By 
There’s a significant distinction between being perceived as a “good man” and actually being one.
Being a good man isn’t about grand gestures or impressive accolades. It’s about the subtle behaviors that are often overlooked.
In this article, I’ll share with you eight key behaviors that truly define a genuinely good man.
They’re probably not what you think, but they are, in my experience, spot on.
Let’s dive in.
1) Empathy
First and foremost, a genuinely good man knows the power of empathy.
Empathy isn’t just about understanding someone else’s feelings. It’s about sharing them, feeling them as if they were your own.
When we empathize, we step into another person’s shoes, see the world through their eyes, and understand their joys and sorrows.
A genuinely good man is not afraid to show empathy. He doesn’t shy away from emotions, his or others’. Instead, he embraces them and uses them to connect on a deeper level.
This quality isn’t just about being a good listener or being emotionally available. It’s about truly caring for others and allowing that care to guide his actions.
But remember, empathy should come naturally. If it feels forced, it probably is.
2) Integrity
“Whatever anyone may do or say, I am bound to be good” – Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emporer (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This is a huge one.
It’s about doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching, and sticking to your commitments, no matter how small.
Let me share a personal example.
A few years back, I found myself in a situation where I was tempted to take a shortcut that would’ve been easier but clearly unethical. I was working on a project with a tight deadline and was feeling the pressure. There was an option to copy another’s work with a few modifications here and there, just to meet the deadline.
But then I remembered my father’s words that he used to tell me growing up: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
That moment was a test of my character. The easy path was tempting, but it wasn’t the right one.
So, I chose to stay late and work through the night rather than compromise my values. It was hard, but it felt right.
If you want to be a genuinely good man, make your word your bond. You don’t make promises you can’t keep, and you don’t say things you don’t mean. No excuses.
3) Humility
Humility is a trait often overlooked in our ego-driven society. It’s not about being meek or timid; it’s about recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things and acknowledging that we are not the center of the universe.
A truly good man understands this. He doesn’t need to be the loudest in the room or the one with the most to say. He acknowledges his mistakes, learns from them, and is always open to new ideas and perspectives.
As celebrated writer C.S Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” This is the kind of humility a genuinely good man embodies.
4) Respect
Respect is a foundational element in all healthy relationships and interactions. Good men understand this and practice it consistently.
They respect others’ time, their experiences, their feelings, and their boundaries. They don’t belittle or disregard other people’s thoughts or emotions. They value differences and understand that everyone has something to contribute.
This respect extends to themselves as well. They don’t let others undermine their self-esteem or worth. They know their value and don’t allow anyone to treat them less than they deserve.
5) Vulnerability
For most men, this may seem counter-intuitive. Society often tells men to be tough, to hide their feelings, to never show weakness. But in reality, the ability to show vulnerability is one of the most significant indicators of emotional strength.
A strong man doesn’t see vulnerability as a shortcoming. Instead, he understands that by sharing his struggles and fears, he allows others to do the same. This openness paves the way for deeper connections and more meaningful relationships.
6) Responsibility
This is another big one that seems to be sorely lacking in many men these days.
As the famous psychologist Carl Jung once said: “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”
A genuinely good man lives by this principle, taking responsibility for his actions and striving to be better every day. He doesn’t blame others for his mistakes or failures but owns them and learns from them.
This sense of responsibility isn’t limited to his own actions. He also feels a sense of responsibility towards others and the world around him. He contributes positively to his community and tries to make a difference in whatever way he can.
Taking responsibility for our actions is crucial for personal growth and development. It’s only when we acknowledge our mistakes that we can learn from them and make necessary changes.
But remember, responsibility isn’t about carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s about understanding that our actions have consequences, and it’s up to us to deal with them.
7) Patience
We live in a world where everything happens at the click of a button. But real men know life doesn’t always work that way.
There was a time when I was waiting for the results of a project I had worked on for months. The anticipation was overwhelming, and I found myself constantly checking my emails, losing sleep over it. But then I realized that no amount of worrying or impatience would speed up the process.
Patience is about accepting that we can’t control everything. It’s about finding peace in the present moment, even when we’re eager for what’s next.
A mature man knows good things take time, whether it’s a relationship, a project, or personal growth. He doesn’t rush through life but takes time to appreciate the journey.
8) Kindness
Kindness is a simple yet profound quality.
A genuinely good understands that everyone has their own battles and challenges, and he chooses to respond with compassion rather than judgment.
He doesn’t use harsh words or actions but treats others with understanding and respect.
In conclusion: It’s about growth
Being a genuinely good man isn’t about being perfect. It’s about acknowledging our flaws and actively working on becoming better. It’s about treating others with kindness and respect. It’s about living with integrity and taking responsibility for our actions.
As we journey through life, let’s strive to embody these behaviors, not just for ourselves but also for the positive impact they can have on those around us. After all, being good isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about uplifting others along the way.