My definition of what a woman is truly comes from the women in my family and how I was raised. As a little girl being raised in a non fatherless environment, I had such a strong understanding of what and whom I wanted to be like. My mother and my grandmother, especially my grandmother, were the two examples of what I feel the definition of what a woman is. So what is it then? For me, It’s a woman who is independant and has her own voice and opinions, but isn’t afraid of criticism and to seek advice from others.
-A woman who can provide for her family, being able to work a professional job and still come home and spend quality time with her loved ones.
-A woman who is respects herself. Who isn’t jealous of the next woman, who may appear to have it better.
-A real SECURE woman would congratulate the next woman/man and say, “Job well done” if the situation called for it.
-A real woman doesn’t always have to be negative against men or other woman or anybody that has “wronged” them.
-A real woman isn’t afraid to say, “I’m Sorry”.
-A real woman isn’t afraid to admit when she’s wrong.
-A real woman isn’t afraid to love. To smile. To embrace a compliment and say, “thank you”.
-A real woman isn’t afraid to expect respect, but isn’t closed off to GIVING respect.
-A real woman can cry, and be emotional without being deemed as “weak”.
-A real woman can love like there’s no tomorrow, but has enough smarts to know when she’s being devalued.
-A real woman is educated, but doesn’t use her intellect to put others down. (Ex: I have my college degree and I shouldn’t be conversing with/or seeking the opinion of someone who only graduated from high school).
-A real woman is humbled.
-And lastly, a real woman who is comfortable in her own skin. Someone who can walk into a restaraunt, movie theater, etc. ALONE and does not care what anybody says or thinks.
-A woman who is comfortable with who they are. A woman who is flourished with inside beauty as well as outside beauty.
These are just a few of personal characteristics that I drew from how I see myself and how others have seen me. I’ve always been raised to treat others the way that I’ve wanted to be treated. That may sound cliche to some, but that’s what my great grandmother, my grandmother, and mother have always taught me…. I was raised in a very strict household, but I am now very thankful for that :)
-Saldana
Be on the look out for Part II: The Definition of A Man…. To Be Continued