Do men like independent women?
Perhaps that’s a question you’ve asked yourself, or something you’ve overheard or seen online. It’s been a topic of debate and a subject of research, too. To be direct and simple regarding an answer, it’s yes.
Singles in America (2015) asked more than 5,000 men and women to participate in a survey. 87% of these men wish for strong, intellectual, and successful women, and 86% fancy confident and self-assured women.
However, in late 2015, an intriguing study published by the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin showed that while men prefer this type of woman, they only want them in theory. Therefore, it implies they love imagining these women as their significant other. Yet, when these women are psychologically near — a real, face-to-face interaction — they show less interest and romantic attraction.
This makes it clear that a certain amount of men only believe they know what they want until they are tested in real life. In consideration, dating an independent woman requires a unique approach as these ladies are their own persons who want someone who can complement them.
But to what extent do men like strong independent women? Let’s go over the list of traits that make this type of women so magnetic.
She Is Confident
This is the hallmark of an independent woman. Her belief in her abilities and judgment empowers her to strive for her goals, take calculated risks, and assert herself in diverse situations. She oozes poise and self-control, which allows her to command respect from those around her.
She Is Resilient
Her determination to bounce back from any setback is remarkable. She takes challenging times as grounds for learning, emerging from the ashes like a phoenix, which makes her firmer in pursuing success.
She Is Empathetic
Her independence stems from their compassionate nature. She empathizes with other people’s experiences, understands where they’re coming from, and is more than willing to offer a helping hand. Her empathy cultivates meaningful relationships, enabling her to venture into different dynamics with grace.
She Is Productive
Her desire for growth makes her invest her time in causes and projects that makes her happy and feel a sense of growth. This makes her goal-oriented and thrive in envisioning future opportunities.
She Is Proud
Now this may have you questioning again, why do men like independent women? This isn’t about ego. Independent women love celebrating their achievements and sharing them with the people they cherish. Still, their respect for others remains intact whenever they are thrilled and proud because they just don’t feel the need to step on others.
She Is Fearless
Independent women are vocal about what they believe in, especially in matters relating to society. They take action and advocate for people by exhibiting good morals and values in their daily lives. With this, they are able to positively influence others to do the same.
She Is Authentic
Last but certainly not least, being true to themselves is the core of an independent woman. She doesn’t feel the need to impress an audience, as she already embraces her strengths, flaws, and individuality. She will stick to her values and free herself from any societal expectations.
Integrating these qualities allows women to head fearlessly into unchartered waters while securing healthy relationships with their partners.
With all the various studies and statements, it bears repeating: Do men really like women who are independent? A quick answer would be yes, especially those who embody healthy masculinity. These are men who do not put women in a box but instead, embrace, consider, and support them. They see independent women as equals, and view their relationship as a true partnership where they complement each other.
Now that we have broken the ice on why men like independent women, how about we go through what the other party has to say?
Do Women Like Independent Men, Too?

The question do women like independent men intrigues men too
In 2022, The Mind Journal posted that, along with other desirable traits, women also want independent men. Most women want self-reliant men because they can take care of themselves and handle decisions on their own, they have solid principles and values, and they can make a good life of their own. In return, this earns them the respect of women.
An independent man makes a woman feel secure by being secure himself. Women want men to respect them as equals, too. If you happen to be a man looking for a potential lover, the following list of what women seek in a man may help you build up some courage:
Chemistry
Chemistry definitely makes a woman invested in you. Keep her interested by going out of your way to make her feel excited and by genuinely trying to get to know her. Women are drawn to the deep connection found within worthwhile relationships.
Positivity
Try to manage your emotions well because you wouldn’t want to be the energy vampire in your relationship. You have to be one of her sources of light. Make yourself feel good so you can rub off the same on her and have her hooked.
Emotional Intelligence
Society is partly to blame for the fact that many men remain emotionally closed off. The expectation for them to be tough and stoic might have served well in the past, but now more women prefer to have men who aren’t shy to show vulnerability. If you are confident with your emotions, then you won’t have a difficult time making women feel comfortable around you.
Attractiveness
This doesn’t mean you have to be among the list of the world’s most handsome men, but you have to at least take care of yourself and make yourself presentable. You don’t have to have the most aesthetically pleasing outfits either, but keep an eye on your hygiene and make an effort to be physically healthy.
Financial Stability
This is as crucial as mental stability. This could ensure longevity in your relationship as you can provide peace of mind and security. You have to be responsible in dealing with finances, especially that things can go rough. Saving well and having healthy spending habits can contribute to less strain in the relationship.
Above all else, people are entitled to whatever they find attractive.
Why do men like independent women? As proven through this article, it could be for so many reasons. Being with an independent woman surely makes a relationship collaborative rather than combative, which works best for everyone.
If you happen to be looking for one, be ready to socialize or, in more extreme cases, to book a trip around the world. Do that and you may stumble upon Filipino women who are known for being strong-willed, passionate, and best of all, independent.
References
Singles in America. (2015). “Singles in America: Match Releases Its Fifth Annual Comprehensive Study on the Single Population.”
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/modern-love-scientific-insights-from-21st-century-dating
Patrick, Wendy L. 2023. “What Actually Matters in Today's Dating Market.” Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202307/what-modern-daters-value-more-than-looks
Sharabi, Liesel. 2022. “Why More Isn't Always Better in Online Dating.” Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/dating-in-the-digital-age/202202/why-more-isn-t-always-better-in-online-dating