Parks and Recreation has got to be one of my all-time favourite TV shows.

It’s one of those series I can pop on anytime, no matter what, no matter where, becuause it brings this beautifully comforting blend of humor and heart.

At the centre of it all, we’ve got Leslie Knope. She’s played by the comedy star Amy Poehler.

Trust me, she’s one hell of a woman!

Leslie isn’t your average government staffer. While she approaches her Parks department role with leadership and professionalism, it’s her infectious, oft-zany enthusiasm that really sets her apart from the rest.

Episode after episode, you notice Leslie’s absolute zeal for life in everything she does, whether it’s town planning or advocating for the glow-up of her town’s parks. 

Her relentless positivity acts as a beacon, inspiring those around her to strive for their best, plus her knack for fostering teamwork and inclusivity is second-to-none.

The woman simply knows  how to bring people together.

Whether it’s rallying the troops to fill in a huge local pit or orchestrating a memorable send-off for a miniature pony named Sebastian (seriously, you need to see this episode), Leslie’s delightfulness as a woman always shines through.

If you’re looking for the specific qualities that define a truly wonderful woman, here’s my lowdown (with a bit of psychology sprinkled in!).

1) She’s honest with you

In my experience, some of the most stellar women are not afraid to show vulnerability.

For real, they’re able to get in there and share their truths and pain, in order to relate with people on a deep level.

It’s this willingness to be transparent, to let others see the real them, that forms the bedrock of genuine relationships and interactions in their life.

In other words, this woman is a real one.

A study by Pew Research Center on women and leadership found “half of all adults say women are more honest than men” and note it as “the most important to leadership of any of the traits measured in the survey.”

And they’ve got a point. Honesty can be a total breath of fresh air. 

When a woman embraces her flaws and honours her values beliefs unapologetically? Well, in my eyes, she’s a stand-out.

This authentic level of honesty builds trust, credibility, and integrity in both personal and professional circles.

2) She sets and maintains high standards for herself

Just like Leslie Knope, the woman who sets and sticks to high standards is often a brilliant one.

It’s in her unwavering pursuit of excellence, her refusal to settle for anything less than the absolute best. Why is that?

She knows she 100% deserves the best.

A study in the journal Evolutionary Psychology found that the most desirable women would “impose higher standards for a suite of desirable characteristics” which included “good partner indicators.”

By constantly challenging herself, she expands her horizons, laying the foundational setting for great things.

Let’s get into this. Having high standards means turning away from mediocrity in all its forms. 

This means she refuses shortcuts or cheating, knowing true fulfillment comes from giving her true self.

Whether it’s acing a presentation in the office, hitting the hiking trail at first light, or simply showing up as her best self for her growing family every day, she constantly raises the bar.

Plus, she knows it’s not just about setting standards—it’s about honouring them, no matter what. 

And with that comes a whole load of consistency, discipline, and resilience, and this is the hat trick of a truly impressive woman.

3) She’s communicative and energetic

Have you ever met someone who exudes an energy that draws you in, but at the same time, you feel a sense of calm and reassurance in their presence?

That’s right—an incredible woman will often light up a room.

She moves with purpose, her smile infectious, and her presence commanding attention without being over the top.

It’s not just her physical beauty, though this can certainly part of the magical equation, what truly sets her apart is her unique blend of liveliness, energy, and conversationality.

A psychological study explored men’s favourite traits in women, finding that participants had “a strong preference” for what was described as “stable extroverts.”

But hold on a sec. What on earth is a stable extrovert? 

Well, according to the study they are women who were classed as “easygoing, responsive, and lively.”

In other words, it’s gotta be that twinkle in her eye, the enthusiasm in her voice, and the way she lights up a room simply by walking into it!

This energy is what fuels her liveliness and drives her forward—-she’s not afraid to embrace new experiences or face adversity head-on.

She’s got it, baby.

4) She’s emotionally stable and open

Whether it’s a setback at work or a personal crisis, the incredible woman navigates it all with grace and decorum.

She’s not all over the place with her emotions—she knows how to self-regulate and take time out for herself.

The aforementioned study found that women who were deemed as less desirable were seen to possess “unstable” qualities including being “anxious, rigid and reserved.”

I mean, when emotions run high and conflicts abound, who wouldn’t want someone who can weather the storm and still be super chill?

Someone who can sympathize without judgment, who can listen without prejudice?

By being the picture of emotional stability and openness, she becomes a source of positivity for those around her.

As an emotionally open woman, she also creates a safe space where others can let down their guards, where vulnerability is embraced rather than turned away from. 

5) She’s clever and academically gifted

Picture a woman who dives deep into astrophysics, then seamlessly shifts to dissecting the latest trends in philosophy or technology. 

This previous study found that men preferred “academically stronger women” to “less academically able individuals.”

But why is this blend of intellect and academic prowess such a tell-tale trait of greatness in a woman?

Being academically-minded isn’t just about acing college exams as a woman, it’s about hungering for knowledge, questioning everything, and seeking out answers about the universe.

Truly great women crave depth and nuance, analyzing data and insights to form well-rounded perspectives.

Women who embrace their intellect defy outdated stereotypes and empower future generations. 

6) She projects the colour “red”

Okay, ready yourself for a bit of a wildcard. This one might reek with weirdness… at least at first.

One scientific study on facial attractiveness found that women who either wore red, or had red in their facial features, were seen as more desirable.

I know right?!

Shall we break it down? Researchers said that “women are seen as more attractive by men when presented with red backgrounds or with red clothing, relative to other colours.”

The experts put this down to being specific to attractiveness judgements, rather than influencing men’s opinions of her other traits like intelligence or care.

Plus, further research found that “red coloration in faces” tended to demonstrate “a positive association with perceived health.”

Time to reach for the rouge, ladies. Or not.

7) She shows kindness and generosity

You know that kind-hearted cutie, that person never short on empathy, care, or emotional warmth?

Whenever life throws a curveball your way, this is precisely the kind of woman you turn to.

Think about it. Kindness is the very thing that makes communities thrive, heals trauma, and lights up difficult days—so it comes as no surprise that a kind woman is a great woman.

In a study in the Journal of Personality, researchers interviewed more than 2,700 college students from around the world.

In their research, they found that most participants prioritised the trait of kindness in women. 

And it makes total sense! 

This big ol’ world could always use a little more love, a little more compassion, and a little more humanity—and that’s where these phenomenal woman step on in.

They’re all about showing up, lending a hand, and making life a little sweeter—especially when everything is totally falling apart.

8) She’s creative and artistic

Some women simply know how to effortlessly usher creativity into every facet of their lives.

Whether she’s sketching away on a napkin or conjuring up a culinary masterpiece on a weeknight.

But why is this trait so telling of her greatness? In the previous study, men also rated creative traits in women highly.

This is presumably because creativity is more than just a quirky, colourful hobby—it’s a means of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

This creative streak is a reflection of her depth, passion, and courage in embracing life with both hands (and maybe a paint brush). 

It’s what sets her apart, illuminating a world that can sometimes feel a little stock-standard and grey.