The Difference Between Powerful Women and Damsels in Distress

There seems to be some confusion these days about the difference between powerful women and damsels in distress. This may not be that surprising; after all, in this day and age, both types of women seem to be common in media portrayals. But it’s important to realize that while they may look similar on the surface, they are quite different when you dig deeper into their characterizations and actions.

What does it mean to be a Damsel in distress?

Many of us learn at a young age that being beautiful is synonymous with being weak. Pop culture portrays helpless damsels in distress, waiting for a man to come rescue them. These same stories have been passed down from generation to generation; even Disney princesses are often portrayed as needing their prince charming to save them! However, there's much more to being a powerful woman than simply saving yourself. In fact, some of today's most inspiring women have saved themselves—and others—from tremendous adversity. Instead of relying on their beauty or strength to save them, they've put those traits into action through persistence and determination.

What does it mean to be a Powerful Woman?

A strong woman does not need a man to save her. She does not sit around waiting for others to come along and solve her problems for her. A powerful woman gets up, dusts herself off, and moves on from one trial or tribulation to another. She knows that she can overcome any challenge presented before her, even if it’s one she hasn’t faced before. A powerful woman understands how much power she actually holds within herself – all that strength is hers to wield – not anyone else’s!

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Are there times when you have been pigeonholed as either of these types?

A damsel, or a powerful woman? Have you ever had someone tell you that you’re too strong to be sensitive or weak, but then seen them still treat you as if you are weak? If so, then there is a difference between powerful women and damsels in distress. A common mistake made by many men is not realizing how strong women really are. They see them being leaders at work or enjoying their family life but don’t realize how much it takes for her to hold all of these roles together. For example, raising children comes with its own challenges that requires more strength than some can understand unless they have taken on parenthood themselves.

What can you do if you would like to move past these labels?

So, you’re a powerful woman who wants to move past labels. How do you do that? Make your own rules: The more times you allow yourself to be put into categories, like damsel in distress or powerless woman, the harder it will be to break out of them. When someone offers to open a door for you, instead of thanking them with a smile and nodding, shrug it off and say something like I can do it myself. Don’t accept an opportunity just because other people expect you to; think about if it would help advance your career/life goals or not first.