Traits

The character traits of an introvert are ones that indicate a life of solitude. Introverts feel most comfortable when they are alone and left to their thoughts and ideas. They come across as shy and quiet, but sometimes that isn’t the case.

They tend to rely on their mind to recharge their energy, whereas extroverts rely on others to recharge. Neither of these methods is wrong, it’s just the differences between the personality types.

Introverts tend to share many of the same character traits. With up to half of the people in the United States being an introvert, you likely know a few of them. It can be easy to identify an introvert if you know the character traits associate with the personality type.

15 Character Traits of an Introvert

1. They Enjoy Being Alone

Introverts look forward to time alone, while other people may dread the thought of alone time. They require solitude often to stay happy. The activities they enjoy tend to be ones that can be done alone because that’s when they feel the best.

This fact does not mean that your introverted pal will never want your companionship. Instead, it means that they thrive when they’ve spent time recharging their batteries–alone!

2. They Need Quiet to Concentrate

When there are things or sounds happening around them, introverts will struggle to focus. They may begin to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Introverts become distracted more often than extroverts do, which is why they need quiet.

3. They Take Time to Make Decisions

Making decisions right away is not something an introvert can do. They have to think about it, weigh the options, and reflect on their feelings first. Then, after thinking about it and making a plan, they will be ready to make a decision.

4. Social Interaction Drains Introverts

Some people want to have plans every weekend, whereas introverts are the opposite. An introvert may still go out of go to a party, but they won’t stay as late and they won’t go every time. By the end of the night, they are ready to be comfortably back in their own home.

Introverts will feel exhausted after they’ve spent time around a crowd of people. They may feel stressed out and need a quiet day to themselves afterward to recuperate.

5. They are Often Thought to be Shy (and this misconception happens often!)

By people who don’t know them well, introverts are often described as being shy. This is because they prefer to be quiet and reserved.

They think about what they want to say and consider it heavily before speaking, so they may not speak much. Small talk isn’t something they will enjoy, so they would rather sit quietly instead of participating in a conversation.

6. They are Introspective

Introverts are often daydreamers who plan things out in their mind before things into action. They won’t begin on any project until they have had a good amount of time to think it through.

Often, they spend time self-reflecting and learning more about the things on their mind. This allows them to understand themselves and their feelings better. They are highly interested in making progress on their interests, and they prefer to feel prepared and ready.

7. They Learn by Watching

Introverts prefer to learn by watching the task be done. Through repeated observation, they can focus on the motions until they can do the task on their own. If they are required to learn in a hands-on way, they prefer to do it alone until they perfect it.

8. They Work Better Alone

Introverts dread group projects and can become overwhelmed quickly when they have to participate in one. They can work better on their own because they can focus better, allowing them to work more effectively.

It’s not that introverts don’t work well with others, it’s just that they can focus better alone. Some of this could come from the socialization aspects because it can cause anxiety or distraction for an introvert.

Due to this, they tend to look for jobs that allow them to always work alone. They gravitate toward careers such as being a writer, accountant, programmer, graphic designer, or artist.

9. They Love Deeply

Introverts might shy away from falling in love quickly. But when they finally find someone special, look out! They love deeply and genuinely care about the people in their life. They keep their group of friends and loved ones small, and they highly value those relationships. This is one of the reasons that they love more deeply than extroverts.

Since they think things through so much, introverts like to show people how much they love them. They tend to do this by surprising their loved ones with small acts of kindness.

10. They Zone Out Often

This could be related to their introspective qualities. When they can, they will zone out to escape their current situation.

They let their mind wander from what they are supposed to be doing to what they would rather be doing. This happens most often when they are feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the present environment. Others may think it means they are unfocused or being rude, but it’s a way of survival for the introvert.

11. They are Loyal

Introverts take a long time to get to know someone. They also keep their group of friends small. So, when you become close to them, they will always be loyal to you.

Since they have invested so much into the relationship, you can expect they won’t blow you off or betray you. They will also be extremely hurt if you betray them or end the friendship.

12. They Have a Close Group of Friends and Like to Keep it That Way

While they prefer to be alone, introverts do have close friends who they enjoy spending time with. They will keep their group of friends small, and will often resist new friends. It’s normal that they only have relationships that make them happy and are quality relationships.

13. They Like People to Make a Plan Before Coming Over

Introverts don’t like anything to be unexpected, but unexpected visitors are a big issue for them. Since they think things through so much, they tend to have plans for themselves. Unexpected visitors throw off their plans, and they may not have the energy to host anyone.

They want to plan for visitors and they have to prepare themselves for the company. It’s a big source of discomfort and annoyance to them when this isn’t how it works out.

14. Their Preferred Method of Communication is Through Writing

They are more comfortable writing their words than speaking them. This is especially true when they haven’t had time to prepare what they are going to say. They like to focus on their words and consider how it sounds, which is only possible through writing.

So while you won’t get many phone calls, expect lots of long text message to keep in touch!

15. They Don’t Answer the Phone

If they don’t recognize the phone number, they won’t ever answer the phone. Sometimes, even when they do recognize the number, they still won’t answer. They don’t like to talk in certain places or situations, so they’ll avoid all phone calls during those times.

Another reason they may avoid phone calls is that it could be interrupting a personal project they are working on. They also won’t answer if they are in a bad mood or thinking something through.

Plus, you have to remember that introverts don’t enjoy small talk. Oftentimes, phone calls require small talk and it makes them feel uncomfortable just thinking about it. To get ahold of them quickly, you will want to send a text message so they know what it’s about.

More to Know About Introversion

There are Different Levels

Not all introverts will exhibit every character trait associated with it. Sometimes they will have a few characteristics that are common to extroversion, but more of the qualities of an introvert. Their characteristics may also change as they grow older and they process things differently.

What Causes Introversion?

While no one is certain about what causes someone to be an introvert or extrovert, there are some ideas. There is some evidence that supports the idea that genetics plays a role in someone’s characteristics. Evidence also shows that it can depend on a person’s childhood and their environment.

Research shows that introverted brains work differently, and these folks have more blood flow to the frontal lobe of their brain. This is the part of the brain that helps with memory, problem-solving, and planning.

Introverted people are also affected by dopamine differently than those who are extroverted. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is directly related to pleasure and reward. For introverts, it creates a feeling of exhaustion and stress while extroverts become excited by it.

Final Thoughts on Character Traits That Reveal an Introvert>

Introverts share many of the same character traits, although they may not have all of the traits on this list. Knowing these character traits can help you understand introverts better, allowing you to communicate and interact appropriately.

Although they are much different than extroverts, introverts still like to spend time with extroverts. They enjoy going out once in a while, although they may want to be back home earlier. Even if they love solitude, they will participate in fun events and socialize regularly.

They tend to be more reflective, thoughtful, and loyal. Plus, they seem to love more deeply. If you have an introvert in your life, you should value the relationship and keep them around.

We often think of being stubborn as a negative trait, but being a little hard-headed comes in handy sometimes. It helps you stand your ground and not give in to people out of peer pressure or guilt. It does pay to compromise in certain situations, but you also have to know when to stand firm with people.

No matter how you feel about stubbornness, new research shows that this personality trait might actually help you live longer! A study by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and the University of Rome La Sapienza sought to find a connection between certain personality traits and longevity.  Twenty-nine individuals aged 90-101 from remote rural villages in Italy participated in the study. At the conclusion of the study, the scientists confirmed that the group had better mental health overall than their younger family members aged 51-75, even though their physical health was worse.

The group had a few key traits in common, including a stubborn streak, a hearty work ethic, healthy relationships with family, an optimistic attitude, and a life close to nature. Researchers believe that being stubborn helped participants care less about what others thought of them, which in turn lowered their mental stress. This mental fortitude and unyielding disposition aided them greatly in keeping a positive outlook on life.

“We also found that this group tended to be domineering, stubborn, and needed a sense of control…” study co-author Anna Scelzo stated in a press release from UC San Diego Health,

“This tendency to control the environment suggests notable grit that is balanced by a need to adapt to changing circumstances.”

So, as you can see, being stubborn does pay off! Below, we’ll go over some of the critical traits of a stubborn person. Because having a lot of pride does come with its downsides. Thus, we will talk about some of the challenges stubborn people face as well.

“You don’t stay undefeated without being a little stubborn.” ~Andre Ward

Psychology reveals seven traits of a stubborn person:

1. They have a strong will.

Stubborn people never hesitate to follow through with something they genuinely believe in. If they have a vision, they will accomplish their goals, come hellfire, or high water. This mental vigor pays off because you can’t reach your destination if you have fears about even leaving the driveway. In other words, having pride enables you to stay consistent with your dreams and keep the momentum going even when you reach setbacks.

Having a strong will may come from facing challenging situations in childhood. People who have a lot of struggles early on in life may have a greater appreciation for hard work and will walk the extra mile to achieve their dreams. Those who have nothing to lose and everything to gain know all too well how it feels to stare up that mountain from the very bottom. However, the climb makes the journey worth it.

Those who have unshakable willpower don’t let life stand in their way, and they don’t cave easily under pressure. This segues into our next point.

2. Stubborn people have a lot of resilience.

Those who have a lot of pride feel that they must do everything on their own. Nothing got handed to them in life, and they know if they want something, they will have to work for it. However, no challenge intimidates or scares away a stubborn person. They have the drive and indomitable will to shape reality how they see fit.

They will work 16 hour days if they have to in order to accomplish their goals. A stubborn person may seem intimidating when you first meet them, but they don’t allow others’ opinions to ruffle their feathers. They have much larger fish to fry, so they just keep their eyes on the prize.

3. They won’t sway their opinion just because of peer pressure.

A stubborn person won’t cave in an argument just because no one agrees with them. They’ll make their points, have evidence to back them up, and stand their ground even if no one stands with them. While some people will just go with the herd because it feels comfortable, a person with pride doesn’t let the groupthink mentality affect them.

No matter the topic, stubborn people bring a lot of fire to a discussion, expanding the minds of everyone in the room. Although, they sometimes have a difficult time admitting when they’re wrong, so it doesn’t always go both ways. Their inflexible personality can often cause disharmony in the lives of stubborn people because they don’t like to admit defeat or error.

If they can keep an open mind during discussions, it will help them greatly in both the workplace and their home life.

4. Stubborn people have a passionate attitude about life.

Because stubborn people don’t like to back down from a challenge, they have a lot of passion and vigor for life. Nothing seems off-limits or impossible for them because of their willpower and determination to get things done. Stubborn people often excel in the following careers due to their hard-headed disposition, according to research from study.com:

• wholesale and manufacturing sales representative
• retail sales worker
• management analyst
• human resources manager
• police officer

These jobs require a lot of social interaction, but they also cater to people who have a lot of pride in their skills and ability to accomplish a task. For these reasons, you might consider careers in these fields if you have a particular personality type.

5. They usually have a good work ethic.

Stubborn people have high standards for themselves and enjoy getting the job done, no matter what it might entail. They typically do better working alone because of their sometimes combative nature, but if they can tone it down a notch, working in groups doesn’t present a problem. Having pride in one’s work only becomes a problem when people trample on others or don’t consider their opinions.

So, if the person in question can learn to listen attentively to others and try to understand their perspective, they will have no trouble working in a group setting. Being stubborn can sometimes pay off when working with others because these types of people have a willingness to do tedious tasks that others may cringe at.

6. They may resist change.

Stubborn people often have excellent resistance to change because they like to follow the status quo. Because of this inflexibility, this might just be their downfall. Life changes constantly, so it pays to have an open mind and a willingness to go with the flow. Stubborn people will have to work on their rigid way of living if they want to reach their potential truly.

7. Stubborn people sometimes like to argue to prove a point.

Not backing down in a discussion is one thing, but having a lot of pride sometimes means instigating arguments just for the sake of it. Stubborn people have an insatiable need to be right, and they see arguing as a fun pastime. Beware if you cross a stubborn person with a lot of time on their hands because they might just start hitting you with heavy topics, like religion, politics, or gun control.

They may not mean to cause any discord, but they genuinely see discussions as a means of expanding one’s mind and seeing the world from another perspective. So, they may not realize they’re overstepping boundaries if others don’t enjoy arguing as they do. Perhaps they’d enjoy a career as a lawyer for this reason as well because a right amount of debating goes on in the courtroom.

Ways to deal with a stubborn person:

• Walk away for a bit to breathe. Sometimes, you just need some space to cool off before you can deal with any problems. If the two of you just can’t see eye-to-eye, you might want to walk away before things get too heated. This way, you can circle back to the issue with a clear head.
• Try to understand their side. Perhaps they’ve had to defend themselves from a young age and just don’t know how to communicate well. Try to understand where they’re coming from before writing them off as merely impossible to deal with.
• Attempt to compromise. Stubborn people and compromise don’t usually appear in the same sentence. However, any rational, mature person would want to see things from another’s perspective. Try to arrive at a middle ground with them, as long as they seem open to discussing it.

Final thoughts on traits of a stubborn person

If you have a stubborn person in your life, you know the difficulties you face in dealing with them. They may seem argumentative and stuck in their ways, but they have their positive traits as well. Being stubborn means not backing down from challenges, having a strong work ethic, standing up for yourself, and having a lot of passion. These traits can take someone far in life as long as their hardheadedness doesn’t get the best of them.

There are certain traits that kind people have, and they may not even realize it. Since they are naturally kind-hearted, behaving in the way that they do comes easily to them. They don’t have to work at it. They simply have to be themselves.

Kind people don’t usually find themselves lonely or unsuccessful. This positive character trait contributes to positive social relationships and a more successful career. When people enjoy being around you, the interactions will be more positive and fulfilling.

The things that friendly people exhibit without realizing it are things that everyone else can work on. By consciously striving to develop these characteristics, anyone can become a nice person. After a while of conscious effort, it’ll become second-nature to behave in this way.

Fifteen Traits That Kind People Exhibit

Kind people treat everyone the same, and they always think about the well-being of others. Before they act, they also consider how their actions will affect others. Because of this, they tend to exhibit many positive characteristics without even realizing it.

1. They Give Praise Often

Everyone wants to hear praise sometimes, and this is something you can count on from a nice person. They’ll find something you do well, and they won’t be shy about telling you how great you are.

Remember, when you praise someone for their efforts, they’ll likely do even better next time. Think about how you feel when you receive kudos, and work harder to notice the good in others. Once you notice it, let them know and see how that praise encourages them.

2. Forgiveness

Nice people forgive easily, and rarely stay mad for long. They may not even get angry at all in situations that would make others crazy. Plus, they tend to walk away rather than argue, which could contribute to their ability to forgive quickly.

3. Patience

Kind people often show their kindness by being patient. Everyone makes mistakes or takes time to learn something new. This trait kicks in when patience is vital because being patient will want that person to try harder to succeed.

Being patient is also a way that friendly people show how much they care. They want you to know they believe in you and know you can do it.

4. Positivity

One of the reasons friendly people exhibit positivity is because they don’t complain. Complaining spreads negativity, and kind people know this and keep it in mind.

They also choose to use a positive vocabulary. You won’t hear them saying mean things when talking to others. Plus, they are extra careful not to say something offensive or hurtful.

You can count on nice people to look for the positive aspects of all situations. This includes a harmful situation when things didn’t go as planned, too.

5. Helpfulness

Kind people are always looking for ways to help others. If they see that you are in need, they’ll go out of their way to help you. This action could be giving you a ride when your car breaks down or helping you pick up things that you have dropped.

6. Compassion

Friendly people are a comfort to others through empathy and sympathy, stemming from their unhindered compassion. They can understand the problems of others and be sympathetic to what they are going through. Plus, they can be empathetic and help you through hard times.

They do this by listening to you and allowing you to express your feelings without interrupting. This is how they become so good at understanding how other people are feeling. By being compassionate and connecting on this level, they show their kindness and care of others.

7. They are Polite

You won’t see a nice person being rude, and they’ll always use their manners. They are kind and polite to employees at businesses they visit, even when things aren’t perfect.

They show respect to others and respect boundaries set in relationships. Nice people just want to show the respect that they expect to get back.

8. Honesty

When something isn’t working for them, they’ll speak up and say so. You won’t get passive-aggressive behavior from these folks. Plus, you won’t have to worry about how they truly feel because they will tell you.

Even though they will speak up when necessary, they’ll still do it kindly. They won’t say it in a way that will hurt your feelings or make you upset.

They also tell the truth when they’ve made a mistake. They honestly acknowledge their shortcomings and take responsibility.

9. Thoughtfulness

If you have a kind person in your life, you know that they are always thoughtful. They constantly think about what others would want and consider the opinions of others. Most importantly, they think about how their actions will affect those around them.

In their most personal relationships, they do unexpected and thoughtful things for those they love. This could be leaving a little gift or a note, or it can be by preparing their favorite meal.

10. Consistency

You know what to expect from this type of person. If they say that they will do something, they’ll do it. They also treat all people the same and show kindness to everyone. This trait isn’t just beneficial to those receiving compassion, either, as it will benefit the person being kind, too.

11. Humility

This doesn’t mean they put themselves down, but they are humble about their strengths. They know what they are good at, and they don’t go out of their way to brag to others.

Friendly people also recognize areas that they are lacking in and work to improve on them. They can take constructive criticism, and it doesn’t make them upset.

This acceptance is because they are satisfied with who they are, and they understand they have to continue working hard anyway. They don’t need to be a star in their field. Instead, they just acknowledge that they are doing their best. This behavior allows them to remain humble despite their strengths, and to continue working on their faults.

12. Authenticity

Friendly people won’t pretend to be different than they indeed are. They act the same wherever they are, no matter who they are with. You won’t see them going along with things that they wouldn’t normally do, just because their friends are.

They are true to themselves when they state an opinion. You can always count on what they are saying about themselves because they won’t pretend to be different.

When others see that a person is authentic, they begin to view them as a trustworthy person. A genuine person won’t have to try to impress anyway, because they are already sure of themselves. When a person is this confident in who they are, it draws others to them.

13. They are Interested in Others

Kind people are interested in what other people have to say. They are also involved in what is essential to other people. This helps them form and continue positive relationships.

They know that other people can help them learn, and they are interested in learning from them. There will be no hidden agenda, only a sincere desire to get to know those they interact with. Since each person offers something different, a nice person will strive to see what your strengths are.

They stay focused on the person who is talking to them, making them a joy to connect with. It allows those they are communicating with to feel relaxed and drawn in. Additionally, it’ll make a nice person the perfect person to network with.

14. Acceptance

Friendly people accept everyone they meet, even if they don’t agree with their views. They embrace the fact that everyone is different, and they use it as a learning opportunity. You won’t hear them criticizing people for their differences.

This attitude allows others to be themselves around a nice person. They won’t feel negativity or tension, and they’ll be happier because of it. It helps form positive relationships, open-mindedness, and a happy and positive environment.

15. Promptness

This trait isn’t to say that those who are often late aren’t kind, but the most considerate of people exhibit promptness. They understand the value of your time, and they won’t leave you waiting on them. Because of this, they tend to be more organized and disciplined in life.

Final Thoughts on Things That Kind People Exhibit Without Realizing It

Kind people exhibit many positive character traits without even realizing they are doing it. These qualities tend to come naturally to them. Having these traits come usually happens after an extended period of behaving this way consciously.

Often, these traits develop during childhood and early adulthood, but that’s not always the case. Anyone can develop these traits through conscious effort and creating habits. Then, over time, the characteristics become second-nature to those people, too.

If you or someone you know is a kind person, you’ll recognize many of these traits already. From showing compassion for others to going out of their way to help people, you can count on them for this.  Kind people are always thinking of the well-being of others, and they strive to make people feel good and succeed.

Have you ever heard the saying that you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression? People judge you when they meet you, and what folks think of you can impact the course of your life.

You should always strive to make a good impression as it might be the difference in landing the job of your dreams or remaining on the unemployment line.

Did you know that you only have a few seconds to make a good impression? You were always told that you should never judge a book by its cover, but sadly, people tend to be overly critical of others. They notice your manners and your appearance is important too.

15 Traits of an Individual Who Makes a Good Impression

Making a good impression is vital, and you have little time to do it. Here are 15 tips that can help you ensure that you create an excellent first impression, especially when the encounter is essential.

1. Watch Your Body Language

It doesn’t matter what you say if your body language shows something different. Your physique will naturally react when you are nervous or feeling overconfident.

If you find yourself rolling your eyes, giving smirks after comments are made, and having other nervous ticks, the other person may see you uninterested or inpatient with them.

Your body has a way of doing things out of your control. Have you ever had a nervous tic in your mouth or eye? Nerves cause most of these nuisances. Thankfully, you can control rolling your eyes and smirking.

Never underestimate the power of your body language and how it can impact someone’s impression of you.

2. Use an Appropriate Tone of Voice

Have you ever noticed how your tone can change the meaning of your sentence? If you use a monotone voice, then the other party may feel that you are unenthused by them or their conversation.

You want to make sure your voice is the right pitch, and whatever you do, control your tone. You can say the sweetest words possible, but if your tone is off, then it doesn’t matter what comes out of your mouth.

3. Smile (essential for a welcoming first impression)

When you meet people for the first time, you want them to feel that you are friendly and approachable. Having a smile on your face is like displaying a welcome sign.

People who walk around frowning and look like they’ve lost their best friend are using their body language to tell people to stay away. What does your body language say about you?

4. Listen More Than You Speak

Talking about yourself is effortless, but you should listen more than you speak. While it’s okay to tell a little about your life, you don’t want to yap incessantly. Rather, become an avid listener who only points out the highlights of your finest moments.

Speak only enough to keep the conversation going, and let the other person have the floor.

5. Be on Time

There’s nothing worse than a person who is chronically late. If you are going for a job interview or a first date, they will judge you by every little detail. It’s customary to arrive about five to ten minutes early. Make a good impression by showing your punctuality.

6. Wear Proper Attire

Have you ever heard that you should dress for success? Your clothes will give an instant impression of you before you ever open your mouth. If you’re going to an interview, then you need to be dressed professionally.

No matter where you go in life, you should always arrive well-dressed, clean, and have appropriate clothes. If you show up with a floral Hawaiian shirt to go to a formal gathering, then you may stand out like a sore thumb. Choose your clothes wisely.

7. Be Positive

Nobody likes a negative Nellie. You should be positive and speak only about upbeat subjects. Stay away from politics, the state of the world, and things that can rile some individuals.

Rather, talk about neutral topics like the weather, your family, and other generalities. Don’t be a pessimist, especially at a job interview or on a first date. You want to appear cheerful, so there is a second date or interview.

8. Never Badmouth or Gossip about Others

If you’re in a job interview, the worst thing you can do is to badmouth another company or its employees. The prospective employer may think that you were part of the problem and not them. Watch what you say and who you talk about on first encounters as it can show your character. No one likes a gossip.

9. Be Open-Minded

Everyone you meet isn’t going to have the same opinions as you. You must remain open-minded even if someone’s philosophy doesn’t align with yours. Always be willing to accept the differences and not be quick to judge others. If you close your mind, then your body language can show your dislike for the topic or situation.

10. Be Prepared

You must be prepared for any first meetings, especially if you have an interview. Try to find out as much as you can about the company and focus on crucial details. If you are meeting new friends, remember that these people can be potentially helpful to network in your career. Your first impression is vital for so many areas of life.

11. Don’t Put on a Show (it makes a poor first impression)

Some people put on a real show when they have first encounters. Be true to yourself. If these people are your friends, then they will like you for who you are.

If it’s a job prospect, then they should see the real you because that’s the person who would come to work every day. Your first impression should be a good one, but it should be truthful.

12. Use Manners

A few manners can go a long way. Saying “please,” and “thank you” as well as opening the door for others shows signs of good breeding. If you want people to like you, then use good manners from the start.

13. Always be Honest

You don’t ever have to embellish on your life or your accomplishments to make people like you. Telling false stories to get a job or a date can backfire. Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and you will have a better chance of making an excellent first impression.

14. Make Eye Contact

Eye contact is especially important, and some folks see it as respectful. Have you ever seen someone talk to you and look to the corner or down at the floor? Nerves can make your eyes wander all over the place, and some people see wondering eyes as rude.

When someone is speaking to you, be sure you look them directly in the eye. Even if you feel your eyes start to wonder, blink, and refocus your attention on the person talking.

15. Be Memorable

Part of making the first impression is that you need to be memorable. What makes a person unforgettable to you? You don’t need to be obnoxious, lie, or continuously talk to be memorable to someone.

However, you must find some way to make your mark, especially if you’re going for a job interview. You can wow people with manners and eloquent conversation, but your smile and nice clothes will help win them.

It would help if you found some ways to connect and make them remember you long after you’re gone.

Final Thoughts on How to Put Your Best Foot Forward and Make a Great First Impression

Did you know that that average job posting gets over 250 resumes in response? The job market is fierce, and employers are looking for someone that stands out from the rest. How do you stand out among so many people?

It’s a daunting task, but your skills and resume get your foot in the door, and your first impression will get you a chance to come back. There is more to life than your career, as you will also have many other occasions when you are relying on a first impression.

What if you want a date with that special someone? You want them to feel the chemistry and see something in you that piques their interest. You want to be memorable but not in a bad way.

Here are a few additional things to consider:

•Don’t wear an overpowering cologne or perfume

•Wear clothes that fit well and are appropriate for the occasion

•Shake hands firmly and look them in the eye

•Smile and laugh when suitable

•Don’t check or play with your phone on an interview or first date

•Don’t be overzealous and ask inappropriate questions

•Make your wishes known – tell them if you want a second date or interview

•Try not to fidget or mess with keys or change in your pockets

Since you only get one chance to make that impression, you should choose your words, clothes, and actions wisely. Who knows, it may help you to land a dream job or the partner you’ve always wanted.

Ben Franklin coined the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy.” Back in Ben’s day, honesty was important in relationships. It’s no different today. Truth-telling is important. You may wonder how to tell if someone is telling the truth or lying. So, what are the behaviors and traits of a genuinely honest person?

Here’s why we have trouble pinpointing them. Everyone lies.

Even if you say you’re an honest person, you probably lie every day without realizing it. If a friend buys you lunch and asks if you enjoyed the meal, you might say yes out of a desire to save the person’s feelings even though your food was cold and tasteless.  On average, you get lied to 200 times a day. One study found that 40% of adults said they fib at least once a day, usually in small ways.

12 Behaviors of an Honest Person

1. Drops the profanity

You may have heard that the use of profanity means a person is honestly expressing their thoughts and opinions. In fact, politicians who believed this began using more profanity in hopes of appearing honest. Curious about this premise, researchers conducted a study to find out if it was true. They found that, in fact, the opposite is exact. Sincere people tend to use less profanity, not more. Honest people don’t need profanity to make their point or to convince you they’re being honest. They’re just honest.

2. Won’t use the word, “honestly”

If you’re talking with a person who peppers their conversations with “honestly” or “to tell you the truth,” they’re lying to you. This phrase may appear as being candid or straightforward, but it’s a dead give away of being dishonest.  Liars also use phrases like “to be perfectly honest” or “let me be honest with you,” to convince their listener they’re sincere. This kind of qualifying language discredits the speaker and reveals their deceit.

3. Gestures correctly

Dishonest people tend to gesture AFTER they speak instead of during or before they talk. Everyone uses gestures, it’s reasonable to gesture while you’re talking. But when someone gestures at the wrong time, it’s a sign of deception. It’s as if the person is making up the answer as they go along, and their gesturing can’t keep up with their words.  Honest people gesture in the right way and at the right time for emphasis, not because they are lying to you.

4. Normal voice tone

Liars change their voice tones in conversations. They may get louder as they talk. The more they talk, the louder they will get. Or they will lower their voice as if they’re telling you something in confidence. It’s as if the person feels defensive, and their pitch is revealing this to you as they continue to lie. It’s a dead giveaway when someone does this, so don’t believe them. You can spot an honest person in conversations because their voice will be consistent throughout the discussion.

5. Blinks normally

It’s thought that a person who is lying to you blinks more often and has longer blinks than a person who is telling the truth. Changes in their blinking patterns are also a sign of lying. This subtle clue is worth watching while you’re in conversations. It’s a pretty clear indicator the person isn’t being honest with you.

6. No throat clearing

Honest people use a normal voice tone without constant throat clearing or hard swallowing before they answer. A person who continually clears their throat before he answers your question, he is probably lying to you. He’s probably feeling anxious about lying, and this may cause his throat to feel dry out, so he needs to cough or clear his voice to talk.

7. Mouth looks normal

Honest people hold their mouths regularly during conversations with you. A dishonest person purses their lips or tenses their mouth while in chat. They may give you a fake smile or a half-smile. A real smile involves the eyes, not just the mouth. When a person smiles, there are wrinkles at the edge of their eyes, called crow’s feet, that will appear. A person who is fake smiling smiles only with their mouth, not their eyes.

8. Movements are natural

Non-verbal clues are often the best way to tell if someone is lying to you. If the person you’re talking to shuffles their feet or moves around in their chair or fidgets with the clothes, there’s a good chance they’re lying to you. But a liar may also become unnaturally stiff, freezing their upper body movements. In general, unnatural movements being either too stiff or too busy, are indications a person is lying to you.

9. Pupils aren’t dilated

It’s often thought that when someone doesn’t look you in the eyes, they’re lying. But studies show that looking either to the left or right isn’t necessarily a sign of lying. Liars will look at you too much. Practiced liars maintain eye contact with a type of stare-down ability. When they do this, the pupils of their eyes will dilate, indicating they’re not being truthful.

10. An honest person looks relaxed, not moving too much or too little

If you’re in a conversation with someone who is lying, they will often wiggle or tap their feet nervously. Honest people are calm. They don’t shuffle their feet to distract you or out of nervousness. They’ve nothing to hide, so they aren’t worried you’ll find out they’re lying to you.

11. Uses non-formal language

Liars use formal language to cover up their lies. Saying, “I did not commit a crime,” instead of “I didn’t do it,” tells you that the person is working hard to cover up their lie. Liars use this formal way of answering questions to try to appear sincere and truthful. Honest people use ordinary, everyday language when they answer questions because they don’t have anything to hide.

12. Doesn’t give you too much information

When a person is lying to you, they’ll often repeat your questions back to you. They’ll give you lots of unnecessary details as if to overload you with information to deflect their lies. These are subtle but clear clues the person isn’t being honest with you. They’re stalling, trying to come up with an answer they think you will believe. It’s a classic indication of lying.

Final Thoughts on Identifying When You’re Dealing with an Honest Person

Figuring out if someone is an honest person isn’t simple. Many gestures get misunderstood as lying when the person is just nervous. It takes practice and the ability to get to know the person to understand whether they’re lying to you. Ask lots of questions, probe into what they’re saying to you. Look for inconsistent patterns in their speech, nodding yes when they say “no.”

Also, look at their attitudes and subtle movements. If someone is co-operative and ready to work with you to help you to get the truth, that’s a pretty good indication they’re being honest with you. They’ll be willing to share their ideas or brainstorm or provide details to solve the problem. Clear indicators that the person you’re talking to is lying will include looking down frequently, pausing, or being withdrawn, unnecessary head shakes, or shrugging.

Many people strive to show maturity. It involves a level of wisdom, intelligence, and emotional awareness. But, surprisingly, being a mature person doesn’t have all that much to do with age!

Maturity is a valuable trait, and it’s one that you can learn slowly by incorporating certain habits into your life. Here are 18 characteristics of a truly mature person.

18 Traits a Mature Person Displays

1.    Kindness and Consideration

Someone mature is often compassionate, as compassion is an indication that you are capable of placing other people’s interests in front of yours. This trait means that you can:

• Celebrate the successes of others without jealousy
• Learn how to sacrifice in moderation for the betterment of others
• Take an interest in the wellbeing of others

2.    Maintaining Commitments

Delayed gratification is difficult for anyone who isn’t mature. You need to focus on meeting commitments, even when those commitments may no longer be impressive for you. Here are some examples of engagement found in mature people:

·         Meeting Deadlines

A committed person ensures that their work is completed and sent on time or sooner, even if they don’t have the motivation to do it.

·         Keeping Promises

Another way to be mature is by honoring your word. If there is someone you promised to meet, make sure you meet them or give them a heads up and proper explanation if you are unable to do so.

·         Being Consistent

When taking on commitments, more often than not, they are marathons rather than sprints. This accountability means you need to keep a consistent pace and focus on steady progress over hurrying forward until your passion dies.

3.    Emotional Control

Maturity involves reasonable emotional control. Someone who is mature will not be quick to anger, projecting a positive demeanor. This outcome is done by:

·         Being Cool

You will be able to appear relaxed and calm if you can control your emotions, and others around you will instinctively relax, too. It’s a prime mark of maturity.

·         Having A Solid Emotional Foundation

Mature individuals have an emotional strength that provides a good foundation for their positive thinking. This means they are less likely to be overwhelmed by too-strong feelings, preventing destructive tendencies.

·         Not Allowing Anger To Control You

A mature person is in full control of their anger. Though some things can still take them by surprise, they will likely not be easily irritated or discouraged by setbacks.

4.    Being Guided By Principle

Principles can help guide an individual in their maturity. The values your principles hold can help point you towards living an honorable and respectable life. Having beliefs helps you with:

• Being more proactive instead of reactive as you progress through life
• Mastering your emotions
• Making decisions, you can be happy with

5.    Modesty and Humility

Modesty and humility are often associated with maturity. Your humility allows you to put yourself on the same level as others and understand them better. This means you:

• Do not let success cloud your judgment and personality
• Will always treat others with respect regardless of their social standing
• Will not place yourself on a higher level than to others

6.    Applying Knowledge

Maturity often links with intelligence, and intelligence is often associated with the ability to learn from past experiences. A mature person is someone that implements their expertise in everything they do.  For example:

• They have an awareness of themselves as well as their surroundings
• These people can make informed decisions based on the situation at hand
• They often have positive thinking and avoid excessive complaining in bad situations

7.    Self-Management

Self-management is an essential trait for maturity. Being mature means having the capacity to manage your own life in a self-sufficient manner, under your ability. This involves:

• Being able to ask for help in a positive way when needed, without playing the victim
• Having the ability to collaborate mutually with others to complete a task
• Ensuring that they complete tasks and commitments on time

8.    Taking Responsibility

All choices come with consequences, and as a mature person, you should be able to take responsibility for your decisions. This means taking accountability with positive thinking when you are even partially responsible for difficult situations.

But taking responsibility isn’t just about righting your wrongs – it’s also about being responsible for yourself and for those you commit to. All in all, maturity can involve:

• Ensuring you are looking after your physical and mental wellbeing
• Dealing with the positive results or negative consequences that come with your actions
• Not shifting blames onto others

9.    Never Taking Advantage Of Others

A mature individual does not let being in a position of power cloud their judgment. They do not take advantage of others, even when it would be effortless for them to do so. As a person with a higher position, a mature person will:

• Listen to the opinions of others and consider them instead of going on a power trip
• Realize that their perspectives are not sufficient, as that they are a part of a broader world
• Learn from others, no matter their position
• Never control the people around them into doing things against their will

10. Ignorance of Unimportant Criticism and Flattery

Being mature means being able to accept the opinions of others and learn from them. This open-mindedness is because maturity allows you to realize that things are not merely black and white, and nothing is as positive or negative as you may initially believe. The world simply doesn’t work like that!

Mature people don’t allow criticism, flattery, or compliments to sway them because they know that all these issues are subjective and based on individual and unique opinions. They will take constructive critique into account, of course, and will express gratitude for compliments, but they will not allow those things to rule them.

11. Enjoying Themselves

A lot of people incorrectly believe that maturity directly equates to being bland, boring, or continuously neutral. But that’s not true! Mature people know how to have fun and enjoy themselves. They understand that unwinding is necessary. This means that guilt-free, knowledgeable people:

• Take time out of their schedules to enjoy their hobbies
• Understand when they need to rest
• Do not fully book their time with work

12. Self-Acceptance

It is not easy to accept yourself as you are, especially when others keep telling you that you should change. But when you are mature, you embrace who you are, and you are confident about yourself. You will feel comfortable with yourself instead of feeling inferior and wanting to please others by being someone you are not.

There is power in accepting yourself, complete with all your flaws and strengths. A mature person does not only obsess over their faults, instead embraces them and allows their appreciation of their intricacies to drive them to improve themselves and change for the better.

This doesn’t mean that mature people are full of themselves. It merely means that they are confident in their skin and accept themselves as they are. They have no interest in changing who they are to better fit in or make others happy.

13. Knowing Limits

Knowing your limits is a clear sign of maturity. Considering the potential risks associated with your actions and how they may affect you is a mark of a mature trait. This helps in decision making so that you can avoid situations where you bite off more than you can chew. This means they:

• They are innovative, but they’ll never force their ideas onto others
• Are daring, but are still cautious and do not endanger themselves or others
• Do not take unnecessary risks

14. Open-Mindedness

A mature individual is open to looking at things from different perspectives. They strive to understand others and would never judge the people around them based on external factors or first impressions. Open-minded individuals:

• Do not label others
• Do not automatically exclude people who they don’t understand
• Try to see where others are coming from
• Strive to bridge the gap between different groups of people
• Do not try to apply their perspectives to others

15. Looking Before Leaping

A mature individual would never claim to have all the answers, and that’s why they choose wisdom and forethought over jumping headfirst into all situations. This isn’t to say they aren’t game for risks or adrenaline-pumping events, but it does mean that in cases where that isn’t necessary, they see no point in acting without thinking.

Mature individuals may also consult those with more knowledge before jumping into new pursuits. This means mature people, as they love pursuing further information, are always asking questions – and they are never ashamed of where they get their knowledge from. They would also never claim to know everything, though they will happily share what they know with those who ask.

16. Knowing You Don’t Know everything

Here’s a simple fact – and this ties in nicely to our previous point! – no one knows everything. A mature person can easily accept that fact and is not interested in changing that. Instead, they focus on setting aside their pride and having the willingness to learn from just about anyone, even those who could be perceived as less knowledgeable.

17. Never Using Emotional Blackmail

Excellent and honest communication is a vital skill that every mature individual possesses. A mature person will never resort to using emotional blackmail when expressing their needs to others. Mature people can:

• Be assertive with their communication
• Convey authority in their words without sounding overly forceful
• Be direct and convey all necessary information to others without beating around the book

18. Gratitude

Mature people are always able to find goodness in their life and be grateful for what they have. Armed with the knowledge that there are many other less fortunate individuals in the world, mature people are thankful for what they were born with and for all they can achieve.

As a mature person, you need to learn not to take things for granted. Instead of complaining about what you don’t have, instead, be grateful for what you do have and keep that positive thinking going!

Final Thoughts On Some Traits Of A Truly Mature Person

Anyone of any age can be mature. The only thing mature people have in common is their kind, smart, open-minded traits, and with this list of 18 of them, you can begin your path to true maturity.