It’s normal to feel down on yourself every once in a while, but you should never have to depend on anyone else to give you a confidence boost. Instead, it’s way healthier to remind yourself that you’re amazing as-is.
- You actually care about people and go out of your way to make them happy. The decisions that you make aren’t totally self-centered; in fact, you make sure to consider everyone. Sure, having a meet-up in your town is incredibly easy for you, but it’s not that simple for your friend who has a toddler, so you have no problem dropping some extra cash on gas and seeing the situation from her perspective. It’s just what you do, and even though people might not be blowing up your phone to call you amazing for it, it’s definitely noticed.
- You’re quick to respond when someone needs you. You’re not always glued to your phone but you definitely drop everything when your best friend texts you and needs to vent. She knows she can rely on you to give her some quick and solid advice in a pinch. You might not realize this, but reliability is often understated but always appreciated. Just think back to that time your boss didn’t e-mail you back about something huge until the very end of the workday. You’d never pull crap like that.
- You insist on being 100 percent real. Some people read like a PR statement—everything is wonderful, the boyfriend is so charming and on the verge of proposing, and they’re up for a promotion. You, meanwhile, like to keep it real even if it makes you look less than stellar. When asked, you admit that you’re pissed over being single and work has been triggering your anxiety. This is important because then people realize that they can relate to you. They can talk to you about real issues, and feel good knowing that you’ve likely been through it before.
- You know how important it is to laugh. Even in the most cringeworthy of situations—say, your boyfriend’s family Christmas party—you can hold your own and get a good laugh over his cousin’s less-than-delicate sense of humor. Awkward situations are a part of life for you, and you’d rather laugh something off than try to hold a grudge, or even worse, boycott a future family event.
- You’re not attached at the hip to any guy. You have your own life and he has his. If they happen to mingle and intertwine, that’s awesome but they don’t need to. You only date trustworthy people, so you have no fear of what he might actually be doing while out with his friends. Even if you’re not totally sold on this guy yet, you’re not wasting too much time sitting at home worrying. You’re out having your own fun.
- You go out of your way to lend a helping hand. Know those people who are only helpful so that they can ask you for a favor in return? Yeah, that’s not you. You’re generally happy about helping your buddies move to a new place and always try your hardest to lend a hand if you can. It’s just part of your nature. If a friend reaches out and you legitimately can’t help them, you actually feel somewhat bad about it. If only cloning machines were possible because you’d love to be in two places at once.
- You try your hardest to see the best in people. Some people are undoubtedly awful, but even if 15 people told you someone was the worst, you’d still try to see the good in them before giving them that label. You might approach the new relationship cautiously (which is smart) but you’d never write someone off before even saying hello.
- No matter what, you always try to smile. This isn’t the same as having a grumpy old man telling you “to smile more.” This is you, being you, trying to see the positive in any situation. Train delayed? Awesome—now you have more time to chat with your friends. Your big weekend was rained out? Eh, no problem. Perhaps you and the group could play a few board and card games indoors, instead. See what I mean?
- You know what you’re passionate about. It’s taken you awhile, but you’ve figured it out. You know exactly what kind of things you’re into and you’d never change them up for anyone else but yourself. For example, if you start dating a guy who makes fun of your eclectic music taste, you’d remember that that’s what makes you happy. Never would you ever narrow down the selection to please someone else.
- You always go the extra mile. This trait also makes you a total all-star at work. Have an assignment due on Friday? You have it completed (and perfect) by Wednesday since you know that your boss gets bogged down on Fridays. Even if you’re never given the verbal accolades for moves like this, your boss definitely appreciates it. Not only does this make you amazing, but it makes you dependable. Not many people will purposely go beyond the minimum.
- You stand up for yourself. You’re not a doormat, plain and simple. You make sure your thoughts and feelings are in the mix. This is an amazing trait to have, since not only will it prove that you’re amazing, but it’ll prove that you’ve got what it takes to be a kickass leader.
