How Would You Define a Woman of Substance?

Well, the Housewive's series and Kardashians and those kinds of women don't strike me as women with substance. I guess I have a different view of what's important than they do. I see people with substance, whether they are men or women, who look at life in a FAIR way, without so much self-interest that they would screw others to get what they want. I see people of substance who see the importance of education, family, good business practices that make the majority associated with them successful, not a minority successful. I see people of substance as those who can use their own brains to LEARN about an issue, without just accepting things they hear people say, including sound bites and rhetoric. I also think that those of substance who don't understand enough about a subject admit it, rather than just parrot what they hear others say, because it "sounds" cool to say.

I find all of that admirable. Does that mean that there aren't people without these traits admirable? No. There are plenty of admirable people. These traits happen to be what I think of just this moment.

Dawn

My definition of substance is for a man or a woman, to live by the golden rule. Treating others as you would want them to treat you.

Most other traits can fly out the window.

A woman of substance has a sense of purpose which is intrisically entwined with a sense of integrity. She will do the right thing as often as she can, even when it is difficult. She will try to do that right thing with as much grace, bravery or compassion as the situation calls for.

A woman of substance seeks self-education and has a sense of humor. She can function independently and interdependently and does not need to take from others to fulfill her sense of self. Her success is not dependent upon the failure of others, but upon the hard work and tenacity she herself has put toward a task or goal, which makes her a good team player as well.

I admire women who choose their own paths, who take responsibility for their actions. I believe a woman of substance takes ownership of her life and actions and is willing to make the tough calls. She also knows when to let go and tries to do it gracefully and with compassion. She has discernment to realize which things in her life she is able to help change and which situations she must let go of. She is able to understand that others around her may not have the abilities or strengths that she has, and she can accept this.

All of this is idyllic, of course, but that is what the description "woman of substance" conjures up for me.

Lastly, the friends in my life I most enjoy and admire are able to "own" their choices (whether or not they have children or not, stay at home with kids or not, vote a certain way or not) without having to tear down other individuals. One woman in particular I know has a way of drawing out why *you* feel the way that you do about a certain subject without ever telling people that she might be completely opposed to their position. She's just interested in why people might have the "other" view, I believe, so she can have more insight into on that subject or issue as part of a bigger picture. I greatly admire this ability and way of thinking.

Integrity in words and actions while constantly striving to improve herself. I should add "substance" makes me think of someone who is grounded, self assured and has great aspirations.

I take my cues from Proverbs 31. As a married woman, her husband's heart should safely trust in her, and she does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She works hard with her hands, never idle, she provides food for her household, she isn't slothful, she reaches out to the poor and needy, she makes sure her household has proper clothing for the seasons that are in good repair and clean and tidy, she has a good reputation, she speaks with wisdom and not with gossip, always being kind with her words, her children call her blessed, her husband praises her. But mostly a woman of substance fears the Lord.

Yeah, not the world's definition of a woman of substance. And very hard to accomplish! But a woman of substance isn't a normal thing in our society. I aspire to be this type of woman, but it is a struggle most days!

A flower for your question!

A woman who has confidence in the path that she decides to take, a woman who is strong in her conviction and will stand on them no matter what, a woman who's presence will change others lives for the better. Someone who believes that the material things in life will not make a difference but it' about the relationships that you build, honor and respect.
A woman who can tell you the truth no matter how it hurts.

A woman who knows who she is...and does not judge others who don't

honesty
compassion
intelligence
grace

Integrity, strength of character, kindness, empathy, and lots of money (no, only joking!).

Independence.
Intelligence.
Compassion.

Has independent beliefs and values - and stick by them.

Patience. This is something I feel I am short on some days.

What a great question!

Hazel....
How lovely of you to speak so kindly of me.

Hah!

Seriously, I love your definition and I guess I better add that I believe a sense of humility is admirable as well.
I think women of substance are somehow driven to do the things they do when it's right, and they do it with no expectation of reward or recognition by others.

Honesty, compassion, and integrity to the extent you can inspire others to see the beauty in themselves....
Someone who still sees hope no matter how bad things can get.
Someone too stubborn to feel defeated by little things and faces the big things with grace.
Someone who creatively finds a way to look at the world in a different way.
For instance, if the glass always seems half full....get a smaller glass.
Women of substance understand the only thing that is constant is change and with every change, there is an opportunity to grow, to make an impact, to touch the life of someone else in some small way and perhaps, in a great way.
Women of substance understand what "substance" means to them in their own lives and act on it as part of being fulfilled unto themselves.

There are many amazing women.
I love your question, P S.!
Thanks for asking it...

I find all women admirable. All of us do what we have to do, we all have our problems and issues and it's not my place to judge another person.

Hazel and Shane have hit the nail on the head. I see women of substance being the pillars - don't need the fan fare - they're the behind the scenes, get the job done - kind of people who don't need nor want the "atta boys". You know you can call these ladies anytime and YES is what you'll hear. They're exceptionally kind and aren't afraid to speak out for the underdog. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and don't cross the boundries. I personally think this comes from a close relationship with the Lord, because all the women I know who are women of substance have that.

An admirable woman puts others first. She is not a doormat but she serves others in such a beautiful way that nobody would even think of walking all over her. She sees the good in others and always adds value to those around her by the way she treats them by her words and actions.

Being resilient, not being close minded, willing to learn from others
Being humble, not taking credit for good works
Being an encourager, in every relationship, even a stranger.
Intelligently adding to a conversation in a way that people learn something of value
Being a good listener so that she has the opportunity to learn from others
Having empathy to be able to know what others may need
Compassion for the less fortunante
Patience, the kind we hope to get back, in turn
Non-Judgemental (also goes along with being humble)
Always wants the best for everybody, even people who oppose her
Standing up for the weak
Inspiring people with any wisdom she can impart
I love confidence in a woman, especially when it seems she
has reason not to have it
A woman who has focus on her individual goals and talents
Passionate with conviction
One who appreciates the differences in others
Loves unconditionally
Always forgiving
Diplomatic - choosing her words carefully, constructively
Resourceful - being creative
When answering your question, we all, as responders, hope to see ourselves in our own answers. Some are hits, some misses.
Cool question - provokes thought