Even though Twilight Sparkle is rule-based and a control freak, I think the way that she handles situations with her friends is that she is able to emotionally disconnect herself from them and think through solutions reasonably and logically without letting her emotions get in her way (which is definitely a positive attribute), but in my opinion, her major weakness (apart from her OCD) is that she sometimes uses force in certain situations where it is unnecessary and can ultimately backfire when trying to control others (i.e. Bird in a Hoof).
I find Twilight Sparkle the most admiring character not only because I relate to her on many levels such as her curiosity and neurotic tendencies, but because she is able to develop a deep, intimate relationship with her friends despite her setbacks. The secure attachments that she develops with her friends, her siblings and possibly her family is the one thing that separates me from her.