7 behaviors a genuinely good man will never display, according to psychology

There’s a clear distinction between being a good man and simply pretending to be one.

This difference, my friends, hinges on behavior. A genuinely good man, according to psychology, will never resort to certain actions, no matter the circumstance.

Now, pretending to be good while concealing your true colors? That’s easy, almost anyone can do that. But being authentically good, that’s a whole different ball game. It requires self-awareness, authenticity, and consistent growth.

In this piece, we’ll be delving into the 7 behaviors a genuinely good man will never display. This isn’t about judgment or shaming, rather it’s about understanding the true essence of goodness in a man and how you can align your actions with your intentions for personal growth and authenticity.

So buckle up as we explore these behaviors, and remember, it’s not about perfection but about striving for honesty and integrity in who you are and what you do.

1) A good man never engages in deceit

In the realm of human behavior, there’s little that’s more telling than honesty.

An authentic gentleman, no matter what, will not engage in deceit. This behavior is alien to him.

Deception, after all, is an action that stems from a place of fear or insecurity. It’s a way of manipulating reality to fit our narrative, often with the intention of protecting ourselves or gaining something.

A genuinely good man understands this and consciously chooses honesty over deceit.

As Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss psychologist, once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” A good man embodies this quote. He doesn’t need to twist the truth or create false impressions because he is content and secure in his authenticity.

Remember, it’s not about being infallible but about owning up to one’s mistakes and learning from them. After all, personal growth is a journey, not a destination.

2) A good man never belittles others

I recall a time when I was having a heated argument with a friend. In the heat of the moment, my friend began to belittle my opinions, dismissing them as insignificant. I remember feeling disrespected and undervalued.

But then, there was another friend who, despite our disagreements, always maintained respect. He would express his differing opinions without ever belittling mine. The difference was striking.

A genuinely good man understands that everyone has a unique perspective to offer and respects that. He never belittles others to make himself feel superior.

In the words of the famous psychologist, Alfred Adler, “It is always easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.” A genuinely good man lives by this quote, standing up for his principles without ever trampling on those of others. This behavior reflects not only his respect for others but also his commitment to personal growth and authenticity.

3) A good man never shies away from self-reflection

Have you ever found yourself avoiding your own reflection? Not in the literal sense, but in an introspective way.

The truth is, it’s human to avoid confronting our own shortcomings. It’s easier to point fingers, to blame others, or to bury our heads in the sand. But a genuinely good man? He does the hard thing. He reflects. He confronts himself.

As famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” A good man understands this paradox. He doesn’t shy away from self-reflection but embraces it because he knows it’s the pathway to personal growth, authenticity, and ultimately becoming a better version of himself.

It’s not always an easy road but remember, being a genuinely good man isn’t about taking the easy way out. It’s about being honest, raw and real, even when it’s uncomfortable.

4) A good man never dismisses emotions

Emotions are complex, often messy, and can feel overwhelming. It’s no wonder then that some people choose to dismiss or ignore them, either their own or those of others. But a genuinely good man? He doesn’t do that.

Researchers found that emotional intelligence – the ability to identify and manage emotions, both ours and those of others – is a critical factor for success in relationships and work.

A genuinely good man understands this. He knows that dismissing emotions isn’t just detrimental to his personal growth; it also affects his relationships.

He doesn’t belittle feelings or view them as weaknesses. Instead, he acknowledges them, manages them, and uses them as tools for understanding both himself and others better. After all, our emotions are a part of who we are, and dismissing them is like denying a part of ourselves.

5) A good man never avoids responsibility

I remember a time in my life when I was working in a team, and we had made a significant error in our project. One of my colleagues immediately blamed another team member, washing his hands off any responsibility.

But then there was this other colleague who, despite not being entirely at fault, shouldered the responsibility and worked towards fixing the issue. The difference between the two was night and day.

A genuinely good man is like the latter. He never shirks responsibility or places blame on others. He understands that taking responsibility is not just about admitting mistakes but also about taking action to rectify them.

Erik Erikson, a well-known developmental psychologist, once said, “In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity.” By taking responsibility, a good man reinforces his identity as someone who is accountable and reliable, contributing to his personal growth and authenticity.

6) A good man never fears vulnerability

Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, isn’t it? We’re taught to hide our fears, insecurities, and imperfections. But here’s the counterintuitive truth: a genuinely good man doesn’t fear vulnerability; in fact, he embraces it.

Brené Brown, a renowned psychologist and research professor, has spent years studying vulnerability. She says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”

A good man understands this. He knows that showing vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness but a testament to his strength. It’s about being real, being authentic, and being brave enough to let others see him for who he truly is.

Remember, it’s not about creating a perfect facade but about embracing the imperfectly perfect human that we are. That’s what a genuinely good man does.

7) A good man never stops learning

The journey of personal growth is never-ending. A genuinely good man understands this and never stops learning.

Albert Einstein, perhaps one of the most famous physicists and a deep thinker, once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” A good man takes this to heart. He is constantly evolving, learning, and growing.

After all, it’s not about reaching a final destination of ‘goodness’. It’s about continuously striving to become better than who he was yesterday. And that’s a lifelong journey.

Final reflections

As we navigate through the complexities of human behavior, we realize that being a genuinely good man is not about perfection. It’s about authenticity, personal growth, and the courage to remain true to oneself.

These seven behaviors we’ve discussed are not about pointing fingers or imposing standards. Instead, they serve as a mirror, a tool for introspection. They are reminders of the person we aspire to be, the man who aligns his actions with his values.

Remember, it’s not about avoiding these behaviors out of fear or obligation. It’s about consciously choosing to be better because that’s who you want to be.

In the end, being a genuinely good man is not a destination but a journey, a continuous process of learning, growing and evolving. And that’s a journey worth embarking on every single day.