There is a popular belief that well-mannered and sophisticated women from good families rarely find themselves in politics or at the helm of the state. But history knows many cases when ladies challenged the traditional rules and patterns of behavior, while forever changing the course of history.

1. Queen Ranavaluna I

Madagascar
Queen Ranavaluna I of Madagascar was known by the nickname "The Mad Monarch" for a reason. She was suspected of poisoning her husband (in order to single-handedly take the throne), and she also began a harsh persecution of Christians during her 33-year reign. People who disagreed with her policy of freeing Madagascar from European colonialism were tortured and killed. However, as a result of Ranavaluna's death, there was little that her weak-willed successors could do, and the Christian missionaries returned to the country again. Three decades later, the last monarch was expelled and Madagascar became a French colony.

2. Irina Afinskaya

Byzantium
The Byzantine Empress Irene of Athens not only loved power, she went to any lengths to keep power in her hands. In the 8th century, Irene assumed the Byzantine throne as regent after the death of her husband. But when her son grew up and received the right to the throne, Irina ... gouged out his eyes in order to rule alone. Although the Empress was deposed five years later and died in exile, she is remembered for restoring the veneration of icons in the Eastern Roman Empire. In Greek Orthodox Church Irina is considered a saint.

3. Queen Nefertiti

Egypt
AT Ancient Egypt the legendary Queen Nefertiti and her husband, Pharaoh Amenhotep IV caused a real cultural upheaval, completely changing the religious structure of the empire. Nefertiti Gained Equal Status With The Pharaoh When They Abandoned Honoring Everyone Egyptian gods and introduced a cult of worship to the god of the Sun, Aton.

They built new town Akhenaton, where they moved their residence. Although Egypt returned to the veneration of the old gods after the end of her reign, Nefertiti forever went down in history as a pioneer of one of the most remarkable religious revolutions in ancient Egyptian history.

4. Queen Didda

Kashmir
Kashmiri Queen Didda killed her own grandchildren to ensure the country's sovereignty. Alternating between kindness and cruelty, Didda ruled Kashmir for most of the 10th century. The insidious and talented queen seized complete control over the country, getting rid of competitors: on the orders of Didda, her son and three grandchildren were tortured to death.

Although Didda was ambitious and fierce, she effectively ensured the longevity of her dynasty. In Kashmir, she is still considered one of the the greatest rulers in history.

5. Queen Nandi

Zulu
For those who have ever wondered what women of "easy virtue" can achieve, it will be interesting to know the story of Queen Nandi. When Nandi of the Langeni tribe became pregnant by the Zulu chief Senzangakhon in 1700, the tribal elders rebelled. After giving birth to a child who was named Shaka, Nandi was given the rather infamous status of Senzangakhon's third wife and faced mockery and ridicule.

Despite the humiliation, Nandi raised Shaka as a fierce warrior. He became chief of the Zulu in 1815, and Nandi became queen mother, given the name Ndlorukazi ("Great Elephant"). After that, she took cruel revenge on all those who mistreated her and her son.

6. Julia Agrippina

Rome
When the wife of Emperor Claudius Messalina decided to excommunicate Claudius from power and make her lover emperor of Rome, she was executed. After that, the "vacancy" of the Roman empress was free. The insidious Agrippina masterfully seduced her uncle Claudius, becoming his fourth wife. Agrippina then broke off the engagement of Claudius' daughter (Claudia Octavia) to Lucius Junius Silanus Torquatus in order to marry her off to her son from a previous marriage, Nero. After Claudius died of poisoning (this is also supposed to be Agrippina's fault), Nero became Roman emperor, forever changing the face of the Roman Empire.

However, Agrippina was so in control of her son that she even (rumoredly) considered removing him from the throne after Nero began to make decisions independently of her. As a result, Nero killed his own mother. In history, Agrippina became known as one of the most powerful women Julio-Claudian empire.

7. Empress Theodora

Byzantium
The beginning of the career of Empress Theodora was, to put it mildly, far from the image of decency and aristocratic behavior. Performing on stage with early age, the young Theodora became infamous for her obscene interpretation of Leda and the Swan, where she stripped naked on stage. Also, her contemporaries claimed that Theodora was a hetero and "sold her youthful beauty, serving the craft with all parts of her body."

However, Theodora's fate changed when she married Justinian I, heir to the throne of Byzantium. The empress soon skillfully put an end to those who threatened her position. She is also remembered for building housing for prostitutes, giving women additional rights, and driving brothel owners out of Byzantium. Today Theodora is considered a saint in the Orthodox Church.

8. Isabella of France

England
wife of Edward II English queen Isabella was hated by the king's favorites Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser the Younger. In conditions of constant humiliation, Isabella gave birth to four children to Edward II, among whom was the future king Edward III. hoarding over years dissatisfied with her husband, Isabella eventually, together with her lover Roger Mortimer, led a baronial rebellion against Edward II and overthrew him from the throne.

Thus, she carried out the first constitutional parliamentary coup. After usurping the throne, she became Queen Regent to Edward III, but when her son came of age, he overthrew his mother. As a result, Edward III continued to rule England for 50 years.

9. Queen Fredegonda

Frankish Empire Merovingian
Through a string of murders, Queen Fredegonda caused cardinal changes in the Merovingian Empire in the 5th century. The wife of King Chilperic 1 led to the fact that the first wife of the king was exiled to a monastery, and after that she organized the death of the second wife of Chilperic, Galesvinta. When Galesvinta's sister Brunnhilde vowed revenge, Fredegonda mercilessly killed her husband and sisters. This led to half a century dynastic wars which became known as the "wars of Fredegonda and Brunnhilde".

10. Princess Olga

Kievan Rus
When the husband of Princess Olga, Grand Duke Kyiv Igor Rurikovich was killed by a tribe of Drevlyans, Olga brutally avenged herself, and several times. First, she ordered to bury alive the matchmakers sent to her by the Drevlyans. Then the official ambassadors of the Drevlyans were burned in the bathhouse. After that, during the feast for her husband, about 5 thousand Drevlyans were drunk and killed. As a result, the princess went on a campaign against a recalcitrant tribe and completely burned its capital.

It was this revenge that went down in history, but when Olga returned, she continued to reform the government structure and returned the lost lands to Kyiv. Subsequently, Olga traveled to Constantinople, adopted the Christian name Helena, and became the first Christian ruler of Kyiv, bringing religion to the previously pagan city. Today former princess considered a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church.

The list of these strong-willed and strong women could well have been replenished, on whose account there were 200 victories and who died in a battle with two dwarfs.

Strong woman, what is it? A strong woman is, first of all, a woman who knows how to achieve her goals. A woman who makes decisions on her own, who, despite life's adversities, continues to move forward with her head held high.
Strong women are confident. In spite of life circumstances They are successful and make good money. Make a career.

Unfortunately, many women who make their careers become too demanding both of themselves and of the people around them. They are forced to develop in themselves the will, perseverance and determination. Since the world of business does not tolerate tenderness and softness. Those feelings that nature has awarded women. This is the tragedy, developing in themselves the will and strength of character, they lose their kindness, gentleness, tenderness.

Of course, from general rules there are exceptions, and women remain sweet and gentle.

Strong-willed woman and family life

Do men love successful and strong women? Men love all kinds of women, both weak and strong. Strong, but not powerful. Men don't mind at all if their wife has higher education so that she has a car, an apartment. For a man, the main thing is to feel needed, in demand.

Usually the husband begins to feel out of place when the wife earns more. In this situation, you need to make sure that he understands: for living together, no matter who, how much money brings. The main thing is to love and respect each other. The wife, despite the fact that she is in the service of a higher rank, at home should remain weak and defenseless. And in every possible way to emphasize that it is the husband who is the head of the family.

But, and if a woman constantly says that she does not need help, that she herself will decide everything, this humiliates a man. A woman simply does not leave him a chance to show him concern for her.

And, in general, so that he feels like a man, and not an errand boy. Therefore, strong men do not want to be a target for a beating, and they do not find a place next to such emancipated ladies. And next to such ladies, weak, dependent men appear.

Of course, you can't change yourself! But if you want to see a strong one next to you loving man, you will have to adjust your behavior and your character.

And this, believe me, is quite possible and real. All that is required of you is not to put pressure on a man, not to shout, not to humiliate.

Prove that you appreciate your man, approve of what he does. And a man will feel like a man, not a rag.

© "For women" | Psychology

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PSYCHOLOGICAL PORTRAIT OF A WILD PERSON.

Everyone is familiar with the states of mobilization of the will and its weakening. We either experience a decline, a weakening of the will, or we mobilize our efforts and show perseverance and strength. Some forms of behavior eventually become habitual and turn into qualities of character.
A strong-willed person has a number of characteristic qualities.
how strong will shown in character? What qualities are volitional? How does indifference manifest itself?
In a number of volitional qualities in the first place purposefulness. Purposefulness is:
- ability to set clear goals and tasks
- the ability to plan their actions;
- the ability to carry out the planned, to subordinate oneself to the achievement of the goal, for example, to comply strict regime if it is necessary to achieve the goal, etc.
Aristotle said: “A goal is that for the sake of which something is done ... for the sake of it everything else is done.”
The more distinct a person's goal is, to which he aspires, the more persistent he is in overcoming obstacles, the more purposeful he is.
But people differ in their perseverance in overcoming difficulties. It happens that a person does not bring the work he has begun to the end. Some enthusiastically start to work, but quickly cool down. The stronger the obstacles, the more intense must be willpower, the more strong will is required from a person.

The next important volitional quality is persistence- this is the steadfastness of the will, which is shown by a person who has set himself distant goals. In order to fix distant goals well in the mind, you need to reflect them in specific tasks. The desire to achieve distant goals forms a strong and steadfast will in a person.
Persistence is closely related to such personality traits as endurance and patience. They should not be confused with humility, lack of initiative, weak-willed submission to the force of circumstances or someone else's will. Patience, endurance are always associated with initiative, active in achieving the goal and overcoming troubles. patient man knows why he suffers something.

Vital is such a strong-willed quality as composure. It is important in life and in any work, especially for those whose work is connected with communication. No matter how excited a person of such a profession is, complete control of his voice, facial expressions and pantomime is his professional duty.
Self control is:
- in the ability to maintain clarity of thought, i.е. remain attentive, focused on the work performed, despite the action of confounding factors. This is the ability to prevent "defeatist" thoughts and negative ideas under the influence of failures, interference, mistakes;
- also in the ability to control one's feelings: it is easy to increase the emotional tone in a state of confusion, apathy, fear, etc.; reduce the level of emotional arousal in case of excessive joy or excitement, pain, indignation, etc.; and in case of success, not to show excessive self-confidence, carelessness, a sense of imaginary superiority and other undesirable experiences;
- and in the ability to control one's actions: to control one's movements in the event of fatigue, the appearance of pain, dissatisfaction with oneself and other adverse internal states; in conflict situations keep yourself from unethical acts - bickering, rudeness, etc.

The following two qualities can be erroneously assessed as positive.
“Stubbornness is a weakness that looks like strength” (V.A. Zhukovsky). Stubbornness- a quality other than perseverance. In this case, perseverance is implied in the implementation of decisions taken without sufficient grounds. A stubborn person defends his opinion contrary to logic, reasonable arguments and facts. “The stubborn one does everything in his own way, does not listen to anyone's advice and soon becomes a victim of his delusions.” (Aesop).
If a stubborn person determines the purpose of the activity, re-education into a persistent one is carried out.

Compliance- such a quality of will, which is determined by a slight change decision under the influence of others. It is the opposite of directness. If a stubborn person it is difficult to convince of anything, to convince, malleable, on the contrary, it is very easy. Despite the fact that for a malleable person the opinion of other people can become a determining factor in making a decision, he still makes the decision on his own.
Re-education of this quality does not mean a transition to harshness, rudeness in behavior. You can be firm and polite in dealing with other people.

If the decision is given to a person in ready-made from the outside (and it is accepted without criticism), then they talk about such a quality as suggestibility. Suggestibility, as well as compliance, does not prevent a person from being, for example, a good worker. However, it is believed that this trait needs to be re-educated in order to save a person from possible harmful influences. Reeducation in this case is recommended to be carried out by strengthening the will and the formation of critical thinking.

For a person, such a strong-willed quality is very important, as determination. It is defined as the ability to quickly assess circumstances and make decisions. certain decisions, and, having accepted them, do not hesitate, but act confidently.
Decisiveness - important quality when the situation does not tolerate delay, requires a quick response.

If a person has enough time, but he still does not make a decision or changes it to the opposite, they talk about especially negative quality will - indecision.

If you need to quickly make a decision and act, and a person is not able to do this, they say about the state confusion. A confused person either stays idle or starts different actions and doesn't finish them. (“Speed ​​is needed, but haste is harmful” (A.V. Suvorov)) These actions can be opposite in meaning. Instead of calm analysis situation and decision-making, he can change decisions.

The considered volitional qualities are manifested in each person in certain situations, but they can also be a personality trait. Therefore, it is important to know exactly how a person behaves in a decision-making situation most often: hesitates, or makes decisions quickly; thoughtlessly, and then quickly changes them, or makes thoughtful and accurately executed decisions.

There are also such qualities of will as:
diligence- is manifested in the diligent and systematic execution of decisions. An executive person feels the need for the complete completion of the work begun.

Discipline- the ability of a person to act in accordance with norms, rules and laws. stands out labor discipline which develops perseverance, determination, the ability to overcome one's impulses. Thus justified exactingness, strengthening discipline, thereby strengthens the will. Here we are not talking about the so-called "stick" discipline, which is based on fear. Discipline should be based on understanding the motives of human behavior and actions.

There is also a group of volitional qualities associated with behavior in a situation of danger - these are personality traits such as boldness, bravery, bravery, courage. And the opposite of them - cowardice, fearfulness are considered to be a sign of indifference.

different forms fear in different ways, but always negatively affect performance.
In the fight against fear, it is recommended to use the following general rule - the more primitive and biological the emotion, the less it can be eradicated with the help of words. You cannot persuade a person to be non-fearful. But emotions are easily superseded by each other. It is enough to make a frightened person angry for him to be frightened. If you make an angry person laugh, he will stop being angry.

But danger can also cause positive emotions of sthenic excitement. Sthenic, not pronounced fear can tone the cerebral cortex from the subcortex and, in combination with critical thinking manifest as "reasonable fear" in the form of fear, caution. “With prudence, be in danger,” said the sage Bias.
How much cowardice, timidity and timidity - negative traits personality, so caution is considered positive trait.

Such a reaction to danger as a reasonable excitement associated with activation is also considered positive. conscious activity at the moment of danger.

The relationship between the degree of activity at the moment of danger and experiences is determined: the more active a person is in dangerous situation, the easier it is in terms of the subjective content of his experience.
A. Suvorov said: "Danger is better to meet than to expect on the spot."

Allocate various forms overcoming fear - fearlessness, which differ in their manifestations. This is courage, bravery, courage, courage, heroism.
Even Plutarch said: "The beginning of victory is courage." With the manifestation of courage, fear remains, but activity is determined by thinking and volitional decisions. Such a person is considered brave, who knows that there is danger ahead and still goes for it. He knows why he suppresses fear, what goal he achieves by acting contrary to fear. Courage consists in the ability to suppress the feeling of fear: when a person in conditions of real physical danger feels a desire for risk and a desire to move on to action. Under these conditions, he mentally disconnects from experiences, fear and focuses entirely on action. Courage is manifested in a variety of activities: “bold thought”, “bold problem solving”, etc. Helvetius said: “It is often courage that we owe the discovery of the greatest truths”; Goethe: "Every artist has courage, without which talent is unthinkable."

Courage - associated with sthenic emotional experiences excitement in times of danger. to a brave man I like the sense of danger. His experiences are sthenic, his activity is not disorganized. But it is good when courage is based on reasonable risk: insane courage is as harmful as insane fear. It is recommended to cultivate courage by reasonable risk: by taking risky actions and experiencing satisfaction from them. successful implementation.

In the formation of courage, they warn against the following extreme: they are advised to ensure that courage does not turn into negative form fearlessness - daring. Prowess is defined as courage that has reached the level of affect, which is characterized by the loss of critical thinking.

Psychology says that the cultivation of courage is the cultivation of faith in one's own strength and technique. This is the education of confidence in the high probability of successfully completing any risky, but feasible task.
There is a pedagogical recommendation - to carefully choose the moment at which you can allow a person to take risks for the first time. You need to be sure that, according to the level of his knowledge, skills and experience, he is prepared for this risk and can independently cope with the situation.

Courage stands out as the opposite of prowess. Courage is understood as the ability to act. A person who defends personal interests can be brave and bold. Courage is manifested in the achievement of the goal, which is perceived as a common cause. At brave man fear is overcome by a sense of duty, which is associated with the worldview, beliefs of a person.
brave man, going towards danger, is tense, the brave is excited, and the brave is calm.

Courage is defined as the highest, most complex shape fearlessness.
“And whoever meets danger with courage,
Togo, the thought is clear, and the language is firm. (Sophocles)
Goethe says: “If you lose good, you lose a little! If you lose honor, you will lose a lot! If you lose your courage, you will lose everything, it would be better then not to be born at all.
Courage summarizes a number of aspects of a person's personality. AT different situations one or the other of these aspects predominates. Courage manifests courage, courage, courage, as well as responsibility, patience, resourcefulness, determination, self-control, consciousness, self-righteousness, worldview, initiative, firmness of will (defined as resistance to the power of a single blow) and fortitude of will (defined as resistance to a number of subsequent hits).

As an example of courageous behavior, one can cite a case from world history - the philosopher Socrates calmly looked into the face of death, forgiving his enemies.
Heroism is defined as a concept that goes beyond the scope of psychology and has social content. Heroism manifests itself high level positive emotions when performing feats of public importance.
Fearlessness, expressed in courage, courage, courage and heroism, is a clear manifestation of a person’s control over his emotions, an example volitional behavior.
So now you can imagine the image strong-willed person having such qualities as:
- purposefulness,
- perseverance
- patience,
- endurance,
- self-control
- decisiveness
- performance,
- discipline,
- strength of will
- fortitude,
- caution,
- reasonable excitement,
- courage,
- courage,
- courage,
- courage;
and its opposite - a state of lack of will, manifests itself in such qualities as:
- stubbornness
- compliance,
- suggestibility
- indecisiveness
- cowardice
- timidity
- daring.

Have you ever wondered why one woman, seemingly beautiful and smart, is always alone, and the other is a “gray mouse”, around which men curl around? Perhaps she knows some secret of seduction? Or maybe it's a woman's charm? Or maybe just, men are attracted to a certain female type?

Let's look at the 5 main types of women who attract men.

• 1. Pretty silly. There is definite opinion what men don't like smart women. But silly girls, and even more beautiful ones, they simply adore. Women for whom they become "gurus", teachers and patrons. They find such "stupid" or "blonde", but more often for sexual pleasures than for life. A "stupid" is a girl for whom the main thing in life beautiful clothes, chic manicure and a sea of ​​glossy magazines. She does not even realize that women are loved for something else than beautiful body, large breasts, a pretty face and the ability to skillfully do a blowjob.
• 2. A woman with character. This is a smart, strong-willed and very energetic woman. You will not get bored with her, she knows how to captivate with her ideas. She knows what she wants from life and is looking for a man she can control and control. Men are interested in such women. Some of them want to prove in these relations that they can adjust even a strong and strong-willed woman and that he a real man. But more often they just fall in love with this strong character.
• 3. A woman without complexes. Such a woman is the dream of any man. A woman with similar habits, not cowardly and completely liberated, ready to have sex anywhere and anytime. Does not consider indecent blowjob on a second date. He fully understands the desires of men and does not torment him with tantrums demanding marriage. Most often it is the owner bad habits- smokes and rarely thinks about his health. Men love such women for their directness and relatedness of characters.
• 4. Predator. She is a real hunter. Her trump cards are extraordinary attractiveness, beauty and arrogance. The real "Aphrodite" in bed, but at the same time completely unsuitable for long-term relationships and marriage. A rare man is able to keep this shrew around him. Her principle is “all the men around her owe her.” Considers himself a being higher order, and seeks out wealthy men to empty their pockets. She always looks flawless, chic and unattainable, and men subjugated in this way are ready to give the last just to touch such a “deity”.
• 5. Business woman. A businesslike woman, energetic and erudite, self-sufficient and independent. It does not depend on the money of a man and often she does not need a man at all. This lady is almost a feminist. Always pays for itself. Arrogant and pompous, which in theory is unlikely to please a man. She "clings" men, hurting their male pride. A man wants to prove that he is able to possess and “subdue” even such an independent woman under him, often imagining hard sex with such a woman as a way to show his superiority.