sincerity
August 2024 Character Core
Webster’s dictionary defines sincerity as “marked by genuineness”. Showing sincerity in daily interactions and conversation communicates to others that you care about them. Being sincere and genuine allows everyone in the conversation to feel at ease and accepted. Conversations with an insincere person can leave you feeling disappointed and misunderstood. Practicing sincerity in everyday interactions might be challenging, but here are some tips to get started!
- Honesty. Being honest means that you don’t say something in the conversation that you don’t mean. Saying that you enjoy sushi or watching action movies just because those around you do isn’t being sincere, honest, or genuine. Also avoid using false flattery to try to influence people. Paying someone a heart-felt compliment will be more meaningful than just telling them what they want to hear.
- Follow through. Keeping your commitments is a straightforward and immediate action you can implement to demonstrate sincerity. When people know they can count on you to keep your word, it enriches the relationship and builds trust. This might look like saying no to some obligations to make so you can invest fully in the ones you choose to say “yes” to.
- Gratitude. Sincerity also involves saying ‘thank you’ to the people in your life. Just like being honest, showing gratitude serves as a reminder of the contributions those around you make and the importance of their input and influence in your life.
Practicing sincerity requires intentional practice. However, putting the above steps into action will help you on your way to becoming more sincere and improving relationships.
