In a society where the image of women is reduced to a certain aspect of the body, it is important to understand that beauty is above all a reflection of the soul. And this beauty is cultivated over time.
Be happy! The article you are about to read is completely free. To keep it that way and make it accessible to as many people as possible, support Aleteia
I make a donation*.
*with tax reduction
“No outward grace is complete unless inner beauty enlivens it. The beauty of the soul spreads like a mysterious light over the beauty of the body,” said Victor Hygo. In the age of selfies, we sometimes forget what is essential, what cannot be seen, but constitutes our charm: inner beauty. Invisible and captivating, it constitutes our personality. If outer beauty inevitably fades, inner beauty does not disappear. Better yet, it is cultivated over time. Here are ten character traits that make a woman truly beautiful:
1Enthusiasm
Shutterstock | Rido
This joy brings out the inner child that lives in every human being, whether they are 20, 50 or 80 years old. It is the ability to find joy in simple things and measure their true value. It is the power to love and wonder like a child. To express fearlessly and freely the tenderness and simplicity that springs from our soul!
2Sociability
Dean Drobot | Shutterstock
“What you want others to do for you, do also for them” (Lk 6:31). “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). It is important to treat people with kindness, to be welcoming, faithful and sincere in friendship. That little light of kindness that emanates from you will attract others. They will feel at ease because they will sense that there is room for them in your heart.
3Humility
lauren rushing-CC
Too often interpreted as weakness, humility exalts beauty and illustrates simplicity. In it, we find the foundation of all spiritual life. Because it connects directly to God, humility is the best way to love Him.
4empathy
Shutterstock | Prostock-studio
Concern for the other is a quality of the heart. Empathy is that attitude of understanding what the other is going through. It is a heart that rejoices in the good that the other person is experiencing, that grieves with the one who is crying. Empathy makes people open their hearts and trust us.
5Integrity
Mangostar | Shutterstock
Strength and confidence are derived from integrity. Integrity means not being afraid to show what we are and what we believe in. It is also about avoiding cheating, dishonesty or revenge. And if mistakes are made, always try to do the right thing.
6the inner peace
Shutterstock
Femininity is gentleness, calm and respect. By acting respectfully towards others, we convey peace through our actions and words. It conveys the image of a thoughtful and interesting person.
7the Authenticity
Ivan Kruk | Shutterstock
“Authenticity” comes from the Greek “authentikos” and means true. Being authentic means choosing transparency, honesty and sincerity. It means acting in accordance with your “true self”, which includes your own thoughts, emotions, needs, values, preferences and beliefs.
8the Courage
KieferPix / Shutterstock
Etymologically, courage comes from “cor”, the heart. It is a virtue in the heart, in the being, which is a matter of strength, but supposes fear, awareness of one’s weakness, a certain lucidity. It is the courage of truth. It is the strength of character, the firmness, which allows to face danger, suffering, setbacks, difficult circumstances by overcoming fear. It is also the zeal to undertake a task, for example working with courage. This virtue can be worked on and perfected, for our own good and that of those around us.
9the Joy of Living
Aila Images | Shutterstock
“Beyond words, a look and a smile are enough for each of us to open up to the mystery of the other, to the mystery of the other,” said François Cheng in 2020 in La Grande Librairie on France 5. And it is true that if the eyes, the mouth and the teeth age, the smile and the look do not. And this is what makes the charm of a woman.
10the Holy Spirit in the heart
fizkes | Shutterstock
God has made us in his image. He calls us to be the best we can be, through our good thoughts and actions. We will only be perfect when our face, our words and our actions reflect the image of God that we have in you. So it is up to us to radiate the Spirit that lives and works in our hearts. It is up to us to develop our inner life in the light of Christ so that others will want to know us and venture into theirs.