If someone tells you they are a horrible person, are they usually right about themselves?

[Anonymous]

In your experience, if someone says that they are a horrible or bad person, are they usually accurate in that judgement and they really are bad? Or is it nice people who tend to self-reflect and judge themselves harshly and say they are bad? My friend thinks that people who say they are horrible are usually the nice ones. What do you think?

[Malgaran]

Both are usually true. Problem with people in general is that the bad ones convince the good ones they are bad to such extremes they believe it themselves. The bad ones again usually lean two extremes that way also, either they are the greatest in the world or they are kinda aware that they are bad, but often then will use it to gain sympathy and attention that should have been directed towards the good ones that do indeed deserve sympathy and attention.

Cause I certainly met people in my life who announced they were bad and turned out to be really bad indeed, but also met people who were such harsh critics over themselves, yet they were basically like saints. I do think to some degree too, that in order to keep ourselves good, we at least need to be moderately self critical, to not let ego or self delusions rule. Lack of self awareness is often the main reason for unaware evil deeds we cause other people.

[Mynameisbobby]

People are more judgmental about themselves I find, at least when it comes to being nice. I thought I was a horrible person growing up from things that happened to me. Then I learned that I took the blame for what horrible people did to me. Now I realize that I am a nice person.

[jini1]

Haha. Unless, they are serial killer, and using reverse psychology on you.

Jokes aside... really, you just have to judge for yourself. Actions > Words