There comes a point in all our lives where we stop and think, “Uh oh. Am I actually a… bad person?” We can tell you right off the bat that the fact that you’ve thought that, and that you’re about to take this quiz, means you’re probably not. But you want to know for sure!
That's why we’re here to set the record straight. Answer these 12 questions as honestly as you can, and we’ll tell you the truth, straight up. We’d say “no judgment,” but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?
(Keep in mind that this is just an online quiz! It’s impossible to say for certain how “good” or “bad” you are without knowing you personally, and even then it's a tough question, so think of this as more of a roadmap on how to improve—which we can all do!)
Questions Overview
- See if I can find the owner myself using clues inside. They're probably worried sick.
- Turn it into the nearest shop, or to the police. They'll handle it.
- Ignore it. That's not my problem.
- Take the cash and leave the rest. It's my lucky day!
- Gently ask if there's anything you can do. They clearly need help.
- Offer them a tissue, but otherwise stay out of it. I don't want to intrude.
- Leave them be. They'll work through it by themself.
- Get up and leave. Their crying makes me uncomfortable.
- Cover the whole meal. I'm not strapped for cash, so it's my treat.
- Offer to make up the difference. It's the least I could do.
- I’ll pay what’s left, but they have to pay me back. With interest.
- Suggest we both dine and dash. It's harder to catch two criminals!
- Give it to a charity who can help those who most need it.
- Use it to spoil my friends or family.
- Stash it away for a rainy day.
- Spend it on something I've been wanting, like a new game or gadget.
- I keep spare cash or food on me so I can give whenever the opportunity arises.
- I give something when I can spare it.
- I prefer to give to charity. You never know what a homeless person might use the money for.
- I never give anything to homeless people.
- Seeing other people suffer.
- My own suffering.
- Interacting with other people.
- Seeing my enemies thriving.
- Always, and at least 20%.
- Yes, as long as the service isn't atrocious.
- Yes, but only if the service is good.
- No, I never tip.
- Keep it until I can compost it at home. Anything for the planet.
- Hang onto it until I find a trash can while I’m out and about. It’s not much to ask.
- Toss it on the ground, but I’d feel super guilty for a while afterward.
- Throw it on the ground without feeling even a little guilty. What’s the big deal?
- Never. I think ghosting is cruel.
- Maybe once or twice, and I had a good reason.
- Several times. I don't think ghosting is a big deal.
- I ghost often, as soon as a relationship doesn't serve me.
- Politely ask the kid or their parents to stop.
- Ask the flight attendant if you can move seats, without making a scene.
- Start making passive-aggressive comments until the kid's parents get the message.
- Ask a flight attendant to have the child and their parents re-seated.
- I always listen closely and gratefully, and ask myself if there's some truth to it.
- I tend to only respond to constructive criticism that I ask for.
- I don't accept it. People should care more about themselves than others.
- I immediately look for something about the other person to criticize, too.
- Lying is never okay. If the truth is hard, I try to tell it gracefully.
- Lies are okay if they don't hurt anyone, or protect other people.
- I sometimes lie to protect myself, even if it hurts others.
- I often lie just for fun.
More Quizzes
Becoming a Better Person
What do you think makes someone a “good person?” Are they selfless? Do they go above and beyond to help or protect other people? Do they live by a religious or moral code? Do they have extraordinary powers, like smarts or strength? Are they a role model?
The truth is, “good” is often subjective, and what some of us see as “correct” or “moral” might seem backwards or flawed to other people. For example, a simple religious ceremony for some might be a serious “sin” for others. Things are rarely black and white. So how do we strive to be better, if “better” isn’t always straightforward? Well, try starting here:
Considering Others
One of the best ways to start thinking like a good person is to ask yourself how other people think! If you’re only focused on yourself—your own needs, wants, and worries—it’s easy to overlook the needs and wants of others. As a result, you might get what you want, but at the expense of someone else. Make a habit of asking yourself questions like:
- Will my action hurt someone else?
- Can I do something right now to make someone else’s day easier?
- How would I want to be treated, if I were that person?
Taking Action
Being a better person doesn’t just mean asking yourself tough questions. You also have to take action to make the world around you a better place. Remember: It’s what you do, not what you think, that determines the content of your character. If you’re at a loss for some ideas on how you can get out there and make a change, consider trying something like:
- Volunteering at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal shelter.
- Picking up litter around your neighborhood, town, or city.
- Donating a little of your extra cash to charity.
- Giving polite, respectful compliments to people as you go about your day.
- Asking a family member, friend, or coworker if they need a favor done.
Helping Yourself
Sure, doing good things for other people is a big part of being a good person. But good people are also kind and understanding to themselves. Giving yourself a little grace and room to grow makes you happier, healthier, and more capable of extending that grace to other people. Every so often, remind yourself of the following:
- Everyone makes mistakes, including me. What matters is that I learn from them.
- I need to think of my own needs, as well as the needs of others, so that I don’t burn out.
- I don’t have to be perfect to be good.
- As long as I’m trying my best, I’m being the best person I can be.
Want to learn more?
For more information about being a good person, check out these resources:
Reader Success Stories
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"I wanted to make sure I wasn't a bad person, because I felt like one, or at least some of my friends were kinder. I liked my results, and now I feel better about myself!"..." more
