Each of these tests is designed to help you better understand who you are, why you do certain things a certain way, and how you affect others. Each test, if done right, is guaranteed to be extremely insightful, and will provide a depth to your personality that you've probably never considered before.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Have you ever thought it was strange when, after an evening spent socializing, you need some alone-time to recover? Or, vice versa, why just being around other people is enough to make your day?
Your four-letter MBTI type essentially helps you figure out why and how you perceive the world.
The test: Once you answer all 64 questions (it doesn't take long, I promise), and input your gender and age-range, the test will generate a four-letter type formula based off of Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), Sensing (S) or Intuition (N), Thinking (T) or Feeling (F), and Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).
Sample answer: ESFJ (The Caregiver)
Take the test! Humanmetrics
Once you've got your MBTI type, click through the provided links to find out more, like your type's most common characteristics, which career you're best suited for, or which celebrities share your MBTI type!
The Five Love Languages
Ever wonder why you prefer someone's undivided attention over an abundance of gifts? Ever thought that getting a hug from someone was so much nicer than being told you did a good job?
Everybody displays affection differently. The goal of this test is to find out which of the five love languages (Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, Physical Touch) is your "emotional communication preference."
The test: It will ask whether you're single or in a relationship, and then pose situational questions and ask which actions you find more meaningful. At the end, it'll single out your primary love language and then rank the other four according to your answers.
Take the test! The Five Love Languages
It's important to know what you consider an act of affection. Since your love language is probably how you demonstrate your affection for others, it's helpful to remember that people with different love languages find different actions more meaningful than others.
Once you know your love language, have your significant other or your friends take the test!
Gallup's Clifton StrengthsFinder
What draws people to you? What are the underlying reasons that you live life the way you do? Why do some of us prefer to defuse an argument rather than participate in one, etc.?
It's because we're all different, and at our core, we put more value on certain traits than on others.
This highly-individualized test allows people to take the first step in discovering their talents. Your results will let you know which of your skills, talents, and knowledge (AKA "your strengths") you ought to develop or capitalize on.
The test: The best part of this test isn't the results, but the insights and analyses that explain them. Out of 34 strengths, this test will rank your top 5 (if you choose the least expensive version) and provide an overview of your signature themes.
Sample answer: 1) Harmony, 2) Empathy, 3) Developer, 4) Woo, 5) Maximizer
Also included is a detailed description of your 5 strengths, packed with suggestions and examples that will have you nodding along in agreement (and feeling extremely flattered). Lastly, a real-world application of your strengths is provided, along with interactive questions and quotes from people who share your top strengths.
Remember, this test is more comprehensive, so it takes a bit longer to complete. Each question is detailed and thought-provoking, so be sure to take your time if you want truly personalized results!
Take the test! Gallup StrengthsFinder
Note: Unfortunately, unlike the previous tests, this one isn't free. However, I strongly, strongly, strongly recommend taking this assessment, even if it is the $15 version.
Finally, pardon the pun, but play to your strengths! The results might just surprise you.
BONUS: Which Hogwarts House Do You Belong In?
Let's face it. If you don't already know whether you'd be a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin... you better have a good excuse! (No, I take it back. There is no excuse.)
Take the test! Pottermore Sorting Hat (or BuzzFeed or BBC America if you don't want to sign up for Pottermore -- but then again, why wouldn't you?)
