You know how people say, “It’s the little things that count”?
Well, they’re absolutely right, especially when it comes to understanding someone’s true nature. It’s usually not the grand gestures that matter the most, but the subtle details in their behaviour, habits, and choices that reveal a lot about their personality, values, and outlook on life. Here are some things to look out for.
1. How they treat service staff
Whether it’s a waiter, a shop assistant, or a delivery driver, how someone treats people in service roles can be very telling. Are they polite and respectful, or do they act entitled and demanding? Their behaviour in these situations can reveal their true colours and how they see people.
2. Their punctuality (or lack thereof)
Are they always on time, fashionably late, or chronically late? While there might be occasional circumstances, consistent patterns can reveal a lot about someone’s respect for people’s time, their organisational skills, and their ability to prioritise.
3. What they do when they think no one is watching
Do they pick up litter, hold the door open for strangers, or offer help to someone in need? Or do they cut in line, litter, or gossip behind people’s backs? Their actions when they think they’re not being observed can be a window into their true character.
4. Their choice of words and how they talk to people
The words we choose and how we use them can be incredibly revealing. Do they use inclusive language, show empathy, and speak respectfully to everyone? Or do they resort to insults, gossip, or passive-aggressive remarks? Their communication style can give you insights into their values, attitudes, and emotional intelligence.
5. How they handle disagreements or drama
Everyone has disagreements, but how someone handles them can reveal a lot about their character. Do they listen to other people’s perspectives, try to compromise, and try to find solutions? Or do they get defensive, blame other people, and escalate the situation? Their conflict resolution style can show you how they deal with challenges and how much they value healthy relationships.
6. Their relationship with money
Source: Unsplash How someone spends, saves, or invests their money can offer clues about their priorities, values, and long-term goals. Are they generous with their money, mindful of their spending, or prone to impulsive purchases? Their financial habits can reveal their level of self-discipline, their attitude towards material possessions, and their ability to plan for the future.
7. How they respond to feedback or criticism
Everyone receives feedback at some point, but how someone responds to it can be very telling. Do they listen openly, consider the feedback objectively, and use it as an opportunity for growth? Or do they get defensive, dismiss the feedback, or even lash out at the person giving it? Their response to feedback can reveal their level of self-awareness, their openness to learning, and their ability to handle criticism constructively.
8. What they choose to read, watch, or listen to
The media we consume can shape our thoughts, beliefs, and values. What someone chooses to read, watch, or listen to can give you insights into their interests, their worldview, and their intellectual curiosity. Are they drawn to informative documentaries, thought-provoking books, or mindless entertainment? Their media choices can reveal their intellectual depth, their curiosity about the world, and their willingness to engage with different perspectives.
9. How they react to unexpected situations or setbacks
Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. How someone reacts to unexpected situations or setbacks can reveal a lot about their resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Do they remain calm under pressure, try to find solutions, and learn from their mistakes? Or do they panic, point the finger,and give up easily? Their ability to cope with adversity can show you how they handle stress and how much they trust their own abilities.
10. How they treat animals and the environment
Source: Unsplash Someone’s relationship with animals and the environment can speak volumes about their compassion, empathy, and respect for all living beings. Are they kind to animals, mindful of their environmental impact, and willing to make sustainable choices? Or are they indifferent to animal welfare, wasteful, or dismissive of environmental concerns? Their behaviour towards animals and the planet can reveal their broader values and their sense of responsibility towards the world around them.
11. How they use their free time
How someone spends their free time can be a reflection of their passions, interests, and priorities. Do they engage in hobbies, volunteer their time, or spend quality time with loved ones? Or do they waste their time on unproductive activities, neglect their relationships, or isolate themselves? Their use of free time can reveal their level of self-care, their social connections, and their overall satisfaction with life.
12. How they apologise (or don’t)
Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone apologises sincerely. When someone messes up, do they take responsibility for their actions, express genuine remorse, and make amends? Or do they make excuses, deflect blame, or offer insincere apologies? Their ability to apologise sincerely can show you how much they value relationships, how willing they are to admit their mistakes, and how much they care about how their actions affect other people.
13. How they react to other people’s success
Source: Unsplash When someone else achieves something great, how does this person react? Are they genuinely happy for people, offer support and encouragement, or celebrate their achievements? Or do they feel envious, dismissive, or try to downplay their success? Their response to other people’s accomplishments can reveal their level of empathy, their generosity of spirit, and their ability to be happy when other people win.
14. How they handle power or authority
When someone is in a position of power or authority, do they use it responsibly, ethically, and for the greater good? Or do they abuse their power, manipulate people, or become arrogant and self-serving? Their behaviour in positions of power can reveal their true character, their moral compass, and their leadership style.
15. What they prioritise in life
Source: Unsplash What someone values most in life can tell you a lot about their character and what truly matters to them. Do they prioritise relationships, personal growth, experiences, or material possessions? Their values can reveal their life philosophy, their goals, and what brings them joy and fulfilment. Paying attention to their priorities can give you a deeper understanding of who they are as a person.
