Sean Cate
Sean Cate
December 10, 2023 ·  3 min read

13 Small Habits That Reveal Your True Personality

Our personalities often reveal themselves through subtle, everyday habits. From the shoes we choose to the way we shake hands, these seemingly mundane behaviors can speak volumes about who we are. Psychologists have delved into these micro-actions, uncovering intriguing connections between our routines and our inner selves. Here are 13 small habits that might just uncover aspects of your true personality.

Shoe Selection:

Detail of ankle boots on bench in a metro station
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Believe it or not, your shoe choice can hint at your personality traits. According to a study in the Journal of Research in Personality, those favoring comfortable shoes tend to be agreeable, while ankle boot enthusiasts might lean toward aggression.1 Even the upkeep of your footwear could reveal clinginess or anxiety.

Read: 5 Everyday Habits That Reveal Interesting Truths About Your Personality

Handshakes:

Negotiating business,Image of businesswomen Handshaking,happy with work,the woman she is enjoying with her workmate,Handshake Gesturing People Connection Deal Concept
Credit: Shutterstock

The way you shake hands speaks volumes. A firm handshake often signifies confidence and extroversion, while a limp one might hint at insecurity.2 Even the angle of your hand after a handshake can convey dominance or control.

Email Etiquette:

Woman using laptop for checking email
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Your digital communication style can reflect your real-life character. Narcissists often pepper their emails with self-focused words like “I” and “mine.” Typos might suggest a meticulous nature, while long emails might signal thoroughness or even a hint of neediness.

Walking Style:

Shot of pretty young woman crossing the street while holding the smartphone and looking sideways.
Credit: Shutterstock

The way you walk could broadcast traits about your personality. A confident stride might indicate openness and social adeptness, while a more closed-off posture could reflect vulnerability or self-consciousness.

Eating Habits:

Woman eating berry smoothie with fruits seeds and granola from coconut bowl. Healthy eating and zero waste concept.
Credit: Shutterstock

Fast or slow eater? Your pace at the dinner table might reveal traits like ambition, control, or a penchant for savoring life’s moments.

Read: Mila Kunis’ latest bizarre hygiene habit has people divided

Punctuality:

Never don't be late on business meeting. Worried businessman looking at his watch on the way to office. Business, lifestyle concept
Credit: Shutterstock

The time you arrive can offer insights into your character. Punctual individuals tend to be conscientious and agreeable, while chronic lateness might signify a more laid-back attitude or self-focus.

Nervous Tics:

A common sign of anxiety is subconscious skin picking. Cropped shot of an unrecognisable woman sitting alone and feeling anxious while picking the skin on her nails.
Credit: Shutterstock

Nail-biting or skin-picking could be a sign of deeper traits. These “body-focused repetitive behaviors” might be coping mechanisms for perfectionism or boredom.

Posture:

Man with poor posture using laptop at table indoors
Credit: Shutterstock

How you sit or stand might broadcast messages about your personality. A forward-leaning posture might suggest indecisiveness, while a straight and confident stance exudes self-assuredness.

Read: Which Body Part Do You Wash First In The Shower? It Says A Lot About Your Personality!

Physical Movements:

Fitness, sports and portrait of a woman in the city for an outdoor run, exercise or training. Serious, motivation and young female athlete or runner with crossed arms after a cardio workout outside.
Credit: Shutterstock

Your movements convey more than words. Leaning in or crossing arms can reveal connection or defensiveness, respectively.

Toilet Paper Roll Placement:

Closeup hand pulling toilet paper roll in holder for wipe, woman sitting on toilet she taking and tearing white tissue on wall to towel clean in bathroom, Healthcare concept
Credit: Shutterstock

Surprisingly, your choice in toilet paper orientation might reflect personality traits. Those favoring the overhand method might lean toward dominance, while underhanders might exhibit more submissive tendencies.

Spending Habits:

Girl with blue wallet full of money
Credit: Shutterstock

Your approach to spending money can say a lot. Impulsive spending might signal spontaneity, while a more considered approach could reflect rationality and patience.

Accessories and Clothing:

Autumn fashion. Beautiful attracrive young woman in bright autumn look. Orange trendy coat and pants and fashion sunglasses.
Credit: Shutterstock

Bright clothing and more accessories might be indicative of narcissistic tendencies. The way you present yourself visually could be an outward reflection of deeper personality traits.

Physical Appearance Tendencies:

male lips with untrimmed beard at closeup.Close up of male part of face. man bites his nails. Bad habit.
Credit: Shutterstock

Beyond just accessories, certain physical habits like nail-biting might suggest perfectionism or dissatisfaction. These small habits, often overlooked, may paint a detailed picture of your personality. While they might seem trivial on their own, collectively, they offer intriguing insights into the complex tapestry of who you are. So, the next time you catch yourself leaving a dish to soak or choosing a pair of shoes, remember, it might be revealing more than you think about your true self.

Keep Reading: 100+ Psychological Questions to Shed Light On Someone’s True Personality

H/t: HackSpirit, Readers Digest