I just took an online personality test, and I'd say it hit the nail on the head. It was called the Meyers Briggs test, and it was free. I've taken this test before, but on paper, long ago, and I got similar results. But this online survey gives better in depth information about the personality types.
According to it, I am an "INFP" personality type, also known as "The Mediator". This stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving.
It's kind of neat, it has a list people and fictional characters that fit the INFP profile. Some of which are JRR Tolkien, William Shakespeare, Bjork, William Wordsworth, Frodo Baggins, Amelie, Arwen, and Anne of Green Gables.
It says my strengths are that I'm empathetic, generous, open-minded, creative, passionate, and idealistic.
It says my weaknesses are that I'm unrealistic, self-isolating, unfocused, emotionally vulnerable, desperate to please, and self-critical.
There's a whole page on what an INFP is like in a romantic relationship. One quote is: "When they fall in love, Mediators reveal just how much passion thrums beneath their quiet exteriors. Devoted and loyal, they nevertheless respect their partner’s independence, aiming to accept their partners as they are. That said, these personalities also want to help their partners learn, grow, and pursue their goals. Mediators are always dreaming up ways to improve themselves and the world around them, and the last thing they’d want is for their partners to feel unhappy or stuck." I think that's fairly accurate!
There's also a page on what kind of friends INFPs are: One relatable quote is:
"When Mediators befriend someone, they may secretly (or not so secretly) hope to stay close with that person for life. These personalities are capable of strong, stable relationships marked by passionate support, subtle poetic wit, and a profound level of emotional insight. Long-standing friendships tend to draw out less obvious aspects of the Mediator personality type, including a fierce protective streak. Many Mediators find that they can stand up for their friends in ways that they’d struggle to manage for themselves.
Although Mediators value their friendships, they also need personal space and alone time in order to recharge. At times, people with this personality type may withdraw from even their closest friends in order to reconnect with themselves and restore their energy, as all Introverts must. These departures are usually temporary, but Mediators may need to make sure that their friends don’t feel snubbed by their absence."
On the parenting page it is quoted with, "Mediators may enjoy raising free spirits, but that doesn’t mean that they’re totally hands-off. They want to teach key values to their children, including honesty, compassion, and the importance of caring for others. They also want their children to understand the meaning of personal responsibility, especially when it comes to not hurting others."
The Career Path page was spot on: "Ever the idealists, Mediators might struggle to find a profession that meets their practical needs
and fulfills their dreams. These personalities may drift in frustration, waiting for the perfect job to present itself and eventually feeling stuck or worried that they’re not living up to their potential."
And
"Sometimes Mediators may struggle to set boundaries, drill down on inefficiencies, or offer criticism, even when it’s necessary. This can slow down their team and create needless stress, both for Mediators and for their employees. At times, managers with this personality type may need to be strict for the good of their team – and the workplace as a whole."
That hit hard.
Anyway, I think the survey was extremely accurate, and I thought it might be fun and helpful for you to take it too. Why don't you post your results in the comments and a little summary of what that means?
It's found at:
Free personality test, type descriptions, relationship and career advice | 16Personalities