There’s a monumental distinction between a regular woman and a really strong one, according to psychology.
This distinction boils down to character traits. A strong woman is not just physically or emotionally robust, she’s so much more.
She stands out with her actions, her words, and even in her silence.
Identifying these women isn’t as simple as it seems.
That’s why psychology points out seven specific signs that you have a truly strong woman in your life.
In this article, I’ll walk you through these signs that can help you appreciate the strong woman or women around you.
Here are the seven signs that indicate you’re blessed with a truly strong woman in your life.
1) She’s independent
A strong woman, according to psychology, values her independence above all else.
She doesn’t rely on others for her happiness or success. Instead, she works hard to achieve her goals, relying on her own strength and determination.
Independent thinking is a key trait of a strong woman.
She makes informed choices based on what she believes is right and doesn’t easily sway by the opinions of others.
This isn’t to say that she won’t seek advice or value the input of others.
But when it comes down to making a decision, she trusts in her own judgement.
This independence makes her a beacon of strength in any situation.
She stands firm, navigates through life’s challenges with grace, and inspires those around her with her resilience.
If you see this trait in a woman in your life – brace yourself. You’ve got a real powerhouse by your side.
2) She’s emotionally intelligent
A strong woman, as stated by psychology, has a high emotional intelligence quotient.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and manage our own emotions, and recognize, understand and influence the emotions of others.
It’s about being aware of what’s happening within you and the people around you.
Let me share an example from my own life. I have a close friend, let’s call her Sarah.
She has an uncanny ability to sense when something’s off, even when I try to hide it.
She knows exactly how to respond – whether it’s giving me space, offering a listening ear, or just being there silently. And it’s not just with me. I’ve seen her do this with others too.
She’s also remarkably in tune with her own emotions. She doesn’t shy away from expressing her feelings, but does so in a thoughtful and considerate way.
She’s not afraid of confrontation, but she handles it maturely, ensuring that her point is made without hurting the other person.
This emotional intelligence makes Sarah a pillar of strength and a truly strong woman in my life.
If you recognize this trait in a woman you know, consider yourself lucky – you’ve got a strong woman in your life.
3) She embraces change
Change is a constant in life, yet it’s something many of us struggle with. But not the strong woman.
She understands that change is inevitable and essential for growth.
Rather than resisting it, she welcomes it with open arms. She sees it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to evolve.
Did you know that individuals who are open to change tend to be more resilient and adaptable?
They are better equipped to navigate the challenges of life, and this resilience is a defining trait of a strong woman.
So whenever there’s a woman in your life who doesn’t just adapt to change but embraces it, you’ve got yourself a strong woman.
She’s not just surviving the waves of life, she’s surfing them.
4) She’s not afraid to show vulnerability
Contrary to what some may believe, showing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness.
In fact, it’s a sign of strength. A strong woman understands this paradox.
She’s not afraid to open up, to show her emotions, and to admit when she’s wrong or doesn’t know something. She doesn’t see this as a weakness but as a strength.
By showing her vulnerability, she allows herself to connect with others on a deeper level.
Vulnerability requires courage and authenticity. It’s about letting go of the fear of judgement and embracing your true self.
If you find a woman in your life who isn’t afraid to show her vulnerability, treasure her. She’s got the courage that defines a truly strong woman.
5) She’s forgiving
Forgiveness is a powerful trait, and it’s one that a strong woman possesses.
It’s easy to hold onto grudges, to let anger and resentment build up. But a strong woman knows that this only leads to self-destruction.
She chooses to forgive, not because she condones the wrongs done to her, but because she values her peace of mind above all else.
I remember a time when I was wronged by someone close to me.
My initial reaction was anger, betrayal, and hurt. But then I thought about the strong women in my life, and how they would handle this. They’d forgive.
Forgiving wasn’t easy. It took time. But it was the most liberating thing I’ve ever done.
It freed me from the chains of resentment and allowed me to move forward with my life.
So if you see a woman practicing forgiveness in your life, know that she’s embodying strength in one of its purest forms.
6) She sets boundaries
Another sign of a strong woman is her ability to set boundaries.
She knows her worth and understands the importance of self-care.
She doesn’t allow anyone to treat her less than she deserves, and she’s not afraid to say no when it’s necessary.
Setting boundaries is about respecting yourself and expecting respect from others.
It’s about making sure your needs are met and not allowing others to take advantage of you.
If you notice a woman in your life who’s good at setting boundaries, she’s demonstrating another trait of a strong woman.
She understands that setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s self-respect.
7) She empowers others
The most significant sign of a strong woman is her ability to empower others.
She doesn’t see other people’s success as a threat to her own. Instead, she celebrates it.
She lifts others up, encourages them, and helps them realize their potential.
A strong woman believes that there’s enough room for everyone to shine.
And by empowering others, she becomes a source of inspiration and strength herself.
If there’s a woman in your life who empowers you and those around her – cherish her. Her strength is contagious, and it’s making the world a better place.
Final thoughts: It’s about strength in character
The essence of a truly strong woman lies in her character.
These seven signs we’ve discussed are not mere traits, they’re manifestations of an inner strength, a testament to her resilience and spirit.
Remember, it’s not about physical power or dominance.
It’s about emotional resilience, independence, the courage to embrace vulnerability, the ability to forgive and set boundaries, and the capacity to empower others.
The strong woman in your life could be your mother, sister, partner, friend or colleague.
Whoever she is, cherish her. Her strength is not just her own; she shares it with those around her, making them stronger too.
So take a moment to reflect on the women in your life. Do you recognize these signs?
If you do, it’s time to appreciate and celebrate the truly strong women around you. Their strength is a gift – to themselves and to the world around them.