Key takeaways, in brief:

Women regard the females in their lives as more influential than celebrities, politicians and humanitarians.
44% of women would rather be told they’re a good friend by another woman, rather than attractive (22%).
Intelligence (27%), humor (26%) and being a good mum (27%) all outrank physical compliments.
51% of women look up to their mum most, followed by grandma (33%), close friends (26%) and sisters (22%).

“They love me just as I am.” Our research reveals what women love most about the other women in their lives has everything to do with what’s on the inside, rather than the outside.

Our poll of 2,000 women unveiled that grit, resilience, humor and intelligence outshine beauty and a good fashion sense.

Respondents shared that the ladies in their lives “have a good sense of humor,” are “fun, generous and smart” and even “true to themselves.”

One woman shared that she admires their “willingness to be brave enough to be oneself in a man’s world, where the odds are practically set against you.”

Another said, “They are not afraid to speak their mind and do it with class.” An additional woman also shared, “they are confident and stronger than most men I know.”

One respondent even describes her girl tribe as “the world’s best influencers,” and another reflects simply that “they love me just as I am.”

Our survey also revealed that women in those polled’s inner circles are more influential than celebrities, politicians and humanitarians.

Half of those polled (51%) cited their mom as the No. 1 person they look up to, followed by their grandmother (33%), gal pals (26%) and sister (22%).

Despite being older, and some may say wiser, some women also said they look up to the next generation in their daughter(s) or even their granddaughter(s).

When it comes to public figures, Michele Obama (19%), Rosa Parks (17%), Kamala Harris (15%) and Jane Goodall (10%) topped the list.

Results also revealed that twice as many women would rather be told they’re a good friend than they’re attractive (44% vs 22%) by another woman.

Compliments about intelligence (27%) or humor (26%) also outrank physical qualities, along with being a good mom (27%), underscoring that who you are as a person outweighs your appearance.

WHAT DO WOMEN LOVE MOST ABOUT THE OTHER WOMEN IN THEIR LIVES?

“I love their resilience, strength, and the fact that my Grandmothers and my mom are not afraid to work hard and speak their minds.”

“Each woman offers a different valued opinion and encouragement.”

“A willingness to be brave enough to be oneself in a man’s world where the odds are practically set against you.”

“They have a good sense of humor.”

“They are fun, generous and smart.”

“They are true to themselves.”

“They are not afraid to speak their mind and do it with class.”

“They are confident and stronger than most men I know.”

“How they dominate the fields they are in.”

“The tenacity. Whether it be in joy, grief, or hardship. My aunt is 98.”

“That they care about me and enjoy my company.”

“They are the world’s best influencers to me.”

“They love me just as I am.”

Survey methodology

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 women who have access to the internet; the survey was administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 26 and March 2, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.

Featured photo by Joel Muniz