7 unique behaviors of a truly decent woman, according to psychology

Being a decent woman goes beyond just good manners and kind gestures. It’s about the unique behaviors that set her apart, creating a positive impact on those around her.

According to psychology, there are seven distinct traits that define such a woman. These traits help her navigate through life with grace, resilience, and an infectious positivity that inspires everyone around her.

Now, as a mom who’s always trying to be the best version of herself for her kids and herself, I’ve often wondered what these traits might be. And more importantly, how can we cultivate them?

Well, fear not. In this article, we’re going to delve into these behaviors and understand what it really means to be a decent woman in today’s world.

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about striving to be better each day, for yourself and those around you.

So, let’s get started, shall we?

1) Deeply empathetic

Decency and empathy often go hand in hand. According to psychology, a truly decent woman has a deep sense of empathy. She doesn’t just listen to the words people say but tunes into their emotions and experiences.

This is more than just being a good listener. It’s about sharing in their joys, their fears, their hopes, and their struggles. It’s about understanding where they’re coming from, even if their experiences are far removed from her own.

Empathy also extends beyond her immediate circle to people from different walks of life. She appreciates diversity, respects differences, and practices kindness with everyone she meets.

As the famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good!”.

A truly decent woman does exactly that – she makes people feel seen, heard, and valued. That’s a behavior we could all strive for.

2) Embraces her imperfections

As a mom, I’ve had my fair share of challenging days. There were times when I lost my temper, made mistakes, and felt like I was failing. But over time, I’ve realized that it’s okay to be imperfect.

A truly decent woman isn’t afraid to acknowledge her flaws. She doesn’t try to present a picture-perfect image to the world; instead, she embraces her imperfections, learns from her mistakes, and continually strives to do better.

This acceptance of imperfection isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it’s an indication of strength and self-awareness. It helps her grow, evolve, and become a better version of herself.

The renowned psychologist Brené Brown once said, “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”

This resonates deeply with me as it underscores the fact that we’re all human, we all make mistakes, and that’s perfectly okay. A decent woman understands this and uses it as a stepping stone towards personal growth.

3) Genuine and sincere

Have you ever met someone who just radiates authenticity? A truly decent woman is just that – genuine and sincere in her interactions with others.

She doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not. She doesn’t say things she doesn’t mean. She doesn’t put on a facade to please others. Instead, she stays true to herself and her values, even if it means standing alone.

Her honesty might make her vulnerable at times, but it also makes her relatable and trustworthy. People are drawn to her because they know she’s real.

The famous psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

A decent woman has that self-awareness. She knows who she is, what she stands for, and she isn’t afraid to show her true colors. Her raw honesty and authenticity are what make her truly unique and admirable.

4) Practices gratitude

A truly decent woman understands the power of gratitude. She appreciates what she has and expresses her thanks often.

But this isn’t just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s about cultivating an attitude of gratitude that permeates every aspect of her life. It’s about finding joy in the little things, expressing appreciation for the people around her, and recognizing the positive aspects of every situation.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who kept a weekly gratitude journal felt more optimistic about their lives, had fewer physical symptoms, and even exercised more.

By practicing gratitude, a decent woman enhances her emotional well-being, fosters positive relationships, and contributes to a happier, healthier life. She understands that it’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.

5) Resilient in the face of adversity

Life throws us curveballs, doesn’t it? As a mom, I’ve been tested time and time again. But it’s through these challenges that I’ve discovered my resilience. And that’s something you’ll find in every truly decent woman.

She doesn’t shy away from adversity. Instead, she faces it head-on, learns from it, and comes out stronger on the other side. She understands that life’s trials are not meant to break her but to shape her.

Resilience doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel the weight of hardships. It means she’s able to bounce back after experiencing them. She knows that it’s okay to fall, as long as she picks herself up and keeps going.

The renowned 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.”

A truly decent woman embodies this quote. Her resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to her strength and perseverance. It’s one of the unique behaviors that truly sets her apart.

6) Knows when to say no

While it might seem counterintuitive, knowing when to say ‘no’ is a powerful trait of a truly decent woman.

Contrary to what many of us believe, saying ‘no’ isn’t about being selfish or rude. It’s about understanding our limits and respecting our own time, energy, and needs. It’s about setting boundaries and ensuring we don’t spread ourselves too thin.

A decent woman understands this. She knows that by saying ‘no’ when necessary, she’s teaching people to respect her boundaries. She’s demonstrating that her time and energy are valuable, and she won’t allow them to be taken for granted.

Saying ‘no’ can be difficult, but a decent woman isn’t afraid to do it when it’s the right thing for her. It’s a sign of self-respect and self-awareness – traits that are truly admirable.

7) Lifelong learner

A truly decent woman is a lifelong learner. She’s curious, open-minded, and always eager to grow.

She doesn’t believe in stagnation; instead, she embraces every opportunity to learn something new – be it a skill, a subject, or a deeper understanding of herself and others.

A decent woman makes that choice every day. Her love for learning is not just about personal growth; it’s about becoming a better person for herself and those around her. It’s a unique behavior that truly sets her apart.

Final thoughts

Understanding what makes a woman truly decent isn’t about labeling or boxing her into a certain mold. It’s about appreciating her unique behaviors that set her apart.

Whether it’s her deep empathy, resilience in adversity, or her lifelong love for learning, these traits are what make her who she is. While each of these behaviors is distinct, they all stem from a place of self-awareness, respect for others, and a genuine desire to grow.

As we navigate through life, we can all learn from these behaviors. Being a decent woman isn’t about perfection; it’s about striving to be the best version of ourselves, for ourselves and for those around us.

So, let’s be inspired by these behaviors. Let’s strive to integrate them into our lives. And in doing so, let’s create a world where decency isn’t just admired but celebrated.