Quiz: Are You An Introvert?

The first step toward self-acceptance is understanding ourselves better, so that we can have compassion for the people we truly are inside. The word “introvert” is often misunderstood to mean painfully shy or socially inept, but this isn’t so. Many of us are introverted. Are you? Take this classic personality quiz to find out if you are an introvert or an extravert–and to see what that really means–here.

Choose the answer to each question which most accurately reflects how you actually see yourself, not how you would like to be.

When you meet new people, do you
A. talk as much as you listen?
B. listen more than you talk?

Do you prefer a social life that includes
A. many friends and acquaintances?
B. a few people that you feel close to?

If a heavy snowfall keeps you from going to school or work, do you
A. wonder what you’re missing?
B. enjoy the unexpected time alone?

A. I usually think on my feet, as I’m talking.
B. I usually reflect on what I’m going to say before I say it.

A. People who know me are generally aware of what’s important to me.
B. I don’t talk about what’s really important to me unless I feel close to someone.

A. I get restless when I’m alone too long.
B. I get restless when I don’t have enough time to myself.

A. When I’m having a good time with others, I get energized and keep going.
B. When I’m having a good time with others, my energy runs out and I need space.

When you’re on vacation, are you more likely to:

A. spend time doing things with others?
B. take time to read or walk or daydream alone?

A. see famous landmarks?
B. spend time in museums and quiet places?

Which word best describes the way you see yourself?

A. open
B. reflective

A. expansive
B. intense

A. well-rounded
B. deep

A. straightforward
B. reserved

Would you rather
A. be admired for your work, even though you’re not satisfied with it yourself?
B. create something of lasting worth, but remain unknown?

If you answered with more B answers, you are an introvert.

Introverts consider their own viewpoint the arbiter of reality and define externals in terms of it.

They are more aware of purely mental phenomena–the impressions, facts, ideas, and reactions that constitute an inner world.

Introverts reflect before acting.

They may defend themselves against the expectations and attention of others.

Introverts are reserved, complicated, and private.

They are self-aware, sometimes passionately intense, but may not realize their effect on others.

Read more: Guidance, Life, Quizzes, Self-Help

Adapted from Personality Type, by Lenore Thomson (Shambhala, 1998). Copyright (c) 1998 by Lenore Thomson. Reprinted by permission of Shambhala.
Adapted from Personality Type, by Lenore Thomson (Shambhala, 1998).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

New G.

10:33PM PST on Jan 21, 2012

Thank you.

send a green star

Shannen H.

10:52PM PST on Nov 6, 2011

im an introvert all the way

Bonnie M.

2:13PM PDT on Aug 30, 2011

Very interesting information, which many introverts can agree with.

KS G.

6:26PM PDT on Aug 29, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Gypsy W.

5:37PM PDT on Jun 22, 2011

I'm definitely introverted.

Mrs M.

4:28AM PDT on Mar 26, 2011

Good info, thanks.

Robert O.

11:09PM PDT on Mar 25, 2011

100% introvert and proud of it! Thanks!

Rita M.

5:24PM PDT on Aug 23, 2010

Before I took the quiz I really wondered what the results would be as I consider myself both introverted and extroverted and 7-7 on the quiz. Just being aware of who you are, how you interact are most important to me - not labels even though the article and the quiz spotlight features of an introvert and an extrovert.

Linda W.

5:09AM PDT on Aug 23, 2010

Glad I'm not the only one who got a 7/7...what exactly does that mean?

Joy W.

2:52AM PDT on Aug 23, 2010

I am an introvert. I don' t talk much. I am happy doing my own things, enjoy the peace and quiet at home, watching tv, on the computer but the most important thing is ... I am happy.