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 extrovert–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?

Which of these most accurately reflect you:

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.

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).