1) Context:
a) What is your age range and general location (Country so that cultural values can be taken into account)? Do you have any impairments that may affect the way that you answer this questionnaire? Any religious or political beliefs (or anything else along those lines) that also might have an effect?
I'm in my twenties and live in the United States.
b) Which types are you currently considering? Why are you considering them and why haven’t you decided on one?
Type 1: I'm a rule follower. I have a strong sense of right and wrong. I'm very critical of myself, and I feel guilty if I perceive myself as not being hard-working enough, healthy enough, social enough, charitable enough, etc. (but I feel that criticism is the most present when I'm in an anxious/depressed state). I've always done things "the right way" or "by the book" and am not a thrill seeker or someone who is rebellious. However, I am not in any way perfectionistic... I can definitely go with the flow in order to avoid conflict, and I don't feel bad doing things "half-assed" if it's something I don't care about. If I'm not passionate about a task (like at work) I will get it done on time but not with full effort.
Type 4: I'm very sensitive, moody, and introspective. I spend a lot of time reflecting on who I am and how I spend my time. I'm introverted, and sometimes, I fear that I'm also self-absorbed. I'm a dreamer. However, I have never really cared about impressing people with my individuality. I don't withdrawal to protect my image - I withdrawal because people drain my energy. I'm very relaxed in terms of how I present myself physically and aesthetically.
Type 5: I'm extremely perceptive and observant. I love to learn, and I dive head first into topics I'm interested in and become obsessed with them. I don't like to take people's "word for it" - rather, I like to research things and figure them out on my own. I don't trust most people's opinions or advice, unless they're people very close to me, like my parents and significant other. I don't like when people tell me what to do or act like they know better than I do (though I would never let them know that - I would go along with what they say, and do what I want in private). However, I don't feel like I'm quite as quiet or detached as a 5. I also don't think I fear being incompetent or incapable - I already believe that I am competent and capable.
Type 6: I am very responsible and a rule follower. I've always been fairly secure and would not do something to risk de-stabilizing my life. I play things pretty safely. I can be very suspicious of people if I have a reason to question their character. I'm also extremely anxious (I have an anxiety disorder), which drew me to this type. However, I don't rely on others to make decisions, and I'm not very loyal to friends (though I am to my family and significant other). I don't need constant reassurance.
Type 9: Nowadays, this is the type I feel most drawn to. I will debate politics/social issues/spirituality all day long.. but I avoid personal/relational confrontations at all costs. If I have a problem with someone, I just avoid them. I've lost a lot of friends this way because if I feel like someone has been rude to me, I just resent them and block them out of my life. My way of "standing up for myself" is just cutting the bad people out, and I think it's because I can't handle confrontation. I'd also rather let people in groups makes decisions for me (like letting a coworker take the lead on a project or letting a friend decide where to eat). I always feel like my opinion on those things isn't as "strong" therefore I should let someone with a stronger opinion decide. I'm extremely conscious of how I speak to people, and I make a real effort to make sure I don't hurt anyone's feelings. I overthink every single interaction I have with people. I'm also very perceptive and feel like I can really pick up on people's body language and mood. However, I do really fight for the social/political issues I care about, and I will call out hypocrisy in other people's views if I feel like they're not doing what's right. It's the personal/relational confrontations that I can't do.
2) What do you deem as your purpose in life?
To make real change in the issues I care about (animal welfare and human rights) and find my way spiritually/become closer to God. I really want my career to revolve around something I care about and can advocate for.
3) Of the seven deadly sins, which one(s) do you relate to the most and the least and why?
I relate the most to pride (because deep down, I do think that I have this notion that I'm better than other people - I'm doing things the right way, I'm fighting for the greater good, etc. and I'm ashamed of that arrogance) and sloth (because I feel guilty when I'm not being my best self).
4) Analyzing your relationships with others, briefly describe:
a) The type of people you are drawn to
Relaxed, intellectual, introspective people who can have long, meaningful conversations with me. I don't like small talk, and I don't like awkwardness. I like people who are confident and not "trying too hard". I really don't like obnoxiousness, and I'm not drawn to people who "party".
b) The type of people who are drawn to you
People who like to really dive deep into their emotions and issues they may be dealing with. People tell me I'm a good listener, but I think I'm just good at reassuring them. I don't like to hug people or be very emotionally involved, but I am good at helping them feel better in other ways. I am good at sensing people's deeper feelings and intentions, and it allows me to tell them what they want to hear.
c) The type of people you are repulsed by
People who say
exactly how they feel
all the time with a blatant disregard for how it might make other people feel. Blatant honesty really turns me off. I really don't like show-offs or people who constantly need to be the center of attention. I really hate immaturity. And most of all, I really cannot stand to even be around people who are not compassionate (in this context, I mean socially/politically). If someone can ignore the suffering of others, and all they care about is "me me me" it infuriates me.
5)What are the traits in others that you admire but you cannot emulate yourself? Elaborate.
Loyalty to their friends. It's extremely draining for me to be around people for long periods of time (because I have to make such an effort to be nice/likable), so I avoid a lot of social interactions... but I do love my close friends and wish I would make more of an effort to spend time with them. I also wish I could stop worrying about everything - what I say, how I come across, whether or not I'm "doing enough", etc. I have constant anxiety, and I constantly feel guilty for letting that anxiety get in the way of being a really charitable, supportive, happy, generous person.
6) Describe your relationship with the following:
a) Anger
I hold a lot of anger in, and I really only let my significant other and parents see it. My anger makes me cry. I am angry at people who don't care as much about certain issues as I do, and I am angry at people who treat me poorly despite my effort to be kind to them. I can also be angry at myself for not doing enough.
b) Shame
I feel extremely ashamed when I feel like I'm being hypocritical, self-serving, or arrogant. I feel like I'm fairly self-aware, and I reflect on my actions a lot and feel ashamed of myself. I like the person I am (at my core), but sometimes my anxiety pushes me away from that person, and then I feel shameful for not being my best self.
c) Fear
I have an anxiety disorder, so I don't feel like I can really answer this one. I'm anxious/fearful a lot.
d) Love/passion
I've been with the same person since I was in high school. I love him, and we're best friends. Not much more to it than that.
e) Conflict
I already expanded on this a lot.
7) What are some of the themes that have played a prominent role in your life (ie. A struggle you’ve been unable to conquer, ect)?
I have a lot of family issues, and I get really stuck in my head about them sometimes. Don't really want to expand here.
8) Answer only one of the following:
a) [College aged and above] What is your area of work/study? Why did you choose this and would you change it? If so, what would be your ideal?
I work in communications/writing/marketing/design. I would like to continue to do this, but for a nonprofit or some other company that advocates for what I believe in.
b)[Under college aged] What do you plan on studying/working as in the future? How did you go about deciding this? If this is not your ideal area of pursuit, what would be?
N/A
9) When meeting a new person, what do you tend to focus on?
Whether or not they're polite. Do they have good manners? Are they making an effort? Are they really listening to what I'm saying, or are they brushing me off? What does their body language suggest (eye rolls, arms crossed, facing away from me, raising their eyebrows, etc.)? Are they saying things or acting a certain way to get attention?
11) What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Going on walks, hiking, trying new coffee shops, vacationing at the beach, listening to music, hanging out with my boyfriend and dog (my best friends in the whole world), cooking, and journaling.
13) How do you usually “hang out†with your friend(s)? When answering, think about what activities you tend to choose, whether you hang out with one person at once or many, whether or not you initiate the interaction.
I almost never initiate hanging out with my friends, but if it's up to me, I choose to catch up over coffee (short and sweet) or grab breakfast/lunch/dinner. Sometimes my friends want to go shopping with me or have movie nights at their houses, but I get anxious leading up to things like that because I have less control.
14) What is more important, actions or words? Why?
Both equally.
17) How do you relate to obsession? Do you tend to "merge" with others or your interests? How do you feel about the idea of doing this?
When I'm face-to-face with other people, I will try to relate to their interests. However, I really do my own thing personally. My interests are usually very specific and odd. When I find a topic I like, I completely submerge myself in it, and it's all I care about for weeks.
18) Organized or messy? Plans and blueprints or impulse and surprises? What are you preferences and tendencies?
Completely in between. I have always followed the rules and done things the "right way" which makes people think I'm very organized and methodical. I do like to plan and be
prepared, but when push comes to shove, I can be very flexible.
19) How do you subjectively view comfort and how do you create comfort in your life and surroundings?
Comfort to me is being alone or just with my significant other or family. Comfort is not being forced to be someone I'm not. Comfort is being able to say how I feel, truly, without fear of being disliked for it. I create comfort around me through warm scents (cinnamon, clove, vanilla, pumpkin), warm blankets and cozy clothing.
