Test Result
Average Scores
“You strike a balance between caution and hope, trusting where evidence suggests it is safe.”
Your overall pattern: The Selective Realist
Your results place you in the Average / Realistic range of Propensity to Trust. This is the most common pattern, representing a flexible approach to human connection. You do not blindly trust everyone you meet, nor do you assume everyone is out to get you. Instead, you operate on a "trust, but verify" basis.
You view trust as a currency that must be earned over time. You are capable of vulnerability with your inner circle, but you keep your guard up with strangers until you have assessed the situation. This "situational trust" allows you to navigate the world safely without becoming cynical.
"Trust is not a switch that is strictly 'on' or 'off' for you—it is a dimmer switch that you adjust based on the environment."
Typical behaviors
- Context-Dependent: You might trust a coworker with a project but not with a personal secret. You differentiate between competence trust and emotional trust.
- Healthy boundaries: You are generally open to new people but have a limit. If someone breaks a promise, you pull back, but you don't necessarily write off all humanity because of it.
Strengths in this pattern
- Adaptability: You can switch gears between a competitive work environment (where caution is needed) and a supportive home environment (where openness is needed).
- Credibility: Because you are not naive, people value your judgment. When you vouch for someone, it means something.
Common pitfalls
The "transactional" trap
- Keeping Score: You may unconsciously fall into a habit of "I did this for you, so you must do this for me," viewing relationships as contracts rather than organic bonds.
- Hesitation: In moments that require a leap of faith (like love or a big creative risk), your need for "proof" might hold you back from deep connection.
"Reflection point: Sometimes, waiting for perfect safety means missing out on the magic of the unknown."
What you can do next
Small actions you can start today
- Give the Benefit of the Doubt: Next time a friend is late or cancels, consciously decide to assume the most charitable reason (e.g., "they are overwhelmed") rather than analyzing their motives.
- Drop the Scorecard: Do something kind for someone without expecting—or checking for—a return favor.
Longer-term directions
- Deepen the Inner Circle: Identify one person who has already "passed" your tests and practice being 10% more vulnerable with them than feels comfortable.
- Check Your Bias: Notice if you are more suspicious of certain types of people based on past experiences, and challenge those assumptions.
Disclaimer and when to seek help
This test describes personality patterns for self-discovery. While "Selective Realism" is generally healthy, if you find yourself unable to fully trust even your closest partner or family, professional support can help you explore deeper intimacy.