A woman is not an independent woman simply because she verbally says that that is what she is.
No be by mouth (it takes more than self-proclamation).
Being independent is a trait that is reflected in her lifestyle, choices, and behavior.
In case you’re wondering if you’re an independent woman, I can help you figure it out.
Certain signs, if you see them in yourself, automatically reveal that you are a self-sufficient woman.
Let us take a look at those signs.
10 Signs You Are An Independent Woman
1. You’re okay with being alone
That’s literally what the word independent means – to be self-sufficient.
Although in the real sense, no one is self-sufficient.
Sometimes, we all need some form of support, or the other no matter how little.
However independent people have a greater tendency to stand on their own.
They do not need attention or begging for support from people.
Perhaps you’re like this; taking care of yourself financially and emotionally, without relying on others.
You’re very okay with people not always being around you because you trust your abilities and judgment.
You know you can get the job done, and that’s exactly what you do.
You enjoy your own company and do not feel the need to always be surrounded by others.
Even when it comes to romantic relationships, you’re not crazy about going from one relationship to another.
You do well with temporary moments of singleness without feeling lonely.
When other women feel sad that their phones aren’t buzzing with calls from romantic partners, you simply can’t be bothered.
It’s because you’re an independent woman.
2. You don’t feel comfortable asking for help
This used to be me so it is something I can very much relate to.
If you’re this woman, come and join a group hug with me and other women like us because we see you and we get you.
You never want to ask for people’s help, and even when it becomes evident that you need it, you may still struggle to ask for it.
You just don’t like that unsettling feeling that grows in your belly when you have to ask someone to help you especially when it has to do with something material like money.
And it’s not pride, far from that.
It’s just how you feel.
You don’t want to be a burden to anyone or stress them in any way.
It’s because you’re an independent woman.
While this is not a great habit to have because it can put you in unnecessarily difficult situations and sabotage your progress, I must confess that it is a helpful trait sometimes because it helps to preserve your self-dignity and respect.
This is why a balance is required.
While you don’t want to constantly rely on others, you also shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when you truly need it.
Whether it’s with a difficult task or just some emotional support, there is no shame in asking for assistance.
But why do we find it so hard to ask for help?
Maybe it’s because we fear being seen as weak or vulnerable.
We don’t want to burden others or appear incapable.
Or maybe we have a deep-rooted belief that we should be able to handle everything on our own.
Whatever the reason may be, the reality is that none of us can do it all by ourselves.
We all have limitations and areas where we may not excel.
And that’s okay.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength.
We take on more than we can handle and become overwhelmed, leading to burnout and frustration, when we don’t seek help.
We may also make mistakes or overlook important details because we’re trying to juggle too many things at once.
Dear independent woman, ask for help when you need it!
3. You don’t rely on men for support
Female privilege and pretty privilege are very much a thing.
No matter how much people try to deny it.
Women enjoy a lot of privileges just by being women.
Naturally, a lot of men tend to willingly offer support and favors to women than even their fellow men.
Of course, many women take advantage of this, and some even become complacent and rely on favors and giveaways from men.
Perhaps you’re not like them; you appreciate support but you don’t go looking or begging for it.
You’d rather work for your stuff and earn it than settle for hand-me-downs from men.
4. You are goal-driven
Independent women are usually go-getters.
I mean, if you don’t want to rely on people for stuff then it’s only logical that you be on your grind.
And this is the vibe of independent women.
Perhaps you’ve observed that you always set high goals for yourself and push yourself to achieve them.
You’re passionate about the things you do and pursue life with enthusiasm and dedication.
You don’t wait for parents, friends, or colleagues to encourage or tell you what to do before doing them.
If anything, on the contrary, most times these people are usually asking you to calm down and relax a bit.
But you’re unyielding, your mind is fixed on your goals and nothing can stop it.
That’s a sign that you’re an independent woman.
You want to achieve great stuff and do better for yourself.
5. You’re confident
Confidence is another key character that can tell you that you’re a self-reliant woman.
You have a strong sense of self-worth and don’t need anybody’s validation.
Confidence is your name because you’re not shy, ashamed, or afraid of people or things.
You’re assertive and won’t hesitate to advocate for yourself if the situation demands.
You make your own decisions and stand by them, even if they are unconventional.
These are signs that you’re an independent woman, you can stand on your own.
6. You’re resourceful
Your hands are never idle or empty.
They’re usually doing something or working on something.
You can make magic out of ordinary situations and create beautiful things out of normal things.
Whatever your hands find to do, be it a skill, job, or even school, you try to do it the best way possible.
You can be a Jack of all trades sometimes, but in a good way.
And when problems or unexpected challenges arise, you know how to find solutions to and handle them effectively.
You’re a boss lady and it’s clear.
7. You adapt easily
Independent ladies are sometimes mistaken for harsh or emotionally unavailable people because of how fast they adapt.
If they experience a friendship or relationship fallout, for instance, they’re unlikely to remain miserable for long.
Before long, they’re up on their feet again, moving about their life like nothing happened.
This doesn’t mean they’re not affected by the setbacks, but they know how to move on and not let it hold them back.
They understand that life goes on and there’s no use dwelling on the past.
Like Nigerians like to say “Soldier come Soldier go, barrack go remain” (meaning soldiers come and go but the barracks is a constant).
If you adapt to new situations and environments with ease, it’s a strong indication that you’re an independent woman.
8. You’re committed to growth
They say the only constant in life is change, and as an independent woman, you understand this concept well.
You’re not satisfied with the minimum and small things.
You are not afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges.
You want to learn as much as possible and grow mentally and otherwise.
When it comes to your finances, you’re not ignorant or clueless, waiting for a man to come and save you or teach you how to save and invest wisely.
On your own, you’re literate and well-informed, staying updated on current events and topics that interest you.
You’re always seeking to learn new skills and knowledge to improve yourself because you can’t settle for mediocrity.
9. You have boundaries
A life without boundaries is like an open field, vulnerable to being trampled on by others.
As an independent woman, you understand the importance of setting boundaries in all aspects of your life.
You know when to say no and prioritize your needs over others’.
This doesn’t make you selfish, but it shows that you value yourself and your well-being.
You also respect the boundaries of others and expect them to do the same for you.
You must have noticed that even in your relationships, you don’t let anyone manipulate or control you.
You have clear expectations and communicate them effectively.
If someone tries to cross your boundaries, you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself and take action if necessary.
Your desire to do things alone and by yourself, and perhaps your rich history of actually doing them alone, has made you love solitude.
So you’re not afraid to communicate your limits clearly to people, thus ensuring that people don’t take you for granted or walk all over you.
10. You value relationships
Sometimes, people interpret being independent to mean that the individual doesn’t have or value relationships.
That’s a myth.
Being independent doesn’t mean you don’t like or appreciate people, it simply means don’t live your life depending on them.
But you value relationships that are based on mutual respect and equality.
You are fine with being alone but you appreciate people who show up for you regardless and try your best to be there for people when they need you too.
11. People say you’re intimidating
Because of your confidence and self-sufficiency, people may see you as intimidating.
They might feel like they can’t approach you or that they’re not good enough for you.
But in reality, it may be their insecurities speaking.
These signs strongly suggest that you’re an independent woman.
If you’ve seen two or more of these signs in yourself, chances are very high that you’re self-sufficient, and self-sufficiency is a great thing when harnessed properly.