9 things strong women do that intimidates others

Ever met a woman who exudes an aura so strong it’s almost tangible? A woman who leaves a mark wherever she goes? 

Well, you’re not alone.

Many of us have met women who leave a strong impression with their confidence and fearlessness. 

This strength can often be mistaken as intimidating. 

But what exactly gives them this powerful aura? 

Let’s break down the 9 habits that make these women stand out. Get ready for a deep dive into the power of womanhood!

1) They’re assertive in expressing their opinions

Let’s start with the most powerful habit of strong women: they speak their minds.

You might find them boldly expressing their thoughts during a meeting or engaging in a lively debate with friends. Why?

Because they believe their perspectives matter. 

Take this scenario: everyone agrees on a strategy, but a strong woman sees a flaw. She won’t stay quiet; she’ll share her insights.

Now, you may think, “Isn’t that intimidating?” 

Well, here’s the truth: It can be, especially if you’re not used to seeing such forthrightness. 

But remember, she isn’t doing this to dominate or belittle anyone. It’s just her way of saying, “I’m here, and I have something valuable to contribute.” 

2) They know how to maintain clear boundaries

Next up, strong women don’t just acknowledge boundaries, they actively maintain them.

They know when to say ‘yes’ and, more importantly when to say ‘no’. They’re comfortable setting limits and don’t hesitate to enforce them.

For instance, if a friend consistently shows up late for meet-ups, without any respect for your time, a strong woman wouldn’t just let it slide. She’d speak up and make her boundaries clear.

Doesn’t that sound a bit scary? 

It might, especially if you’re used to people who never rock the boat.

But, it’s crucial to realize that she isn’t being harsh. She’s simply respecting her own time and expects others to do the same.

3) Respect is something they command, not demand

Now let’s talk a bit about respect. 

You may be surprised but respect isn’t something strong women demand. It’s something they earn. 

Consider a team leader who doesn’t pull rank but leads by example. Her team respects her, not because she’s in charge, but because of her integrity and fairness.

This kind of respect can intimidate those who equate it with dominance. But trust me, it’s not about dominance. It’s about integrity and character — empathy, reliability, and sincerity.

4) They’re often seen embracing their independence

What’s next? Independence. 

Strong women often embrace their independence wholeheartedly. They’re self-reliant, thriving on their ability to take care of themselves.

This extends to various aspects of life, including:

• Making critical decisions at work
• Solving everyday problems, like a broken faucet
• Pursuing personal interests and hobbies independently

For some, this level of self-sufficiency can seem daunting, especially if they’re accustomed to relying on others. 

But here’s the thing: 

Their independence isn’t about excluding others or creating distance. Instead, it’s about the satisfaction and empowerment they gain from managing things on their own. 

It’s about the joy of doing things for oneself.

5) Confidence is something they naturally exude

Have you noticed how some women just radiate confidence? 

It’s a quiet kind that stems from knowing their worth. They walk into a room and own it without saying a word. 

It’s not about being cocky or arrogant. It’s about knowing their worth and being comfortable in their skin.

To some, this might be intimidating, especially if they struggle with self-esteem.

But, remember, their confidence isn’t to overshadow others; it’s simply a reflection of their self-belief.

6) Their ambitions are pursued unapologetically

This one is pretty straightforward: strong women don’t apologize for having ambitions.

No matter how big or impossible their dreams may seem, they dare to pursue them. 

Sounds impressive, right?

Most of the time, we may see their goals as too big or unreachable. As a result, we consider their unapologetic pursuit intimidating, especially if we hesitate to aim high.

But here as well, it’s not about showing off. 

The reason why strong women pursue their ambitions without looking back is that they realize their potential and try to make the most out of it.

7) They showcase emotional resilience

Life is full of ups and downs, and strong women are well aware of this. They face emotional challenges head-on but always find a way to bounce back.

Now, if you’re into positive psychology, you might already be familiar with the concept of “resilience”. It’s about the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from complex life events. 

Strong women stand for this resilience. 

We can’t deny they also experience disappointment, stress, and heartbreak, just like anyone else. But the thing that makes them stand out is that they have the grit to rise above these challenges.

How is this achieved, you ask?

They understand that it’s okay to feel hurt, to grieve, and to let themselves heal. Most importantly, they do know that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength.

8) They don’t shy away from showcasing intellectual strength

Perhaps not surprisingly, strong women enjoy intellectual stimulation. 

They engage in thought-provoking conversations and are not afraid to share their knowledge.

But let me tell you one thing:

If you don’t share the same level of intellectual curiosity, I bet that you may find this intimidating.

In that case, keep in mind that their intellectual power isn’t about know-it-all. 

It’s about their love for learning, their hunger for knowledge, and the pleasure they derive from stimulating conversations. 

9) They often reject gender stereotypes

And finally, want to know what’s the most empowering trait of strong women? 

They acknowledge existing gender stereotypes, and instead of letting these norms limit them, they use them as fuel to empower themselves.

Sounds clever, doesn’t it?

In a society where gender stereotypes persist, strong women choose to rise above these preconceived notions. 

And here’s the way they do it: strong women understand gender stereotypes, but they don’t let them dictate their lives or ambitions.

This approach can be intimidating to those who cling to conventional views. But it’s not about challenging others. 

It’s about empowering themselves, breaking barriers, and setting a new norm where individuals are not defined by their gender but by their capabilities and ambitions.

Final thoughts

Wrapping up, strong women are powerful. They speak their minds, demand respect, and love being independent. 

Don’t forget, they’re not trying to scare anyone. Their power is a sign of their strength, not a threat. They inspire us to be better, to try harder, and to grow.

So, next time you meet a strong woman, don’t feel intimidated. Let her inspire you. Learn from her and grow with her. Remember, we can all be strong, if we try enough.