There’s a big difference between just being nice and being genuinely good.

The difference lies in authenticity. Simply being nice is often an act, a facade we put on for the world. But being genuinely good? That comes from within.

As a woman, it’s important to know what it means to be genuinely good. Thanks to psychology, we have some insights into this.

Let’s delve into eight signs that you’re not just playing nice, but you’re a truly good woman, as backed by psychology.

1) Authenticity

Being genuine is the cornerstone of being a truly good woman.

Psychology emphasizes the importance of authenticity – the alignment between your internal values and your external behavior.

Authentic women are not afraid to show their true self to the world. They don’t hide behind a mask or pretend to be someone they’re not.

Think about it. An authentic woman embraces her flaws, owns her mistakes, and strives for growth, rather than perfection.

This is not about being perfect or pleasing others. It’s about being true to who you are.

So if you find yourself consistently authentic, that’s a sign you’re not just good—you’re genuinely good.

But remember, this isn’t just about being true to yourself. It’s also about being honest and transparent with others. That’s what being genuinely good is all about.

2) Empathy

Empathy is another tell-tale sign of a genuinely good woman.

Psychology highlights empathy as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes and feeling their joy, their pain, their struggles.

Now, let me share a personal example.

I remember a time when my best friend was going through a rough patch. She had just lost her job and was feeling really down. Instead of just offering advice or trying to fix things for her, I sat with her. I listened to her fears, validated her feelings, and let her know she wasn’t alone.

That’s empathy in action.

It wasn’t about me or what I thought she should do. It was about understanding her perspective and being there for her in her time of need.

So if you find yourself naturally empathizing with others, that’s another sign of being a genuinely good woman. It shows your capacity to connect with others on a deep emotional level, which is a truly beautiful trait to have.

3) Kindness

Kindness is often seen as a virtue, and it’s an essential component of being a genuinely good woman.

Psychology suggests that kindness isn’t just about being nice to others. It’s about having a deep-rooted desire to help and improve the lives of others.

Did you know that acts of kindness release a hormone called oxytocin? This ‘feel-good’ hormone enhances our sense of wellbeing and happiness. So, by being kind, you’re not only making others feel good, but you’re also improving your own mood.

It’s a win-win situation.

So if you’re someone who consistently displays kindness, whether it’s through small acts of help or bigger gestures of generosity, you can pat yourself on the back. You’re showing signs of being a genuinely good woman.

4) Respectfulness

A truly good woman knows the importance of respect.

Respect here isn’t only about treating others the way you’d like to be treated. It goes beyond that. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their status or differences.

A respectful woman does not belittle others or treat them poorly. Instead, she listens without interrupting, communicates without being aggressive, and disagrees without being disrespectful.

She values other people’s time, opinions, and feelings as much as her own.

So if you navigate your relationships with a high level of respect for others, you’re demonstrating one of the key traits of a genuinely good woman.

5) Compassion

Compassion is a powerful quality, and it’s one that truly sets good women apart.

It’s about more than just feeling sympathy for others in challenging situations. It’s about wanting to alleviate their suffering, to make a positive change.

Compassion is when your heart aches at the sight of a homeless person on the street, or when you go out of your way to help a friend who’s going through a tough time.

It’s a warm, caring light that radiates from within, touching and transforming the lives of those around you.

If compassion comes naturally to you, if you feel it deep in your bones, then you’re not just a good woman. You’re a genuinely good woman, whose kindness and warmth can make the world a little bit better.

6) Resilience

Resilience is a sign of a genuinely good woman. The ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep going when the going gets tough, is a testament to strength of character.

I remember a time when I was dealing with a devastating loss. The pain was unbearable, and for a moment, I thought it would consume me. But I got up, dusted myself off, and kept moving forward. I learnt to find joy in the little things, to appreciate life in ways I never had before.

This experience wasn’t just about surviving. It was about growing, learning, and becoming stronger than I ever thought possible.

So if you’ve been through hard times and come out stronger on the other side, that’s a sign of your resilience. It’s proof that you are a genuinely good woman who can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and courage.

7) Integrity

Integrity is a non-negotiable characteristic of a genuinely good woman.

This is about standing firm in your values, even when it’s not the easiest path to take. It’s about being honest, being reliable, and being accountable for your actions.

A woman with integrity doesn’t make promises she can’t keep, and she doesn’t compromise her principles for short-term gains. She understands that trust and respect are earned through consistent actions, not just words.

So if you’re someone who walks the talk, who lives in alignment with your values, then you’re showing the world that you’re a woman of integrity. And that’s a sure sign of being genuinely good.

8) Self-love

The most important sign of a genuinely good woman is self-love.

Self-love is about accepting yourself as you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses. It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

A woman who loves herself doesn’t seek validation from others. She knows her worth, and she treats herself with kindness and respect.

Remember, you can only give to others what you have within yourself. So if you love and respect yourself, you’ll naturally love and respect others.

That’s the hallmark of a genuinely good woman.

Embracing the good

Each one of us, as women, are beautifully unique in our own ways. And it’s important to remember that being a genuinely good woman isn’t about being perfect or ticking off every point on this list.

It’s about embracing who you are and striving to do your best, even in the face of adversity. It’s about being authentic, empathetic, kind, respectful, compassionate, resilient, having integrity, and above all, loving yourself.

Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

So let’s celebrate our strengths and work on our weaknesses. Let’s continue to grow and evolve, not for the world, but for ourselves. Because at the end of the day, being a genuinely good woman starts with being genuinely good to yourself.

Take a moment to reflect on these signs and see how they resonate with you. Remember, it’s not about comparison or judgment but about self-awareness and growth.

So here’s to embracing the good within us and becoming the best versions of ourselves.