Someone’s true character isn’t always easy to see. But if you pay attention to the gestures and words they use, you can determine the truth about them.
While we’d like to think all people are genuine, someone’s true character is not always evident. Sometimes the real feelings are behind a façade, and not everyone can catch on to those little things like body language and emotion. However, some patterns reveal more information behind the words people say.
How to reveal someone’s true character
It takes time to understand the true motive behind what people do or what they say. You may think that they are generous and kind, but in reality, some are doing things to get noticed. Listening closely to the emotion behind the words is key.
Here are several phrases that reveal someone’s true character. Let’s examine those together.
1. “I hate drama.”
People who really hate drama do not need to announce that fact. They usually just mind their own business. People who hide their true character will often make a point of telling everyone around about how they hate drama. Then they may even proceed to tell a story about how they became drama-free.
It’s strange, really. But usually, these people are the ones who not only enjoy drama but create this same drama themselves.
2. “I’m not trying to be mean, but…”
When you hear this, just understand that someone is, indeed, about to say something mean. They are just preparing you for the onslaught. It’s as if you’re being kissed right before you get punched. Sounds awful, right? When you understand how this phrase works, you’ll notice the true character of many people. This is a common way for people to justify their harshness.
3. “I’m just being honest.”
This statement is usually said right after a harsh criticism. It says,
“I’m going to say something harsh and defend myself when I hurt your feelings.”
That’s all the statement really is—just a way to escape accountability for using cruel words. You will know a person’s true character by noticing how quickly they take responsibility, not just for their actions, but for their words as well.
This phrase is much like the one I mentioned just before. One just announces the harsh statement, while the other is used in defense of the harsh statement. Both of these statements show someone’s character flaws.
4. “Actually…”
I know someone who uses this phrase to convey a combination of low self-esteem, superiority, and bullying behavior. For some strange reason, when you talk about something you know, they love to prove you wrong or say something more intellectual. And when they fail to shake you or make you upset, they generally walk away from the conversation.
Sometimes this behavior is unnerving, but usually other people pick up on what’s going on after a while. You see, these phrases repeat themselves often.
5. “I don’t have time for this.”
This phrase can be used in so many negative situations. A person may truly not care about your problems and say this. They want you to believe that they truly have no time for your drama. They try to make you look like the bad guy with this statement.
And while you are feeling guilty about taking their time, they quietly laugh, knowing that they shirked responsibilities once again.
6. “Oh, that would not be me!”
This may seem like a strange statement, but it says a lot about someone. When you see an individual bullying another person, you may say, “Oh, that would not be me!” as if you would not tolerate being treated in that manner.
People who say this look down on others and think they are better than them. But you don’t know that. When you hear someone laugh and say this, just know they are revealing their true character. They are probably not as smart and tough as they seem.
7. “Respect is earned.”
Listen, this is a false statement. Every human being deserves respect, whether you know them or not. To reveal someone’s true character, ask them whether they think respect is given or earned. Their answer will let you know just how open-minded they are.
Other ways to reveal someone’s true character
Not only will their words tell the truth about them, but their body language will as well. Someone with a shady character will act differently depending on who they are around. Keep your eye on this, too.
They may even change their mannerisms depending on those factors. If they truly like helping people, they won’t care about receiving attention for what they do. Pay attention to those who are constantly making announcements every time they do a good deed. This is a red flag.
Also, a good person’s character will show through every mistake or emotion-driven action. No one is perfect, but some have more empathy than others. Some like to see others happy, while some feed on the happiness of others. Paying close attention to what people say will help you understand your boundaries. You’ll know who is easier to trust and who needs to be loved from a distance.
I hope these phrases help you figure them out for yourself and keep you safe as well. Remember, learning someone’s true character can even save your life.
Be blessed
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