8 signs someone is not an entirely good person, according to psychology | #NwokeukwuMascot

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We all like to think we’re good judges of character, but sometimes it’s not so easy to pinpoint the traits of a not-so-good individual. Psychology, being the study of human behavior, offers a helping hand in understanding the subtle signs associated with people who might not be entirely good.

These signs aren’t always obvious. Sometimes they’re hidden behind a charming smile or clever words. But once you know what to look for, you can make better judgments about the people in your life.

Ready to dive in? Here are eight signs that someone might not be as good as they seem, according to psychology:

1) They always play the victim:

We all know that person who seems to be perpetually surrounded by drama and misfortune. They never accept responsibility for their actions and instead, always find someone else to blame.

This is a classic sign of a not-so-good person.

Constantly playing the victim allows these individuals to manipulate situations and people in their favor. They use their ‘victim status’ as a shield or an excuse, avoiding accountability for their actions.

It’s a psychological tactic that can be very effective, but it’s also a clear red flag. Once you recognize it, you can begin to question what else they might be capable of. And remember, while everyone has tough times and bad days, a good person knows how to accept responsibility and move forward, instead of perpetually playing the victim.

2) They are never happy for others

I once had a friend who never seemed genuinely happy for anyone else’s success. Whether it was a new job, a great relationship, or even just a small personal achievement, she would always find a way to downplay it or make it about herself.

Psychology tells us that this is a sign of a not-so-good person.Instead of celebrating with others, these individuals often feel threatened by the success of others. It’s as if someone else’s gain is their loss. This lack of ability to share in joy is a clear sign of insecurity and jealousy.

In my case, I eventually realized that this friend was more interested in bringing others down to her level than in lifting herself up. It was a difficult realization, but an important one.

Remember, a truly good person celebrates the success of others and takes joy in their happiness.

3) They show a lack of empathy:

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a cornerstone of human connection. When someone lacks empathy, it can be a sign they’re not an entirely good person.

Empathy goes beyond simply understanding someone else’s perspective. It’s about genuinely feeling for another person and wanting to alleviate their suffering or share in their joy.

Some individuals, however, seem incapable of this. They may come across as cold or uncaring, even in situations where empathy would be the normal response. Interestingly, research has shown that people who lack empathy often have less gray matter in certain areas of their brain linked to understanding others’ perspectives.

Remember, the absence of empathy is a significant red flag, signaling a potential lack of compassion and kindness.

4) They constantly lie:

We all tell little white lies now and again, it’s part of being human. But when lying becomes a habitual behavior, it’s a significant sign of a not-so-good person.

These individuals often lie to make themselves look better, to manipulate others, or to avoid responsibility for their actions. They might exaggerate stories, skew facts or outright fabricate information.

Constant lying not only erodes trust in relationships but also reveals a deep-seated lack of respect for others. After all, when someone lies to you, they’re essentially saying that they think you’re not worthy of the truth. So if you find yourself dealing with someone who lies persistently, beware. It’s a clear sign that they might not be as good a person as they want you to believe.

5) They are quick to anger:

Anger is a normal human emotion and we all experience it from time to time. However, when someone’s anger is explosive, unpredictable, or directed at undeserving targets, it’s a sign they may not be an entirely good person.

These individuals often have little control over their anger. Small inconveniences or disagreements can set them off, causing them to lash out at others. This can create an environment of fear and anxiety for those around them.

No one deserves to live in fear of someone else’s anger. It’s essential to remember that everyone deserves respect and kindness, regardless of the situation. If someone displays constant anger, it’s not your responsibility to bear the brunt of their emotional instability.

Life is too short to be around those who bring you down with their anger.

6) They are overly critical:

Years ago, I was in a relationship with someone who was always quick to criticize. From the way I dressed to the way I spoke, nothing was ever good enough. It took me a while to realize that this constant criticism was not about me or my inadequacies, but about his.

Overly critical people often project their own insecurities onto others. By pointing out your perceived flaws, they divert attention away from their own. This is a classic sign of a not-so-good person.

Criticism can be constructive and helpful when delivered with kindness and respect. But when it’s used as a tool to belittle or demean, it’s harmful and destructive. In hindsight, I’m grateful for the experience as it taught me the value of self-worth. 

7) They don’t respect boundaries:

Respecting boundaries, be it physical or emotional, is a fundamental aspect of any healthy relationship. However, not-so-good individuals often have a knack for overstepping these boundaries.

They might consistently invade your personal space, disregard your feelings, or persistently push you to do things you’re uncomfortable with.

This lack of respect for your boundaries shows a significant disregard for your comfort and autonomy.

8) They take more than they give:

In any relationship, balance is key. But some individuals consistently take more than they give, whether it’s time, energy, or resources. This imbalance is a significant sign of a not-so-good person.

These individuals often expect others to go above and beyond for them, but seldom return the favor. They might take advantage of your kindness, generosity, or patience without showing appreciation or reciprocation.

Remember, a truly good person values fairness and mutual respect. Don’t let someone drain you without giving anything back in return. You deserve relationships that are balanced and reciprocal.

Lastly, Understanding human behavior can be complex, but at the core of it all is a universal principle: respect. Respect for each other’s feelings, boundaries, and experiences. When a person consistently displays these signs of not being entirely good, it’s often a reflection of their lack of respect – for others and perhaps even for themselves.