Some women choose not to let the storms that life throws their way steal their joy. They smile when they're at their worst and carry on with life effortlessly, even when things seem to be crumbling down around them. Such beautiful souls earn respect from others without asking for it. They're strong. Here are some characteristics that define a strong woman:

She has time for others

Strong women don't isolate themselves and cry about their pain. They go out of their way to help make others feel better. They make time for others, and they are always willing to offer help in any way that they can, either through listening and giving advice.

She isn't scared to show her weak side

Just because they're strong doesn't mean that they don't have moments of despair. A strong woman will cry if she has to, and then she moves on. She realizes that being weak makes her human and helps her to heal from her scars. She's open to some care and support too.

She's always truthful

The truth has this blunt way of showing and telling us things that we don't want to know. We don't like it. Despite this, a strong woman will always tell you the truth. If she sees you doing something that'll ruin you, she tells it as it is. You may despise her for it, but with time you'll come to appreciate it.

She treasures her pain

It might seem weird, but a strong woman makes her pain and struggles from her past two of her greatest friends. She always has a lesson to learn from painful experiences and shield her from more pain. If you see her avoiding you, it doesn't mean she hates you. It simply means that you're a threat to her peace.

She believes in herself

They know they're special and don't let their past mistakes determine their future. Other people's opinions about them don't matter either. They have their own goals and are willing to go to any length to achieve them. They make their own choices and face the consequences confidently, whether good or bad.

She's comfortable with herself

While everyone else is busy being someone else, a strong woman is true to herself. She understands that she can't have it all and accepts herself just as she is, with all her shortcomings. She knows that everyone is unique, and just as she has limitations, she has gifts too. A strong woman doesn't mind encouraging others because they enjoy motivating them, not bringing them down.

She isn't an attention seeker

A strong woman has better things to do than doing silly things just to get noticed by her partner. If things don't work out in the relationship, she leaves with dignity instead of sticking around to be mistreated. She prefers to be treated with the respect that she deserves. She knows her worth.

She is forgiving

No matter how badly she's been hurt, a strong woman is never ready to subject herself to hatred and keeping grudges. She knows it's bad for her health and that she's only hurting herself by not forgiving. She chooses to forgive those who hurt her but always remembers the wrong that was done to her.