If you always walk fast, psychologists say you probably have these common personality traits

There are a number of habits that people have which can tell you much more about their personality than one would guess at first glance. Take for example when you see a person who is always walking at a swift clip from one place to another, but they don’t appear to be in a hurry.

While this habit in particular can draw attention, especially if you walk slow and the person zips past you, it has also caught the eye of psychologists. Leticia Martín Enjuto, a Spanish psychologist based in Valencia, explained to La Vanguardia that “it often goes far beyond a simple physical habit.”

She said walking at a brisk pace can give insight to that individual’s personality characteristics and how they process their emotions.

Characteristics of people who walk fast but aren’t in a hurry

According to Martín Enjuto, “one of the most obvious traits in people who walk fast is an active, goal-oriented personality.” She explained that “they are people who don’t like to waste time, who always have a plan in mind and seek to move forward efficiently.”

Speedy walkers are individuals who are often proactive and nonconformist. They tend to make decisions quickly and adapt to change with ease.

Martín Enjuto explained as well, those who walk with a firm, decisive stride “can project authority and control over your surroundings.” In turn that can bolster in the eyes of others the perception of competence and leadership.

Furthermore, people with this habit often display characteristics of an extrovert and “enjoy social interaction and find it natural to be constantly on the move,” the psychologist noted.

Negative characteristics of fast walkers

The psychologist cautioned that there are also negative characteristics associated with an accelerated gait. For example, it can be a sign of impatience and intolerance.

“It’s not uncommon for these people to become easily frustrated by delays and constantly seek efficiency, even in small details,” Martín Enjuto told the news outlet.

They may have a constant feeling that they are always pressed for time and that “there is never enough.” This is especially true for those who have too many responsibilities or are overburdened by pressure, and they may find it hard for themselves to take a breather.

“From a more critical perspective, this habit can be part of what is known as ‘doing addiction,’ where personal value is measured by productivity rather than emotional well-being,” warned Martín Enjuto.

More concerning are those people who use that brisk step to avoid uncomfortable emotions. She said that if an individual is using fast walking as a form of pressure release that this should be seen as a warning sign. In the long term this behavior “can lead to mental fatigue and emotional exhaustion,” she cautioned.

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