If you think that you're not independent enough according to the standards of modern society, well, you're wrong. Lots of women think that they need to be more independent even though they already are. Here are 17 telltale signs that you're already an independent woman.

You're confident

A surefire way to know that you're an independent woman is if you're confident in yourself. This not only goes for your looks and body but also for your skills and abilities. Confidence in yourself is the first step toward independence.

You travel alone

Traveling solo around the world is the mark of an independent person. Nothing in the world demonstrates independence more than facing an unknown country and culture all by yourself.

Relationships

You are not looking to do everything your partner asks of you, but you also don't want to be put on a pedestal. Independent women look for a partner to treat as an equal and they expect to be treated the same way back.

Solve your own problems

Of course, help is always appreciated, but as an independent person, you will be able to solve your problems by yourself. No problem is ever too big for you to solve, you just have to be resourceful and trust in your own abilities.

You ask for help

If a problem is truly out of your control though, you're able to ask for help. Asking for help can be one of the most difficult things to do. It shows people that you're strong in the face of defeat and not afraid to show your weakness.

You can say no

You don't need to agree with everything that people say to you, nor should you help every person that asks for your help. You have to be able to say no to people in order to truly show that you're an independent woman. Saying no makes you assertive. It makes the whole world know you won't always bow to their demands.

Splitting the bill

If someone pays for your dinner, this can certainly be a nice treat, but to truly show independence pay for what you ordered. Nothing shows off independence quite like suggesting to split the bill on a first date. And needless to mention, it makes more sense when the bill is split between you and a male companion. Don't allow other people [more so men] to get away with their macho conduct of paying for everything and taking credit for it.

Goal-oriented

You set realistic goals for yourself and know how to achieve them. Goals keep you motivated to work on yourself and for yourself and not to get settled into a comfortable place. Achieving your goals will truly give you a boost in confidence.

Stand by your opinions

Standing by your opinions can be tough when nobody agrees with you, but you will impress a lot of people if you stand proudly by your convictions. Nothing is more impressive than a woman who's proud of what she stands for. Whether you are an atheist, feel passionate about LGBT, or hold opinions considered to be extreme, be proud of it.

You are yourself

Don't worry about what other women do. Just be yourself. Wear what you want to wear and behave however you want to behave. You don't need other people to show you how to live your life. Feelings of self-worth begin and end with you.

You go out by yourself

You don't need to always go out with your partner or friends. Going out by yourself can be incredibly freeing. You decide what to do and where to go and nobody can say anything about it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with sitting in some lonely corner sipping away your drink with careless abandon.

You're a leader

When push comes to shove you take on a leading role. In a world filled with followers, be the leader that everyone needs. This screams independence and will establish you as a role model for your friends.

You take care of your friends

Taking care of your friends is not always easy. It shows that you can prioritize other people over yourself when people you care about are in need. This will maintain your friendships and prove your strength. Stand up for your most vulnerable friends. Reach out to those who're not as privileged as you.

You understand your flaws

Nobody is perfect, and that's okay. Understanding and accepting your flaws as a person is the first step to overcoming them. If you can accept your flaws, you're already miles ahead of the rest.

You challenge yourself

You don't need to live your life in comfort. Being able to challenge yourself shows off the confidence that you have in yourself and in your problem-solving skills. Independent women don't need to live their entire life without a challenge.

Honesty

Honesty is important to you and you don't need to twist the truth in order to accept it. You're able to take an honest look at the world and are strong enough to be honest with your friends.

No time for games

Lots of people think that they can play games with you and waste your time. Well, they're wrong. Your time is valuable, and you won't let them waste it. You can have your male colleague flirt with you. But look beneath their advances and see if they mean it. You're too special to be taken around for a ride.