7 signs you’re in the presence of a genuinely good woman, according to psychology

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | April 15, 2025, 12:17 pm

The world is full of all sorts of women – the dreamers, the doers, the thinkers, and those who make a difference.

But how can you tell when you’ve come across a truly good woman? It’s more than just a feeling; psychology has some insights to offer.

Being in the presence of a genuinely good woman can be a game-changer. She can influence your life and decisions, teach you to be better. And it’s not about manipulation—it’s about her natural aura and impact.

Her goodness isn’t hidden in coded behavior; it’s reflected in clear signs that psychology can help us discern. So, if you’re curious to know what these signs are, I’ve got some science-backed pointers for you.

Get ready to dive into seven signs you’re in the presence of a genuinely good woman, according to psychology. Who knows, this might help you appreciate the women around you even more!

1) She exhibits empathy

Empathy is one of the most significant traits of a genuinely good woman. It’s not just about being able to understand and share the feelings of others; it’s about truly caring about those around her.

Empathy is the cornerstone of any strong relationship. It fosters connection and builds trust, allowing people to feel seen, heard, and understood.

In the presence of a woman who exhibits empathy, you’ll find a safe space where your emotions are validated and not judged.

A genuinely good woman doesn’t just sympathize with your situation; she empathizes. She puts herself in your shoes and feels what you’re feeling.

But it’s not manipulative—it’s sincere, authentic, and comes from a place of genuine care.

If you’re in the presence of a woman who naturally exhibits empathy towards you and others, count yourself fortunate—you’ve encountered one sign of a genuinely good woman.

2) She’s authentic

Authenticity is a trait that’s hard to come by. It’s about being true to oneself, and it’s something I’ve personally experienced in the presence of a genuinely good woman.

I remember when I first met Sarah. She had this aura of genuineness that was impossible to miss.

She wasn’t afraid to be herself, even if it meant standing out from the crowd. There were no pretenses, no hidden agendas—what you saw was what you got.

In the words of famous psychologist Carl Jung, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

Sarah embodied this quote in every aspect of her life. She embraced her strengths, her weaknesses, her quirks – everything that made her who she was.

In a world where people often wear masks, meeting someone like Sarah was a breath of fresh air. It was a clear sign that I was in the presence of a genuinely good woman.

If you find yourself around a woman who is authentic – who isn’t afraid to be herself and embraces every facet of her personality – then it’s safe to say you’re in the presence of a genuinely good woman.

3) She maintains healthy boundaries

Have you ever met someone who knows exactly where to draw the line? It’s a sign of self-respect and respect for others, and it’s a trait I’ve noticed in genuinely good women.

Healthy boundaries are all about understanding and respecting our own emotional, mental, and physical spaces. It’s about knowing what’s acceptable and what’s not, what we’re comfortable with, and what we’re not.

Psychologist Brené Brown said it best: “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”

In the presence of a genuinely good woman, you’ll notice this balance. She won’t let people walk all over her, but she also won’t intrude on others’ space. She understands the importance of giving and receiving respect.

It can be raw and honest, and sometimes it might even feel a bit uncomfortable. But that’s the beauty of healthy boundaries—they protect us, make our relationships healthier, and teach us to value ourselves.

So if you’re around a woman who has the courage to set and maintain healthy boundaries, you’re in the presence of a genuinely good woman.

4) She exudes positivity

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Positivity is more than just a cheerful disposition; it’s a mindset, a way of life. And it’s a characteristic often found in genuinely good women.

Being in the presence of a positive woman can be uplifting. Their optimism can be infectious, their resilience inspiring. They tend to see the silver lining in every situation and believe in the power of possibility.

But don’t just take my word for it. A study found a strong correlation between positivity and overall life satisfaction. The researchers discovered that individuals who embrace positivity are generally happier, more resilient, and have healthier relationships.

This isn’t to say that genuinely good women are always sunny and never have bad days. However, they have a knack for bouncing back from adversity with a positive outlook intact.

If you find yourself around a woman who exudes positivity, you could very well be in the presence of a genuinely good woman.

5) She shows resilience

Resilience is a trait that I deeply admire, and it’s often present in genuinely good women. These women have an extraordinary ability to bounce back from life’s setbacks and not let them define their future.

I’m reminded of my colleague, Lisa. Despite facing numerous challenges in her life, she always emerged stronger and more determined. Her resilience wasn’t about denying the pain or hardship; it was about acknowledging it and then moving forward, refusing to let adversity steal her joy or derail her plans.

Famous psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

Lisa personified this quote. Her resilience was a testament to her strength and her unwavering belief in her capabilities.

If you find yourself around a woman who displays resilience—who faces adversity with courage and comes out stronger on the other side—you’re indeed in the presence of a genuinely good woman.

6) She embraces vulnerability

Vulnerability might not be the first trait that comes to mind when you think of a genuinely good woman. It’s often seen as a weakness. But let me tell you, the ability to embrace vulnerability is indeed a mark of strength.

When a woman is not afraid to show her imperfections, express her feelings, and admit that she doesn’t have all the answers, it displays a level of authenticity and courage that’s truly admirable.

Renowned psychologist Brené Brown says, “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.”

A genuinely good woman understands this. She’s not afraid to be seen for who she truly is and makes no apologies for it.

So, if you encounter a woman who embraces her vulnerability—who dares to be open and authentic—you’re likely in the presence of a genuinely good woman.

7) She practices kindness

Kindness is a simple yet profound trait of a genuinely good woman. It’s about showing compassion and understanding, without expecting anything in return.

As psychologist Jean Piaget aptly said:

“The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new things.”

A genuinely good woman practices kindness as a way of life. She naturally tends to the needs of others and does so out of pure love and compassion.

When you see a woman whose kindness is evident in her words, actions, and way of life, you’re undoubtedly in the presence of a genuinely good woman.

Reflections

The beauty of human relationships lies in their complexities and the lessons they offer.

In our journey of life, crossing paths with a genuinely good woman can be transformative.

Her empathy, authenticity, resilience, positivity, healthy boundaries, vulnerability, and kindness not only impact us but also inspire us to be better versions of ourselves.

As we’ve explored these seven signs, perhaps you’ve had someone in mind or recognized these traits in yourself.

The qualities of a genuinely good woman aren’t elusive; they’re often right before our eyes in the women we interact with every day.

Remember, recognizing and appreciating these traits can make our relationships richer and our understanding deeper.

In the end, it’s not just about identifying a genuinely good woman but also about learning from her and growing along the way.

So reflect, learn, and let’s continue to celebrate the genuinely good women in our lives!