Red Flags to Look Out for in Human Character

Red Flags to Watch Out for in Human Character

Some say we were all born good and kind-hearted. I don’t think so.

We didn’t start out as blank slates or tabula rasa either — we all inherited certain traits, both good and bad, from those who came before us.

Our character is ultimately shaped by a mix of things: our genes, our environment, how we were raised, and the most decisive factor of all — the personal choices we make along the way.

In my experience, people who choose to do good stand worlds apart from those who deliberately walk down a darker path.

No one wants to live in the orbit of evil, so it helps to recognize the warning signs early on — the behaviors that tell you to run for the hills.

Here are some forms of toxic or malicious behavior I’ve witnessed — or worse, personally endured:

• Borrows money and never pays it back, then ghosts you without a hint of remorse.

• Takes all the credit at work and leaves none for the team.

• Dumps their trash in the neighbor’s yard.

• Lets their dog poop in front of your house while keeping their own front yard spotless.

• Complains every single time they open their mouth.

• Sees nothing good in anyone — only faults and flaws.

• Never congratulates you on any achievement; can’t be happy for anyone else’s success earned honestly.

• Steals your belongings the moment your back is turned.

• A chronic, pathological liar.

• Believes that killing someone can be justified outside the context of true self-defense.

• Lacks humility; can’t laugh at themselves or see humor in their own imperfections.

• Rarely engages in self-reflection; refuses to acknowledge their weaknesses.

• Never apologizes for their mistakes — ever.

• Stingy in sharing knowledge that could genuinely help others (except when it involves state secrets, trade secrets, or protected proprietary information).

• Has a habit of violating personal boundaries.

What other red flags have you noticed, both in yourself and in others?