Jung, you might want to dig deeper on this one

Artwork by Mitumi

We all like to take those personality tests that will tell us more about who we are. We're given random statements that we ponder about: you enjoy being surrounded by people;  others describe you as mellow and a good listener; you're the charismatic one in the group. As you fling yourself into those endless statements, rating each one meticulously, you somehow get to that much agonized "submit" button. You hold your breathe and you read the final verdict. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? 

We spend way too much time figuring this out when in reality it's all relative. If you think about it, being an extrovert doesn't really tell you much. There are extroverts out there who are invested mostly in their own advancement. They will schmooze and flatter you if it means they get to climb the ladder. But there are also those extroverts who are true givers and will go out of their way to lend a helping hand to others. The same goes for introverts. Just because you're an introvert, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're a nice sensitive person. Just like extroverts, introverts can be selfish and egotistical. 

In reality, the question you should be asking yourself is this: how much inner depth do you have? Having inner depth has less do with our extrovert/introvert tendencies and more to do with our connection to what many call the self. 

We live in a society that is way too latched to the mindless chase of money, fame or any other form of vanity metrics, and sadly this restrains us from becoming complete versions of ourselves. Too often we end up getting stuck in our own ego, dealing with our fears and anxieties.

The self, on the other hand, is the pristine side of us. When we take heed of that inner voice, we gain awareness. It's that same voice that allows artists to transform deep emotions into words, images and sounds. It's the idea of yearning for aloneness, because in our solitude we can relate to that intangible side of us, even though society might mask it as loneliness and tell that we should try to surround ourselves with as many people as we can (Let's make no mistake here, "extroverts" are just as able to seek solitude). Connecting to that spiritual side of ours--I said spiritual not religious--is the most solemn of experiences. It's the reason why we came to be in this world. 

So the next time you prepare yourself to take one of those tests, stop and think for a second. You might be better off searching for that answer somewhere else. Somewhere that's more personal.