But keep in mind that these habits should not be used to judge or condemn others. Everyone has off days, and people can change. Rather, use these observations to better understand the people around you and decide how you want to interact with them.

1. Commitment Consistency

The small commitments people make and keep—or fail to keep—can be very telling. Statements like “I’ll call you at 6 pm” or “I’ll let you know by Friday” may seem minor, but a pattern of not following through can reveal a lack of reliability and accountability.

While it's important to allow for life's unpredictability, frequent failures to keep commitments may indicate someone who doesn’t value your time or the relationship.

2. Treatment of People in Lower Positions

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” - Malcolm S. Forbes

How someone treats service staff or strangers who are not in a position to reciprocate can be very telling. For instance, watching how someone interacts with waiters, janitors, or street vendors can reveal much about their empathy and respect for others. A lack of basic courtesy in these interactions can indicate deeper issues in their character.

3. The State of Their Car

A person's car can be a window into their organizational habits and personal discipline. A clean, well-maintained car often reflects a person who values order and responsibility.

Conversely, a messy car filled with clutter might suggest a lack of organization or attention to detail. This idea is supported by Malcolm Gladwell’s research in "Blink," where strangers could accurately assess students’ personalities based on the state of their rooms.

4. Reaction to Their Own Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, but the way a person handles them is crucial. A sincere apology and a commitment to improvement reflect maturity and humility.

However, if someone reacts with defensiveness, excuses, or shifts the blame onto others, it reveals an inability to take responsibility and a potential for ongoing conflict in the relationship.

5. Response to Your Mistakes

Equally important is how someone reacts when you make a mistake. If they handle it with understanding and respect, it shows emotional intelligence and compassion.

However, if they belittle you or hold grudges, it suggests a lack of empathy and an inclination toward unforgiving or harsh behavior. This can be especially problematic in the long term.

6. Behavior Around Influential People

Some people exhibit a "split personality," behaving differently around those they seek to impress.

If someone only shows their best side to people they want something from, it indicates a lack of genuine self-identity and integrity. This behavior is a sign that they might not be consistent or trustworthy in their relationships.

7. Real-Life Versus Social Media Persona

There's often a disparity between someone's social media presence and their real-life behavior. A person obsessed with their online image may be more concerned with external validation than authentic connections.

If someone's social media is full of humblebrags and carefully curated moments, it might suggest that they are more focused on appearances than genuine relationships.

Final Word

These observations are not meant to pass judgment but to provide insights into someone's character. They can help you decide if someone's personality aligns with your values and goals. Surrounding yourself with people who share your core values can lead to more fulfilling and lasting relationships.

Understanding these subtle cues can enrich your interactions and help you build stronger connections with those who truly resonate with you.