[I originally posted this for Thought Catalog, thought it would be a good fit.]
An independent woman pays for own her expenses without the regular help of family, friends, or significant others. Sure, she might accept the occasional gift or borrow money when things get tight, but generally she pays for her share of the rent, mortgage, utilities, car, phone, and other household and daily living expenses.
She doesn’t accuse men of being intimidated by her success. Some men may or may not have a problem with her being successful out of intimidation, but she won’t even pay much attention or really care for that matter, because she knows it’s not her problem.
She doesn’t mind paying for her own meal when out on a date, and is willing to occasionally pay for her date as well. If she makes enough money, she will take pride in paying for herself instead of assuming her guy will pay. She might even treat her guy to a meal on her dime just because she can and because she likes to surprise him to something nice once in a while.
An independent woman doesn’t care about how much money her future husband makes. As long as he’s doing what he wants to do and is making enough of his own money to pay for his portion of the expenses, she will be happy for him and happy with him by her side.
She knows that sometimes, people need to depend on others, because they are human too. Being independent doesn’t mean that you’ll never need anyone for anything. Anyone telling you that is delusional. Even mountain men are dependent on things and people from time to time.
She takes responsibility for her actions. Whenever an independent woman makes a mistake or bad decision, she will own up to it and use it as a learning experience. She’s not big on making up excuses to blame someone else or get caught up in being a victim.
She doesn’t feel the need to declare that she is an independent woman. Her actions will make it obvious to people that she’s doing well enough on her own. She won’t need to dedicate her time to convincing everyone.
She’ll be a catch, and won’t need to keep chasing men. This woman won’t ask where all the good guys are, because she knows where they are. She also won’t need to wonder why none of them are paying attention to her, because they will be.
Last, but not least, an independent woman knows that all of these things don’t make her special or deserving of any kind of an award, and all it means is that she’s a responsible, grown human being who values herself as well as the people around her.
“Last, but not least, an independent woman knows that all of these things don’t make her special or deserving of any kind of an award, and all it means is that she’s a responsible, grown human being who values herself as well as the people around her. ”
Preach it.
?
I would say I’m an aspiring independent woman. I was once sold on the idea that men are supposed to take care of you. I found that guy, but being taken care of isn’t all that great all the time. At least it wasn’t for me.
Thanks for commenting, Diandra. I’m sorry you didn’t have a positive experience. Times have changed and I think it’s important for women to have a healthy sense of independence.
These sound great but this is like no woman ever.
I know it seems that way but there are women like this, as uncommon as they are. I hope that will change.
Great list! Go independent women!
Thanks Georgia!
Be nice to find, but very rare esp in sub 30 crowd.
Your whole blog is absolutely amazing. I love reading it, it’s a real pleasure and I learn something new every single time. I am obsessed! Keep up the good work. All the best!