In today’s society, women are often expected to be soft, gentle, and submissive.

But there are those admirable women who break the norm and radiate power, confidence, and assertiveness – all without coming off as brash or overbearing. 

As a relationship expert and founder of the Love Connection blog, I’ve noticed some common phrases among these strong, independent women.

In this article, I’ll share them with you.

These are phrases that if used often, signal a woman with a really strong personality.

1) “I’m not afraid to…”

Navigating life requires courage. And strong women know this better than anyone.

When faced with challenges or opportunities, these women confidently express their willingness to take risks and step out of their comfort zones.

Using phrases like “I’m not afraid to…” signals their readiness to face whatever comes their way head-on.

Instead of shying away from difficult situations or tough decisions, they embrace them, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Consider it the verbal equivalent of standing tall and looking life square in the eye.

It’s a powerful phrase that embodies the spirit of fearlessness and determination.

But remember, using this phrase isn’t about being reckless or foolhardy.

It’s about acknowledging the risks and still choosing to move forward because you don’t let fear hold you back.

2) “I don’t know…”

This might surprise you, but strong women are not afraid to admit when they don’t know something.

Society often pressures us to have all the answers, causing many to feign knowledge or expertise to avoid appearing weak.

But a strong woman knows that admitting ignorance is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and confidence.

Phrases like “I don’t know…” or “I’m not sure…” indicate a willingness to learn and grow, which may take courage and humility.

But strong women are able to show it, because they understand that they can’t possibly know everything and that it’s okay not to have all the answers.

They see every “I don’t know” as an opportunity for growth and learning, not as a personal failing.

3) “No, but…”

In my years of relationship coaching, I’ve found that the ability to say “no” is a crucial trait of a strong woman.

However, it’s not just about bluntly declining requests or demands.

It’s about communicating assertively, yet respectfully.

The phrase “No, but…” is a powerful tool in this regard.

It allows a woman to express her boundaries clearly while keeping the conversation open and respectful.

For instance, instead of outright saying “No, I can’t help you with that”, a strong woman might say, “No, but I can suggest someone else who might be able to assist”.

This way, she’s asserting her boundaries without shutting down the other person.

In my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I discuss the importance of setting boundaries in maintaining healthy relationships.

Using phrases like “No, but…” is just one way to do that.

So if you hear a woman using this phrase often, it’s a good indication of her strong personality and her ability to manage her relationships effectively.

4) “How can we…?”

Women with strong personalities are solution-oriented.

They don’t spend their time complaining about problems; instead, they focus on finding solutions.

And one phrase you’ll often hear from them is “How can we…?”.

This phrase reflects their collaborative nature and their belief that many heads are better than one when it comes to problem-solving.

In fact, this is one of my personal favorites.

It’s a subtle shift in language that transforms a potentially negative situation into a proactive search for solutions.

As author Steve Maraboli said, “Let’s not forget it’s you and me vs. the problem… NOT you vs. me.” 

This phrase embodies that wisdom perfectly.

5) “I appreciate…”

You’ve surely heard of the power of gratitude… and a strong woman is someone who fully embraces it.

She understands that acknowledging the good in people and situations helps foster positive relationships and creates a healthy, happy environment.

That’s why you’ll often hear her saying “I appreciate…”.

It could be a simple acknowledgment of a colleague’s effort, a friend’s support, or even a stranger’s kindness.

Over the years, I’ve learned that expressing gratitude not only makes others feel valued but also reinforces our own positive attitudes and perspectives.

We help bring out those qualities we admire even more in the people around us, also motivate ourselves to live by them as well. 

And that’s what makes this phrase so powerful – it not only beautifully expresses a woman’s strong personality, but it is also a way to positively influence the world around her. 

6) “I choose…”

As someone who values personal freedom and independence, a strong woman understands the power of choice.

Even though she may not explicitly use the words “I choose”, we can hear this idea in the way she actively makes decisions for her own life. 

She doesn’t wait for anyone else to tell her what to choose – she knows what she wants and she isn’t afraid to speak up about it. 

This isn’t just about big decisions; it can be as simple as choosing to take a break when feeling overwhelmed, or choosing to respond positively in the face of adversity.

In fact, one of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt: “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes.”

And the concept this phrase encapsulates underlines the power and control we have over our actions and reactions.

7) “I failed…”

Strong women are not just unafraid of failure; they acknowledge it openly.

The phrase “I failed…” might seem negative to some.

But in reality, it is a testament to a woman’s strength and resilience.

It shows that she isn’t afraid of making mistakes or falling short.

Instead, she sees failure as an integral part of the learning process.

This phrase can also be heard in other forms: “I messed up”, “I made a mistake,” and even “I’m sorry.”

Admitting to these things is not about self-deprecation; it’s about being honest and transparent about where we went wrong so we can learn and grow from the experience.

When a woman confidently admits her failures, it shows she has a strong personality that embraces challenges, takes risks, and understands that failure is just another stepping stone to success.

It’s not just words, it’s a way of life

As we delve deeper into the world of strong personalities, it’s clear that the words we use are much more than just a random selection of phrases.

They’re a reflection of our character, our beliefs, and our approach to life.

Women with strong personalities use certain phrases more often because these words resonate with their core values: courage, honesty, assertiveness, gratitude, and resilience.

These phrases are not just a habit; they symbolize a lifestyle choice, a commitment to living authentically and powerfully.

Remember, personal growth is an ongoing journey. It’s about embracing our strengths and working on our weaknesses.

And as we continue on this journey, let’s remember to choose our words wisely because they reflect who we are and the kind of person we aspire to be.