If These 11 Situations Make You Uncomfortable, You Probably Have Incredibly Strong Morals
Prostock-studio | ShutterstockPeople with a strong moral compass are honest, respectful, and humble. They find no pleasure in lying to others or being rude to others who disagree with them; rather, they're very dependable people who support those around them without expecting anything in return. Unfortunately, the world seems to lack people like this. But if certain situations make you uncomfortable, you probably have incredibly strong morals.
Whether it's watching individuals struggle with no help or experiencing those who lack empathy, strong morals are hard to come by. And while good values are often seen as a sign of weakness, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Because people with good, strong morals are what make the world a better place for everyone.
If these 11 situations make you uncomfortable, you probably have incredibly strong morals
1. A person getting credit for something they didn't do
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As hard as it may be to believe, the average person is fairly self-centered. However, this isn't all that shocking, because according to a study published in Psychological Science, the global world, in general, is becoming more individualistic.
But the issue with individualism is the focus on the self rather than taking other people's feelings or needs into consideration. This is why most people don't care if others get credit for something they didn't do. So long as things work out in their favor and it doesn't directly impact them, the average person isn't going out of their way to do what's right.
2. Being expected to stay silent during injustice
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How many people have witnessed someone being mistreated and have done nothing? While the average person might not admit to it, many people stay silent when they see an injustice. Call it the bystander effect or fight or flight, but it doesn't change the fact that not advocating for others indicates someone lacks morals.
However, if these situations make you uncomfortable, you probably have incredibly strong morals. It means you go out of your way to make things right. Whether that means confronting someone or helping out in other ways, as long as justice is served, you do whatever it takes to correct a wrong.
3. People mocking or belittling someone
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Many people claim not to be the gossiping type, swearing up and down they'd never mock or belittle someone behind their back. However, gossiping is all too common. From workplace drama to high school nonsense, people tend to pick sides and belittle those they think don't fit in.
According to Pew Research Center, nearly half of Americans say people have gotten ruder in the last five years. Whether it was due to isolation or being chronically online, the results are the same: people no longer know how to be kind. Seeing someone take the higher road and choose kindness is such a rarity..
4. Being pressured to compromise values 'just this once'
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How many of us have been pressured to compromise our values? Whether it's a job or a person, people will always find a way to test those values. To those individuals, if someone can help them get what they want, they'll cut corners and try to drag everyone along with them.
But people with strong morals don't care if it's just a one-time experience sacrificing their moral code. They won't be able to live with it, so they'd rather choose peace of mind over being cruel to someone else. When everything is said and done, at least morally good people can still look at themselves the same way.
5. Being rewarded for something that requires hurting others
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In a world that's becoming harder to live in, people have resorted to awful means to make ends meet. Whether it's an actual crime or something like throwing a co-worker under the bus, being rewarded comes with a cost. But if these situations make you uncomfortable, you probably have incredibly strong morals.
A self-absorbed person will always put themselves first. According to psychiatrist Christine B. L. Adams, people who are self-absorbed expect others to cater to them when they show helplessness. Luckily, morally strong people stand their ground and refuse to hurt others.
6. Performative kindness
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Whether it's at work, a family gathering, or on social media, some people are performative with their kindness and nice gestures. It's all for their own gain and making others perceive them a certain way.
Like everyone else, the average morally strong person understands that so long as someone in need is benefitting, their own needs shouldn't matter. Still, they can't help but feel uncomfortable and annoyed with this kind of behavior, because they have a strong sense of what's right and wrong, and fakery and deceit will always rub them the wrong way.
7. Prioritizing winning over doing what's right
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In an ideal world, everyone would do what's right, even when it doesn't benefit them or help them win. Unfortunately, greed will always win at the end of the day. Some people are willing to push what's morally right to the side, all so they can come out on top.
Believe it or not, cheating is pretty normalized. According to Pew Research Center, 56% of MBA candidates admitted to cheating at least once, and 47% of graduate students admitted the same. And it's not all academically, because people can cheat to get ahead in all aspects of life. So, while people say they would never do what's wrong to get ahead, others will do whatever it takes, so long as it benefits them.
8. Watching others be excluded
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Everyone's seen someone be excluded at some point in their lives. Whether it's in a friend group or at a work event, most people don't make an honest effort to include the excluded person. And it isn't every day that someone sees an injustice and takes it upon themselves to correct it.
Especially when others are caught up in conversation, they'd rather not interrupt the flow of things. But if seeing someone awkwardly sitting in the corner pulls at your heartstrings, your moral compass is stronger than most.
9. A person exaggerating to make themselves look better
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Whether it's a person inflating their achievements to show off or name-dropping famous people for clout, if these situations make you uncomfortable, you probably have incredibly strong morals. During moments like these, people grow annoyed at the fakeness of it all.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Social Psychology, lying decreases people's self-esteem and increases negative affect, despite what kind of lying it is. So, rather than feeling frustrated because of another person's showy nature, feeling uncomfortable at behavior like this is a good sign of your moral code.
10. People justifying cruelty as honesty
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There's nothing wrong with being honest. If people want to keep their relationships and morals intact, being honest is a top priority. And it should go without saying, but people can be honest while still being respectful.
There's no need to sugarcoat things, because honesty doesn't come with worrying about whether people will like you. When individuals justify their cruelty as honesty, it makes you uncomfortable because disrespect isn't part of the equation.
11. Watching others' boundaries be disregarded
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On the outside, respecting people's boundaries is normal. If someone says that something hurts them or makes them uncomfortable, it should be standard that people respect it, back away and, at the bare minimum, apologize. However, some people don't care about those boundaries, pushing buttons.
According to licensed psychologist Jordan Fiorillo Scotti, when we set and hold our boundaries, we're creating a life that we don't feel the need to escape from; rather, we can live in reality without feeling uncomfortable. Luckily, moral people will always stand up for others, fighting for their respect.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
