The transition from girlhood to becoming a woman doesn’t happen automatically or overnight; experiences, relationships, and challenges faced along the way shape each of us into unique individuals, and all of these factors help fashion a girl into a woman. While most females learn and grow on this journey, others do not. How a girl responds to the adversity along the way will determine if she matures or gets lost in an arrested development. Some females learn from their mistakes, seek wisdom from older adults, and take the challenges that come at them head on, but others do not.

In society today, age is often used as a marker for determining if a female is a girl or a woman, with that “standard” age being different around the world. However, we know that age does not equate to a girl suddenly being a woman simply by reaching that age set by society.

Here are 8 Characteristics that Differentiate a Woman from a Girl

1. They Know What They Want

Females who are truly women have a clear vision of what they want for their future. They know what they want in a partner, career, and life in general. For instance, women pursue a relationship with a man instead of chasing after dates with boys. Women stay the course in pursuit of their goals and dreams; girls often give up when the going gets tough.

2. They Are Decisive

Because women have a better idea of what they want, they tend to make decisions easier and more decisively. They go after career opportunities that interest them and are willing to commit to a partner. They aren’t afraid to make a decision because they have a clear idea of who they are and what they want.

3. They Plan Their Future

Women think long term—about their relationships, career, finances, living situation and more. They aren’t just winging it. Sure, they may not have it all figured out, but they have a good idea of where they want their life to go in the next five or ten years and they are laying the foundation to get there. On the other hand, girls who are yet to become women don’t have these plans and live moment to moment.

4. They Take Responsibility

Women have a lot of pressure on them – always, and let’s face it, we don’t always get it right. Being a woman means owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions – even if you are in the wrong. Girls, however, tend to make excuses rather than take responsibility.

5. They Think About the Kind of Woman They Are Be-ing

Women reflect on their values and morals, what kind of person they are be-ing, and are always becoming. This includes what kind of partner, father, employee and friend they are and how that matches what they want. Women have put thought into their values and lead lives that reflect them. They mindfully use their time and do not allow others to mindlessly use it. Girls aren’t sure about their moral compass just yet and don’t steer their life with such intention. They allow others to mindlessly use their time without any thought about how they themselves – could mindfully use it.

6. They Practice Integrity

Women have integrity! They say what they mean, they show up when they said they would, and they follow through on their promises. Girls, on the other hand, who haven’t yet become women, are capricious and don’t always follow through – or even make the effort to always follow through.

7. They Are Emotionally Intelligent

Women are aware of their surroundings and environments, and know that it influences people in different ways. As such, women are equipped to stave off unwanted direction of anger towards them, that they know they have not warranted. They are in control of their emotions and know how to deter someone’s emotion – that is being projected onto them, from influencing their response or action. They avoid cattiness, and quickly steer disparaging and downward spiraling conversations to an upward more civil engagement – without causing obvious obstruction or further chaos to the process of the matter at hand.

As a woman, you try to talk it through instead of shutting down and using the “silent treatment” and also listen to hear instead of listen to respond. A woman takes time out to study her partner, and knows when to give him space without thinking it is all about her, and ensure he knows she is available should he need to talk. Girls do the opposite. They are unaware. They think mostly of themselves. They start drama and quickly escalate conversations into putrid arguments.

8. They Understand What it Means to Pursue Love

Women may be fearful of rejection, but they will still initiate conversation with a man, knowing that the reward can be greater than the risk. They understand what it takes to seek out and go after what they want, and they muster the courage to do so. Girls wait for opportunity to find them, and are often unprepared when it does come – often leading to an end – right after the beginning.

So, two females can wear the same clothing, go to the same job, and even date the same man; on the outside, they may look similar, but after taking a closer look, it can become clear that only one is really a woman, while the other is still functioning as a girl.

Disclaimer: Nothing wrong with being a girl! If you are a girl, enjoy every minute of being a girl. But there comes a time when you have to put away girlish things, and embody womanhood.

What other characteristic(s) can you add that separates a woman from a girl? Do tell in the comment section below .

With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,