10 signs you have a genuinely standout woman in your life, according to psychology

Olivia Reid by Olivia Reid | February 12, 2025, 2:34 am

There’s a world of difference between a regular woman and a standout one.

The difference? It’s all about character, behavior, and attitude.

A standout woman isn’t just smart or attractive, she’s also strong, loyal, and genuine.

And according to psychology, there are certain signs that can help you identify this kind of woman in your life.

Let me share with you 10 clear indications that you’re lucky enough to have such a woman in your life.

I promise it will be simple, informal, and won’t take much of your time.

Stay tuned. Here we go.

1) Unshakable confidence

Ever wondered what sets a genuinely standout woman apart from others?

Psychologists believe it’s all about confidence.

Confidence is not just about being outgoing or extrovert. It’s deeper than that.

A truly confident woman believes in herself, values her worth, and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means standing alone.

As psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”

A standout woman embodies this quote — she’s always learning, growing, and evolving.

She’s not afraid of making mistakes because she knows that they’re stepping stones to success.

She doesn’t let failure define her but uses it as a learning opportunity.

If the woman in your life exudes unshakeable confidence and turns every setback into a comeback, you’ve definitely got a standout one.

But remember, genuine confidence is far from arrogance.

It’s about knowing your worth, not devaluing others.

2) Exceptional emotional intelligence

A standout woman isn’t just intelligent in the traditional sense, she also possesses exceptional emotional intelligence.

Take my sister, for example. She’s always been a rock in our family.

She can pick up on the subtlest shifts in mood, knows exactly when to provide comfort, when to give space, and when to challenge us to be better.

She has an innate ability to understand and manage not only her own emotions but those of others around her as well.

And my sister’s life is a living testament to this.

Her ability to navigate her emotions and understand those of others has not only made her successful in her career but also a beloved figure in our family and her social circles.

If you have a woman in your life who can empathize with your feelings, who can manage her own emotions while helping you manage yours, consider yourself lucky.

You’ve got a genuinely standout woman in your life.

3) She’s not afraid of vulnerability

Here’s something raw and honest – vulnerability is scary. But it’s a sign of a standout woman.

It’s easy to put on a brave face. It’s easy to pretend everything is perfect.

But it takes real courage to let someone see you at your weakest, to say, “I’m not okay,” and to ask for help when needed.

Brené Brown, a renowned research professor and author, has said, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”

And that couldn’t be more true.

A standout woman is not afraid to show her vulnerability. She doesn’t view it as a weakness but as a strength.

She knows that everyone has flaws and that accepting them is the first step towards growth and self-improvement.

If there’s a woman in your life who isn’t afraid to show her true self, warts and all, know that she’s a rare gem. She’s real, she’s genuine. She’s a standout woman.

4) She inspires others

Ever met someone who just radiates positivity? The kind of person who inspires you just by being themselves?

That’s another sign of a standout woman.

I have a friend who is that person. She’s relentlessly positive, always pushing herself and those around her to be better.

She’s not just living her life; she’s making a difference in the lives of others.

Esteemed psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What a man can be, he must be.”

This is the essence of self-actualization and my friend lives by this.

She’s not just content with being good, she strives to be her best and inspires others to do the same.

A standout woman doesn’t just live for herself. She uplifts those around her and helps them realize their potential.

If there’s a woman in your life who inspires you to be a better version of yourself, hold on to her. She’s one in a million.

5) She embraces solitude

This might sound counterintuitive, but bear with me. A standout woman values her alone time. She embraces solitude.

Solitude is often misunderstood as loneliness, but they’re not the same.

Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, once said, “Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself.”

A standout woman understands this. She knows that spending time alone is crucial for self-reflection and growth.

It allows her to reconnect with herself, reassess her goals, and rejuvenate her mind. She doesn’t need constant socializing to feel valid or content.

If you notice a woman who enjoys her own company and cherishes her alone time, it’s not a red flag.

Instead, it’s a sign of her maturity and self-awareness. Yes, she’s indeed a standout woman.

6) She’s resilient

Life is full of ups and downs. But a standout woman doesn’t let the hard times break her; she bounces back. She’s resilient.

Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist in the field of positive psychology, once said, “One of the most significant findings in psychology in the last twenty years is that individuals can choose the way they think.”

This is the essence of resilience.

A standout woman knows that she cannot always control what happens to her, but she can control how she responds to it.

She chooses to think positively and maintain a hopeful outlook, no matter what life throws at her.

She doesn’t ignore her struggles; she acknowledges them and then works through them with courage and determination.

She turns obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning.

If there’s a woman in your life who remains strong and hopeful even in the face of adversity, you’ve got a real gem. She’s a standout woman.

7) She’s authentically herself

In a world that often pressures us to fit in, being yourself can be a radical act. And yet, a standout woman is authentically, unapologetically herself.

This reminds me of my grandmother. She was never one to follow the crowd or succumb to societal pressures.

She was always herself – bold, loving, and full of life. She taught me that it’s okay to be different and that true beauty lies in being yourself.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, once said, “Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.”

A standout woman lives by this. She is true to herself and isn’t afraid to show the world who she really is.

If you have a woman in your life who embraces her uniqueness without fear of judgment, cherish her.

She’s not just any woman; she’s a standout woman.

8) She practices self-care

Here’s the raw truth – life can be hectic. We often get so caught up in our responsibilities that we forget to take care of ourselves.

However, a standout woman understands the importance of self-care.

She knows that she cannot pour from an empty cup and therefore, takes the time to rejuvenate physically, emotionally, and mentally.

She prioritizes her well-being because she understands that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

A standout woman doesn’t just understand this, she lives it.

If there’s a woman in your life who knows how to take care of herself amidst the chaos of life, value her.

She’s not just smart; she’s wise. She’s not just any woman; she’s a standout woman.

9) She embraces change

Here’s something counterintuitive – a standout woman doesn’t merely tolerate change; she embraces it.

We often resist change because it’s uncomfortable. But a standout woman sees it as an opportunity for growth.

She knows that the only constant in life is change, so she rides the waves instead of fighting against them.

A standout woman embodies this mindset. She welcomes change and uses it as a stepping stone to fulfillment.

If there’s a woman in your life who adapts to change with grace and optimism, know that she’s exceptional.

She’s not just adaptable; she’s a standout woman.

10) She empowers others

One of the most beautiful traits I’ve noticed in standout women in my life is their ability to empower others.

My mother, for example, has always been my biggest cheerleader. She’s not just supportive, she’s empowering.

She has a knack for making people believe in themselves and their dreams. And her belief in others often sparks a belief in themselves.

Renowned psychologist Alfred Adler once said, “It is easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.”

A standout woman not only lives up to her principles but also empowers others to live up to theirs.

If you have a woman in your life who lifts you up, supports your dreams, and empowers you to be your best self, then consider yourself truly blessed.

You’ve got a genuinely standout woman in your life.