Truly trustworthy friends can be difficult to find. People often have a way of disappointing you, just when you think your relationship is going great.
They’ll let a secret slip, you’ll realize they’ve been using you, or you’ll find out that they’re talking about you behind your back.
There are few things worse than finding out that someone you trusted has betrayed you. To protect yourself, make sure the people you’re surrounding yourself with are truly trustworthy.
Let’s take a look at 7 traits of trustworthy people:
1. Availability
Trustworthy people consider “being there” for others an utmost priority. In all likelihood, they’re willing to forgo their own comfort to assist someone in need.
In other words, you know someone is trustworthy when they say things like “I’m just a phone call away,” or “I’m here for you.” Honest people don’t take these words lightly, either. They’ll back up what they say with actions. If they don’t, you can bet they have a good reason.
2. Compassion
It’s no surprise that some of the most trustworthy people are compassionate and empathetic. Keeping their word is important to them, yes, but they understand that to do anything else would be hurtful.
Empaths, for example, tend to be devoted friends, family members, and partners; it’s almost unheard of for people in the group to disregard their commitments to someone else. Not surprisingly, empaths – among other selfless types – are the ones that often reignite our faith in humanity.
3. Consistency
Relating to the previous quality on our list, trustworthy people are consistent in their behaviors. They’re responsible individuals at work, at home, and in relationships.
The odds are that if someone displays habitual consistency, they’re worthy of trust.
4. Humility
They’re humble because they don’t feel the need to prove anything. Boastfulness is the mirror opposite of humility and can be a big red flag. Honest people don’t go around saying “I’m honest.” They’re too humble for such nonsense. Instead, they turn their thoughts to actions – which, in turn, do all the talking.
5. Honor
The ancient Greek poet Sophocles said, “I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating.” Sophocles, by all historical accounts, was an honorable man greatly revered in ancient Greece.
Trustworthy people also value honor, both from themselves and others. Whether it’s fulfilling a commitment or making a verbal agreement, honest people do the right thing.
6. Kindness
Not everyone who shows kindness is trustworthy, whether by design or poor judgment. That said, most trustworthy people are kind to others. They’re polite, civil and conscientious.
If a person you know is almost always kind and courteous – and backs up what they say with action – they are probably someone you can trust.
7. Authenticity
Authenticity is defined as “not false or copied; genuine; real.”
Fake people, by their very nature (and well-deserved title), can not be authentic. Thus, they’re more likely to deceive and disrupt intentionally. A truthful individual will say what needs to be said, as they know their words are spoken with meaning.
