Ethan Sterling
You’ve probably heard or read this quote somewhere:
“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”
Sounds cliché, right? But bear with me—there’s actually some truth to it.
You see, it’s not about fitting into that polished, picture-perfect Instagram mold we see so often.
Nor is it about having that perfect, flawless skin or a wardrobe straight out of Vogue (although, let’s be honest, that wouldn’t hurt).
So what does it actually mean to be a ‘real’ and ‘authentic’ woman? Well, psychology has a few ideas about that.
According to psychology, being a ‘real’ and ‘authentic’ woman is something different entirely.
It’s about certain qualities and traits that exude confidence, resilience, and yes, authenticity.
Intrigued? Let’s dive into it.
1) Embracing imperfections
Let’s start with this: perfection is overrated.
Don’t get me wrong, striving for excellence is commendable.
But striving for perfection? That’s a different ball game altogether.
It’s a game you’ll never win because, well, nobody’s perfect.
According to psychology, a real and authentic woman doesn’t shy away from her imperfections.
She acknowledges them. She embraces them.
She understands that these little quirks and flaws are what make her unique, what make her ‘her’.
She doesn’t try to hide them under layers of pretense.
Instead, she wears them like badges of honor, evidence of the life she’s lived.
In essence, embracing imperfections is a hallmark of authenticity.
It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, warts and all.
And trust me, there’s something incredibly liberating about that.
2) Living by core values
Values—we all have them. They shape our decisions, guide our actions, and essentially, define who we are.
An authentic woman isn’t swayed by societal pressures or trends.
She sticks to her core values, regardless of the situation.
Let me share a personal example.
Growing up, my mom always taught me the importance of honesty.
It was her core value, and she passed it on to me.
Fast forward to my first job, I found myself in a sticky situation where I could either lie to save face or tell the truth and risk getting into trouble.
After a lot of thought, I chose the latter. It wasn’t easy, but it felt right.
Because that’s who I am. That’s what my values dictated.
And you know what? That decision not only earned me respect but also cemented my reputation as someone trustworthy.
That’s the power of living by your core values.
It’s not always easy, but in the long run, it’s worth it.
It makes you genuine, credible, and yes—authentic.
3) Standing up for what’s right
Ever been in a situation where you had to choose between what’s easy and what’s right?
Yeah, me too.
And let’s face it—it’s uncomfortable to go against the grain, to be the voice of dissent.
But life isn’t always about taking the easy route.
Sometimes, it’s about standing your ground, even when you’re standing alone.
By standing up for yourself, you’re not necessarily being argumentative or confrontational.
It simply means you have the courage to voice your opinion, even if it’s an unpopular one.
As an authentic woman, you’re brave enough to say, “No, this isn’t right” when everyone else is saying, “Yes, it’s fine.”
That kind of integrity? That’s not just real, that’s downright heroic.
And make no mistake, it’s a quality deeply admired and respected by others.
4) Being empathetic
According to psychology, empathy is an important part of authentic interactions and relationships.
That’s why an authentic woman isn’t just focused on herself.
She takes the time to understand others, to walk a mile in their shoes.
She’s not quick to judge or criticize.
She listens, she cares, she relates.
She recognizes that everyone has their own battles, their own stories.
And she respects that.
This kind of empathy doesn’t just make her authentic.
It makes her human.
And let’s be honest, in a world that can sometimes seem cold and indifferent, a little empathy goes a long way.
5) Striving for self-improvement
Here’s something you may not know:
According to psychology, people who engage in self-improvement activities are more likely to feel authentic in their actions.
That’s right. Self-improvement isn’t just acquiring new skills or knowledge.
It’s self-discovery—a journey towards becoming the best version of oneself.
What I mean to say is, an authentic woman doesn’t settle for stagnation.
She’s always learning, always evolving.
She accepts that she doesn’t know everything and is open to new experiences and new ideas.
Simply put, she’s not threatened by change but welcomes it as an opportunity for growth.
6) Offering genuine kindness
An authentic woman doesn’t just offer kindness because it’s expected of her.
She does it because it’s a part of who she is.
She understands that a small act of kindness can make a world of difference in someone’s life.
A kind word, a sympathetic ear, a helping hand—these simple gestures can mean so much to someone going through a tough time.
She doesn’t do it for recognition or praise.
She does it because she genuinely cares.
She knows that kindness isn’t just about making others feel good.
It’s about enriching her own life as well.
Because, at the end of the day, treating others with respect and compassion makes us all better human beings.
7) Listening to her inner voice
Being authentic means having a strong connection with your inner self.
And as an authentic woman, you listen to your inner voice.
It’s your guide to making the right decisions and taking the right actions.
You don’t let external influences drown out this voice.
You don’t let society’s expectations or norms dictate who you should be.
You know who you are, what you want, and where you’re going.
And you’re not afraid to follow your own path, even if it’s a road less traveled.
And that’s the most powerful quality of an authentic woman—the ability to be true to herself.
Embracing authenticity
Authenticity, like life itself, is a continuous process.
It’s about growing, evolving, and staying true to who you are.
Embrace your imperfections—those unique quirks that make you ‘you’.
Stick to your core values, even when it’s hard.
Be brave enough to stand up for what’s right.
Show empathy and kindness without expecting anything in return.
Strive for self-improvement, not perfection.
And finally, listen to your inner voice. It’s there for a reason.
These may sound like simple steps, but they make all the difference.
They bring you closer to your true self.
Remember, the most authentic version of you is the one that shines from within.
The one that isn’t afraid to be real, to be human.
So here’s to being your most authentic self!
