The 8 characteristics of sincere people (explained)

One of the most valued traits of people is sincerity. We like to have in our environment a person who is true, authentic, genuine, who says and does what he really thinks.

Being a sincere person is not limited to releasing what one thinks like that, without more. True sincerity is assertive, respectful of how others feel but faithful to what one thinks. That is to say true, but avoiding that they hurt.

Next we will delve into what they are the main characteristics of a sincere person, both to be able to recognize a person of this type and to know what we must put into practice to become one of them.

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Main characteristics of sincere people

Before delving into what the characteristics of a person are, we must first know what sincerity is. The word “sincerity” derives from the Latin “sine cera”, literally meaning “without wax”.

The history behind this expression goes back to Ancient Rome. At that time, sugar as we know it did not exist, so the Romans used other options to sweeten their meals. The main sweetener was honey, but it used to happen that many beekeepers were not entirely honest and, to make more profit, they sold it mixed with wax, making it less pure.

With the passage of time, the expression "without wax" began to be used beyond honey, referring to a pure, authentic person, not falsified., who does not mix his genuineness with traits that are not his own. The most common definition in the dictionaries about what it is to be a sincere person comes to say that it is one that shows correspondence between its expression and behavior with the real way of feeling and to think. He shows himself to others as he is.

Apparently, and in the opinion of many, sincerity is a very rare virtue, since there are many people who do not show themselves to others with how they really are. Many people show themselves to the rest of the world "with wax", lying about how they are, often without having a good reason for it and hardly apologizing for faking their way of being.

Let's see what are the main characteristics of a sincere person, something that will undoubtedly help us identify them and, also, to put into practice everything necessary for us to become one of them:

1. They have a good self-esteem

Sincere people tend to have a lot of self-confidence, enough not to sugarcoat their words or hide their opinions.. They know who they are, acknowledging their weaknesses and valuing their strengths, relying on their resources, experiences, and emotions to take a stand.

They have good self-esteem, enough to dare to say what they think without fear but with enough care to avoid harming others. This self-esteem is so high thanks to the fact that they are aware of who they are, value how they are and act without harming others.

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2. They accept constructive criticism

Many people have a hard time accepting criticism, however true it may be. It is difficult to accept what others tell us if to begin with we deceive ourselves with how we are. It is not the case of sincere people.

Sincere people give their opinion with the intention of helping others. They say what they think, respectfully and in the form of constructive criticism. They also value this for themselves, understanding that if others criticize them it is to help them improve, so they accept it willingly as long as they are constructive.

Naturally, if the criticism they receive is clearly meant to harm them, meant to humiliate or harm them in some way, it will not be accepted at all.

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3. They are responsible with what they say

sincere people they are responsible with what they say in that, when they promise to do something, they really intend to fulfill it. With this they do not seek recognition, but they really commit to something or give their word because they really feel they can help in that regard.

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4. are consistent with their values

Sincere people are congruent with their values, while what they say and do does not contradict what they think. They are consistent with their behavior, thoughts, ideas and words, something that they show even when what they think goes against the opinion of the majority. Although it is often not easy to defend a point of view, these people remain firm to their principles.

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5. Say the negative respectfully...

Related to the previous point, sincere people they say the negative but in the most respectful and practical way possible. If they see that someone says or does something that does not benefit them, a sincere person is not going to sit idly by waiting for the other to realize it on their own.

It is very important to understand that true sincerity is not telling the truth abruptly, excused in that of "you have to tell the truth, even if it hurts". Being sincere implies respecting the other, preventing them from feeling bad and, if we still know that what we are going to say could hurt them, do it as gently as possible but sincerely.

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6. And also the positive

Many times there is a tendency to avoid saying words of admiration towards others. Sometimes, highlighting the positive in other people can cost a lot, a kind of shame invades us. Recognizing the good in others is an act of humility that not all people find it easy or are willing to do.

Being honest doesn't just highlight the bad, but also the good. Sincere people say the positive they see in others, so that they feel valued and helping them to see that we are not just weaknesses, but that we have some strength and ability. Hearing sincere compliments from someone we admire can greatly increase our self-esteem.

7. They help selflessly

Sincere people help selflessly, without double intentions. When they help someone, they do so with a genuine personal desire to help others, to be better. They do not expect to receive anything in return, nor do they expect excessive recognition.

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8. They are usually happy

Being honest with others and, especially, with oneself is something that gives us peace and happiness. sincere people they feel that the world around them is at peace, they enjoy great tranquility by living a full and authentic life, not covered by a pack of lies that they have tried to believe.

As they do not say anything false, neither lies nor half-truths, they do not live anguished by the thought of "if they discover the truth..." that many insincere people have. Their sincerity offers them a lot of emotional stability, knowing that if their environment is twisted by something, that something will not be dishonest acts or words that they have done.

In addition, sincerity allows us to enjoy better relationships, because people value sincere people much more, which is in itself a source of great well-being.