10 qualities of a truly remarkable woman, according to psychology (2025)

If there’s one thing I love—besides endless cups of tea and a good book—it’s sharing insights about what makes us human. As an introvert, I’ve always found deep satisfaction in understanding how our minds work, and I’m thrilled to explore the intriguing qualities that shape truly remarkable women.

Over the years, I’ve written extensively about culture, psychology, and self-improvement. Through my research (and personal life experiences), I’ve noticed that remarkable women often share certain qualities—ones that both science and wisdom from famous thinkers continue to back up.

Let’s walk through these ten qualities, one by one.

1. They Embrace Authenticity

One of the first qualities I admire in truly remarkable women is their ability to be genuine.

Being authentic isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real. It’s about acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, and standing by your unique point of view, even when it’s unpopular.

Psychology tells us that authenticity correlates with better self-esteem and overall well-being. According to Carl Rogers, a pioneer of humanistic psychology, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” In other words, self-acceptance leads to growth.

Personally, as an introvert, I have to remind myself often that it’s okay to prefer a quiet evening at home rather than a busy social gathering. Embracing my authentic nature has allowed me to conserve energy and stay true to who I really am—without apologizing for it.

2. They Practice Compassion and Empathy

A remarkable woman doesn’t look down on others or feel superior. Instead, she opens her heart to people’s struggles. She reaches out with empathy, not pity.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Social psychologists suggest that empathy is at the root of strong interpersonal relationships. When a woman genuinely cares for someone else’s well-being, she forges deeper connections grounded in trust and mutual respect.

In my own life, I’ve found that empathy starts with simply listening. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is your undivided attention and a kind word.

3. They Exhibit Resilience

Life throws curveballs at all of us. The difference lies in how we bounce back.

A remarkable woman gets knocked down by adversity—but she stands up again. Resilience isn’t just about enduring a challenge; it’s about growing stronger as a result of it. According to psychologist Martin Seligman, a key figure in the positive psychology movement, resilience often stems from an optimistic view of events combined with strong social support.

I remember my first big career setback: an important writing project I poured my heart into was abruptly canceled. I was devastated. But once the initial disappointment faded, I realized that this was an opportunity to refocus on my goals and hone my skills further. It was painful, but the lesson was priceless.

4. They Have a Growth Mindset

A remarkable woman embraces a “growth mindset,” a term popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. This mindset holds that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, rather than being fixed traits.

She views mistakes as stepping stones rather than barriers. She understands that failure is part of success and that every challenge is an invitation to learn something new.

I’ll never forget the early days of my writing career when my editor returned my work covered in red ink. It stung, but each piece of feedback allowed me to refine my craft. Eventually, those criticisms became my greatest teachers. And yes, my editor and I are still close friends to this day.

5. They Are Open-Minded

To be remarkable is to remain curious about the world.

Open-mindedness is a willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives. It’s a readiness to have your opinions challenged—and possibly changed—by insights from other people or emerging research.

From a psychological standpoint, open-mindedness is often linked to cognitive flexibility and greater creativity. In simpler terms, when you’re open to change, you give your brain more space to explore, adapt, and thrive.

As a writer, I constantly encounter new topics and theories. Sometimes, I have to suspend my existing beliefs to dive into a subject—whether it’s a new culture or an unfamiliar psychological concept. Surprisingly, it’s in those moments of initial discomfort where I tend to grow the most.

6. They Cultivate Strong Boundaries

Another standout quality is the ability to say “no” when necessary.

Boundaries protect our well-being, time, and energy. They help us maintain healthy relationships and prevent us from burning out. A remarkable woman honors her commitments to others, but she also knows when she needs space to recharge or handle her own responsibilities.

Research in psychology shows that having clear boundaries is vital for mental health. In fact, setting boundaries is part of building self-worth, because it sends the message that you respect yourself and value your time.

I’ll admit, this is a lesson I learned the hard way. Early in my career, I took on more writing assignments than I could handle. My stress levels skyrocketed. Over time, I realized that politely declining requests or asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness—it was a sign of self-awareness and self-care.

7. They Radiate Confidence (Even When They’re Nervous)

True confidence isn’t about being loud or pushing yourself to the front of the room. Remarkable women exhibit a quiet assurance, even in moments of uncertainty.

Confidence means trusting your own capabilities, acknowledging your worth, and pressing forward despite fear. Research has shown that self-confident people tend to be more successful in achieving their goals, largely because they’re not crippled by doubt before they even begin.

If you’re an introvert like me, you might think, “But I’m not naturally confident!” Here’s the good news: confidence is a skill you can build with practice. For example, each time I submit a manuscript or proposal, I remind myself that my years of writing experience (and my passion for the craft) have earned me the right to speak up. Action by action, you start realizing that your voice matters.

8. They Stay True to Their Values

The next hallmark of a remarkable woman is her unwavering commitment to her values.

Values guide us like a compass. They inform our choices and shape how we treat other people. A woman who stays true to her values—be it honesty, kindness, creativity, or courage—consistently acts with integrity.

One of my favorite quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt speaks volumes here: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you’ll be criticized anyway.” This is an important reminder that people will always have opinions, but standing by your core principles is what leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

9. They Offer Vulnerability and Emotional Honesty

In a culture that often tells women to “have it all together,” being vulnerable can be seen as a weakness. However, Dr. Brené Brown’s groundbreaking research in social work shows the opposite: vulnerability is actually a cornerstone of genuine connection and belonging.

A remarkable woman isn’t afraid to admit her mistakes or reveal her fears. She opens up space for empathy and understanding, allowing others to see the real person behind the mask.

For me, sharing my personal struggles—like tackling writer’s block or managing social anxiety at networking events—has always felt like walking on a tightrope. But each time I open up, I find that people are far more supportive than I ever imagined. Vulnerability is what turns acquaintances into friends and transforms superficial small talk into meaningful conversations.

10. They Practice Self-Compassion

Finally, truly remarkable women show themselves the same kindness they extend to others.

Self-compassion, as defined by psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff, involves treating yourself with care and understanding. It means recognizing that mistakes are a normal part of the human experience, and refusing to beat yourself up with negative self-talk.

Many of us hold ourselves to impossible standards, which can lead to burnout or constant feelings of inadequacy. A remarkable woman counters this tendency by nurturing her emotional well-being. She acknowledges that it’s okay to rest, to take mental health days, or even indulge in a guilty pleasure (mine is watching period dramas on slow Sunday afternoons).

In a world that often demands perfection, self-compassion is a silent rebellion—and it sets the stage for true personal growth.

Bringing It All Together

These ten qualities—authenticity, empathy, resilience, a growth mindset, open-mindedness, strong boundaries, confidence, values-based living, vulnerability, and self-compassion—create a foundation that any woman (and honestly, any human being) can build upon.

It’s important to remember that nobody is perfect. No one exhibits every single quality 24/7. There will be days when you lose your temper, question your skills, or fail to listen empathetically.

And that’s all right. What truly matters is the commitment to keep striving, keep learning, and keep becoming the best version of yourself. You’re allowed to stumble, to laugh at yourself, and to start over. Over time, you’ll find yourself embodying more and more of these traits naturally.

Final Thoughts

A truly remarkable woman is not a myth or an idealized symbol perched on a pedestal. She is you, me, and the wonderful people we encounter every day. She’s the teacher who listens patiently to her students. The entrepreneur who keeps pushing forward through countless setbacks. The friend who shows up with chocolate and tissues after a breakup. The mother who balances endless demands yet finds time to tuck her kids in at night with a warm smile.

Take inspiration from these qualities, but don’t pressure yourself to master them all at once. Growth is a journey, and each step is valuable.

From my little writing nook in New York, I’m sending you encouragement to keep evolving. Embrace who you are, explore who you can become, and remember that the world needs more of your remarkable presence.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this piece, feel free to share it with the remarkable women in your life—or any woman you know who’s on her own path toward self-discovery and empowerment.

Here’s to celebrating the brilliance, courage, and heart of every remarkable woman out there.