You’ve probably heard it said before: “She’s such a good woman.”
Let’s face it, almost immediately, a stereotypical image forms in our minds.
But, here’s the kicker…
Is goodness in a woman really about being selfless, nurturing, or always putting others first?
Well, I’m here to shake up those preconceived notions.
You see, being a genuinely good woman goes beyond the clichés we’ve all been conditioned to believe. It’s not just about the self-sacrificing acts or the endless nurturing.
And it certainly isn’t about living up to society’s expectations of what a ‘good woman’ should be.
So, if you’re pondering over “What makes a genuinely good woman?” brace yourself for some unexpected revelations.
1) Embracing individuality
We often picture a ‘good woman’ as one who conforms, who fits neatly into the mould society has shaped for her.
But here’s the truth.
A genuinely good woman is one who embraces her individuality. She’s unafraid to be different, to go against the grain, and to stand up for what she believes in.
This doesn’t mean she’s self-centered or dismissive of others.
Quite the opposite, in fact. Her uniqueness is her strength. It empowers her to make an impact in her own distinct way.
If you meet a woman who isn’t afraid to let her individuality shine through, know that you’ve encountered someone truly special.
2) Demonstrating resilience
Now let me share a bit of my own story.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing a woman who went through a series of unfortunate events, one after another.
It was as if life was throwing her curveballs relentlessly. But here’s what was remarkable.
Despite the adversities, she remained steadfast. She picked herself up, dusted off the troubles, and moved forward.
She demonstrated a resilience that was nothing short of inspiring.
She taught me that being a genuinely good woman isn’t about leading a perfect life, but rather about showing resilience in the face of adversity.
It’s about getting back up after being knocked down and continuing to forge ahead.
When you come across a woman who exudes this kind of resilience, admire her strength.
This is indeed a trait that defines a genuinely good woman.
3) Showing vulnerability
There’s a common belief that to be strong, a woman must always keep her emotions in check.
Cry too much, and she’s “too emotional.” Show fear, and she’s “weak.” But, let me tell you something.
I’ve seen women who opened up about their fears and their flaws.
They didn’t hide their tears when they felt overwhelmed. These women, in my eyes, were the epitome of strength.
Being a genuinely good woman doesn’t mean being invincible.
It’s showing vulnerability. It’s acknowledging that you’re human and that it’s okay to struggle sometimes.
Understand, a woman who allows herself to be vulnerable is not weak. She’s brave.
She’s real. And that, my friends, is the mark of a genuinely good woman.
4) Practicing empathy
Picture this.
A friend is going through a rough patch. She’s confiding in you, sharing her worries and fears.
Now, some people might offer advice, some might try to lighten the mood with a joke, but a genuinely good woman does something different.
She listens. She understands. She empathizes.
Empathy is more than just understanding someone else’s feelings.
It’s about sharing those feelings, feeling the same pain or joy. It’s about genuinely caring for others, and putting yourself in their shoes.
Here’s the thing. If you see a woman who can empathize with others, who can feel their pain and their joy as if it were her own, know that you’re witnessing a truly special quality that defines a genuinely good woman.
5) Prioritizing self-care
Did you know, according to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, women are more likely than men to report engaging in stress management activities including reading, spending time with friends or family, and going to the spa?
But let’s dig deeper.
We often perceive a good woman as someone who tirelessly takes care of everyone else, often at the expense of her own well-being. But here’s the real deal.
A genuinely good woman values self-care.
She understands that she can only give her best to others if she takes care of herself first. This isn’t selfishness – it’s wisdom.
Don’t be fooled. A woman who makes time for herself, who prioritizes her own mental and physical health, is not self-centered.
She’s smart, she’s balanced, and she’s definitely a genuinely good woman.
6) Offering forgiveness
Life throws us all sorts of curveballs, and in the process, we may cross paths with people who cause us pain, intentionally or not.
Now, some might hold grudges, some might seek revenge, but a genuinely good woman does something different.
She forgives.
Yes, she acknowledges the hurt.
She allows herself to feel the pain. But then she chooses to let go. She understands that holding onto resentment only weighs her down.
Don’t forget – a woman who finds it in her heart to forgive is not weak or naive.
She’s strong, she’s compassionate and she’s a genuinely good woman.
7) Living authentically
At the end of the day, the most defining characteristic of a genuinely good woman is authenticity.
She is true to herself and to others. She doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not, nor does she try to fit into a mold that doesn’t align with her values.
She’s real. She’s honest.
And she lives her life in a way that reflects her true self.
This authenticity, this dedication to being true to one’s self, is without a doubt, the most important behavior that defines a genuinely good woman.
A bit of reflection
If you find yourself identifying with these behaviors, know that you’re already on the right track.
But remember, even the most admirable traits need to be balanced.
Take a moment to reflect. Are there areas in your life where you can express more of these behaviors? Do you celebrate these qualities in yourself and others?
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Every step you take towards embracing these behaviors brings you closer to being a genuinely good woman – not by society’s standards, but by your own.
Here’s to celebrating the genuinely good women in our lives and striving to be one ourselves.
To living authentically, embracing our individuality, and showing empathy.
To resilience, self-care, forgiveness, and most importantly, authenticity.
