How to Mental Age Test

Sure, you know your actual age, but what about your mental age? Your mental age is how old you are emotionally and personality-wise, and it can actually be very different from your real age.

You might be a twenty-something with an old soul, or maybe you’re comfortably in your fifties but brimming with youthful energy. Or perhaps your mental age and actual age are pretty similar after all. There’s only one way to find out—take this quiz!

Questions Overview

What Is My Mental Age?

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1. You look out the window of your dream home—what do you see?

1. A bustling city street full of people and dazzling lights.
2. A field of wildflowers stretching for miles in all directions.
3. My best friend’s house—they live right across the street!
4. A quaint, charming neighborhood with lush grass and beautiful trees.

2. A present arrives in the mail. What do you hope it is?

1. The brand new gaming console I've been wanting for months.
2. A box full of all the arts and crafts supplies I could ever need.
3. A shiny new robot vacuum for cleaning my floors.
4. A warm, plush blanket in my favorite color.

3. It’s a Friday night and you can’t wait to…

1. Watch that honey bee documentary my friend was raving about.
2. Have friends over for a low-key game night.
3. Go dancing with friends and stay out until dawn.
4. Curl up in a chair with some tea and a new book.

4. Your alarm clock starts ringing at 7 a.m.—what do you do?

1. Startle awake, groan, then hit snooze aggressively.
2. I'm up before then anyway, so this wouldn’t really affect me.
3. Turn it off, get up slowly, and say hello to the new day.
4. Rip off the covers, jump out of bed, and run to the kitchen for breakfast.

5. On your bookshelf, you’re most likely to find…

1. Photos of family, treasured mementos, and cute knick-knacks.
2. Magazines, filled-up journals, and my sketchbook.
3. Old copies of National Geographic and rows of historical fiction.
4. My vinyl collection, some candles, and a funky thrifted lamp.

6. Your wardrobe is packed to the brim with…

1. Comfortable basics. Tees, hoodies, and sweats are a must.
2. Business casual attire. I like to look polished!
3. Who knows. I just wear whatever I grab first.
4. Whatever’s in style—I like to keep up with trends.

7. If the world could see the most used app on your phone, what would it be?

1. TikTok
2. YouTube
3. Facebook
4. Instagram

8. How would you describe your day-to-day emotional experience?

1. Like a rollercoaster. Up, down, and all around.
2. Like a train. Some jolts along the way, but steady overall.
3. Like a lost ship. Swaying and unsure of which way to go.
4. Like a carriage. Slow, predictable, and pleasant.

9. When your closest friend describes you, they probably say you’re…

1. Wild, adventurous, and always up for a good time.
2. Wise, contemplative, and content.
3. Stable, accomplished, and confident.
4. Playful, energetic, and hopeful.

10. You’re on Jeopardy and the category is “TikTok Trends”—how ready are you?

1. I've never been more ready for anything.
2. Cautiously optimistic, but nervous.
3. Not ready. This is not my category.
4. Not at all, but I'll give it my best shot.

11. You’re daydreaming. What are you thinking about?

1. What I'm going to have for dessert later.
2. Sandy beaches, crystal blue water, and palm trees.
3. The ending of the riveting book I just finished.
4. My crush.

12. Which of the following quotes speaks to you most?

1. “Life will take you to amazing places if you have the courage to try.”
2. “Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.”
3. “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”
4. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

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The History of Mental Age Tests

Did you know that mental age is actually a concept that originated in the field of psychology? In 1905, French psychologist Alfred Binet co-created the first ever intelligence test. When children taking the test scored higher than most other children of the same chronological age, it was said that the high-scorers had a higher mental age than their actual age. If they scored lower, they had a lower mental age. From there, the idea of “mental age” was born!

Nowadays, mental age theory has fallen out of favor with psychologists since it’s overly simplistic and doesn’t take into account individuals’ unique skills and ways of learning. Plus, many people find the concept of mental age to be limiting. After all, people are constantly learning and developing new skills, so telling someone they have a fixed mental age of 20, for example, doesn’t feel very fair or accurate.

Instead, psychologists today aim to use more nuanced, holistic intelligence quotient (IQ) tests that factor in the background of the test taker. And IQ is no longer thought of as fixed. Basically, experts now know that intelligence is complex and multifaceted (and therefore intelligence tests need to be too!).

Unlike the psychology-based mental age tests of the past, our mental age test is just for fun and does not represent your level of intelligence. Instead, think of this test as a fun way to see how similar you are to people in different age groups based on your personality and preferences. And remember: just like your personality can change over time, so can your mental age.

Want to learn more?

For more information about personality and intelligence tests, check out these resources:

• https://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/01/assessment
• https://www.apa.org/monitor/feb03/intelligent
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/intelligence-testing

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References

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How to Have an Attractive Personality

Being attractive comes more from your personality than from your appearance, and demonstrating an attractive personality is key to making friends and having lasting relationships. To have an attractive personality, cultivate the ability to communicate naturally, develop a sense of humor, and build a confident disposition. These traits give you the ability to inspire and fascinate others, making others more drawn to you as a result.

Top Traits of an Attractive Personality

1. Humor
2. Emotional intelligence
3. Respect
4. Confidence
5. Optimism
6. Empathy
7. Humility

Steps

Communication

1. Listen to others. Listening is a trait that is often forgotten about in today's society. Instead of responding to a text, opening an email, or thinking about your next meal, pay attention to what the other person is saying. Show them you're listening and interested by commenting on the story or asking questions.^[1]
   
2. Speak sincerely. No one likes to be duped. Tell people the truth. If you can't commit to something, it's better to be honest about it than to have to tell them last minute that you can't make it. When people ask for your opinion, you should be honest.
   
   • There is a difference between honest and rude opinions. For instance, if you don't like your friend's shirt and they ask you about it, respond with, “I really like you in blue instead,” rather than, “I hate it, it's ugly.”
3. Know “how” vs “what.” How you say things is arguably more important than what you say. If you try to give someone a genuine compliment, but they think you say it with a sarcastic undertone, your compliment won't mean a thing. Be aware of the way you speak. If you notice that people often take things you say the wrong way, there's a good chance you can change how you speak. Ask your friends to make you aware of the way you're coming across.
   
4. Help others communicate. Get a bunch of people together for a fun get together. It can be as simple as a gathering at the park, or as extravagant as an elegant dinner party. Either way, it shows them that you care and want to spread friendship.
   

Humor

1. Laugh at yourself. If you do something silly, laugh at yourself instead of feeling embarrassed. It shows that you're comfortable in your skin. A sense of humor makes someone more engaging and delightful to be with.
   
   • Remember that there is a time and place for humor. It is a great ice-breaker or stress reliever, but don't ruin a serious conversation with inappropriate jokes.
2. Show enthusiasm for everything. Even if something makes you slightly uncomfortable, attack it with a smile on your face, an open mind, and a sense of humor. Not every day is going to be perfect, but being enthusiastic can help you accomplish anything. When you act this way, people will love being around you.
   
3. Make laughing a priority. Laughing at yourself isn't quite enough if you want the most attractive personality. If you see value in making others laugh and keep laughter higher on your priority list, you'll be a happier person.^[2]
   
   • A great way to remind you to laugh more (and to share it with others) is to have daily jokes on your phone or email. Set them for a time of day when you notice yourself start to feel drained.

Confidence

1. Have confidence in how you speak and act. You should always say what you believe in, be willing to take risks, and have the ability to admit your mistake without being worried about what other people will think. Doing this shows that you have self-confidence.^[3] This helps create an attractive personality because it shows that you're comfortable with yourself and that makes others comfortable around you.^[4]
   
   • Asking questions is important when it comes to confidence. The more you know, the more comfortable you'll feel when speaking about things. Never be afraid to ask questions.
   • Avoid comparing yourself with other people as well to help get rid of self-doubt.^[5]
2. Have confidence in your body. Dressing appropriately and having good posture show confidence. You don't have to have the “perfect body” to be confident in it. People will be more attracted to you if you dress well, respect yourself, and carry yourself well.
   
   • If you need a little boost, place post-it's around your mirror that remind you of the parts of your body that you love. Focus on these rather than the things that you're self-conscious about.^[6]
3. Know the difference between confidence and cockiness. While confidence is endearing, cockiness is very unappetizing. People will turn away from your personality if you're all about yourself. A great way to avoid this is to remind yourself to compliment others. Every day, find 5 people to give compliments to. They can be strangers, co-workers, or friends. Either way, this will help you stay grounded.
   

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Video

Tips

• Exercise and a good diet are a great way to keep energy levels high and confidence in your body.
• Don't change yourself. Even if people don't agree with everything that you say or do, they'll appreciate that you're true to yourself.
• You don't have to be outgoing to have all of these qualities. A shy person can exude these traits just as easily as an outgoing person can.
• Talk calmly and don't let anyone provoke you and make you act in a way you'll regret later.

Related wikiHows

• Become an Elegant Woman
• Be Mischievous

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161265_b01]. 7 February 2020.
2. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/29/good-sense-of-humor_n_5731418.html
3. ↑ [v161265_b01]. 7 February 2020.
4. ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/selfconf.html
5. ↑ [v161486_b01]. 22 July 2020.
6. ↑ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/boost-body-confidence

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How to Use Reverse Psychology

What is reverse psychology, and why does it work? Your questions, answered

Reverse psychology refers to getting another person to do or say something by telling them the opposite of what is desired. It’s a common tactic commonly found in advertising and even parenting, and can be a great skill when used carefully and responsibly. We’ll show you how to use reverse psychology, and show you when it’s appropriate versus when it’s manipulative. We’ll also tell you why it works, how to spot it, and how to respond when someone else uses it.

Things You Should Know

• Start by presenting the other person with their options, but don’t tell them which one you prefer.
• Argue against the option you actually want. Act uncertain, or tell the person you don’t think they’d want it, or are capable of doing it.
• Tell the other person that whatever they do, it’s their choice, to give them the autonomy to make a decision and dodge suspicion.

Steps

Using Reverse Psychology

1. Start by presenting an option that you want. This is probably the thing the person would normally resist and may initially scoff at, like a kid who doesn’t want to eat their asparagus.^[1] Make sure the person is aware of the option at hand, without pushing them that direction just yet.
   
   • For example, say you're deciding between 2 parties to attend. Your friend is a film fanatic, and their group of friends are having a movie night. You're more of a board game person, and another group of friends is having a game night.
   • Make your friend aware of the option you want. Say something like, "Did you hear Madison and Emily are doing that board game night? Kind of boring, if you ask me."
2. Drop subtle hints that make the option you want more enticing. You might tell them that you’re not convinced yourself, and need help choosing.^[2] Then, plant in the person’s head some positive outcomes of what might happen if they choose your option. Again, it’s important not to seem too enthusiastic.
   
   • For example, casually mention some fun board games that will be played at the event, or bring up who else is going, or other things, like, "Madison always has the best selection of wine at her place."
   • Or, use nonverbal cues, like playing a game of cards with your friend a few days before the event, letting them see for themself how much fun games can be.
3. Discourage or argue against the option you want. Once the person is hooked, become slightly argumentative.^[3] This makes your friend naturally push for the option you want. One common strategy is to suggest that they’re not ready for it, like, “These games might be a little too hard for you, though…”^[4]
   
   • Or, say something like, "Well, we can go to Madison and Emily's, or that movie night. What do you think? I think Madison and Emily's thing may be a tad boring."
   • If they’re still ambivalent, be more overt. Say something like, "We can always go to Madison and Emily's another time."
4. Push the person to make a decision. To close the negotiating process, push the person to make a decision. This makes them think they're making their own choice, without your influence. Ask them politely what they want to do, and wait for a response. Hopefully, the person will go for the option you were vying for.^[5]
   
   • Say something like, "So, we can go to Madison and Emily's, or the movie night. What do you think? It's your decision."
   • This also pressures the person to make a more urgent decision, and they might yield to your choice under that pressure.

Why does reverse psychology work?

1. Reverse psychology takes advantage of natural defiance. People generally don’t love being told what to do, so when they think they’re being influenced or manipulated, they’re likely to go the other direction simply to prove their freedom and autonomy.^[6] Reverse psychology is a way of using this impulse to one’s advantage.
   
   • This impulse is sometimes called “reactivity” or “strategic self-anticonformity.”

Making Sure Reverse Psychology Is Effective

1. Make sure your target is susceptible to suggestion. Not everyone responds well to reverse psychology. People who tend to be more compliant may respond better to direct requests, while people who like to argue are better targets for reverse psychology strategies.^[7]
   
   • Think about the interactions you've had with the person in question. Do they tend to go along with the flow of things, or do they tend to resist?
   • If you know someone who is a more independent thinker, and likes to resist the status quo, this person may be more susceptible to reverse psychology than a person who's generally agreeable.
2. Use reverse psychology in low-stakes, lighthearted situations. Reverse psychology should be a fun game, or even a joke. This is especially true when using the technique on very young children. Try to use it as a means to make someone think they're outsmarting you, or to teach a lesson.^[8]
   
   • For example, you might explain to a child that he's too young to make his bed on his own and needs help. Later, you may find he's already started on his own, as he wants to prove his autonomy.
3. Change your strategy according to what the other person wants. If someone's desire to do something outweighs their urge to resist, classic reverse psychology may backfire, since they’ll do the thing anyway.^[9]
   
   • For example, say your friend really wants to attend a concert in a bad part of town. If you say, "You're right. You should go!" your friend may wholeheartedly agree.
   • Instead, try arguing against yourself in these cases, rather than the choice at hand. Say, "I can't make you do anything you don't want to do. I'm pretty sure this part of town is dangerous, but only you can decide what's best for you."
   • You're encouraging your friend to think for themselves here. If your friend is naturally resistant, they may instead yield to your advice rather than thinking for themselves.
4. Keep your end goal in mind to avoid confusing yourself. Remind yourself periodically what you want the person to do. Occasionally, things can get argumentative when you use reverse psychology. It's easy to lose track of your own wants during an argument—and reverse psychology can even work on yourself!^[10]
   

Using Reverse Psychology Responsibly

1. Use reverse psychology only once in a while. Reverse psychology can work great in certain situations. However, keep in mind that, yes, it is a subtle form of manipulation. Using reverse psychology habitually can be incredibly damaging to relationships and erode other people’s trust in you.^[11]
   
   • Constant reverse psychology can indicate an unwillingness to compromise. That constant manipulation and lack of compromise can be a huge red flag in any relationship.^[12]
   • Also, the other person might learn that they’re rewarded for opposing you, which can cause rifts in the relationship.
2. Stop using reverse psychology if it frustrates the other person. There’s always a chance your target might pick up on the strategy and become agitated.^[13] If this happens, apologize and drop the tactic, using more transparent and straightforward methods, instead.
   
   • Manipulating other people while they’re under stress is never okay, even in lighthearted situations.
   • Stay calm and cool yourself to avoid suspicion and make your strategy more effective.
3. Avoid using reverse psychology in serious situations. There are certain situations where reverse psychology is likely to backfire, and the consequences can be serious. Always refrain from using reverse psychology when someone's health and wellbeing is at stake.^[14]
   
   • For example, say your friend is chronically afraid of doctors. They have a suspicious mole growing on their shoulder and is resistant to getting it checked out.
   • Do not say, "You're right. Do not go to the doctor." Your friend's fear of doctors may greatly outweigh their need to resist, and you may reinforce a dangerous behavior.

Signs Someone is Using Reverse Psychology

1. They won’t say what they want directly. Reverse psychology requires a little finesse and dancing around the point, as the person using it tries to nudge you one way or another.^[15] If someone won’t come right out and say what they want and why, you might be dealing with a little manipulation.
   
2. They challenge your own ability or desire to do something. A common tactic of reverse psychology is telling someone they’re not able to do something, or doubting their resolve, to make them “prove” otherwise.^[16] If someone challenges you this way, don’t fall for it!
   
   • For example, a parent might say, “Oh, you’re not ready for vegetables like carrots,” to convince their child to eat the carrot and “prove” they’re old enough for it.
3. They have something to gain from the discussion. Ultimately, reverse psychology is a manipulation tactic (even if it’s often harmless) that people use to get their way.^[17] Ask yourself if the other person stands to gain something by getting you to do what you don’t really want to. They might have other motivations.
   
   • For example, you might be headed to Party A, but they want to go to Party B to see someone they like, and so try to sway you in that direction with reverse psychology.
4. What they want doesn’t match up to what you know about them. Reverse psychology hinges on arguing against what you really want.^[18] It’s easy to spot when someone’s argument doesn’t match up with what you already know they want for a fact. These inconsistencies can help you spot it a mile away.
   
   • For example, if your friend has talked in the past about wanting to see a certain movie, but now they keep hinting that it’s not worth your time, they may be trying to influence you.

Responding to Reverse Psychology

1. Ask them to explain why they want what they say they want. If they’re using reverse psychology and arguing for something they don’t actually want in the hopes you’ll go the other way, it can be easy to make them falter.^[19]
   
   • Ask them to explain their position, and listen for any inconsistencies. Their argument might not make much sense when you really think about it.
   • For example, if they’re arguing in favor of chocolate ice cream when you know they prefer vanilla, say that! They might start to backpedal.
2. Pick the choice you originally wanted anyway. When in doubt, rewind to the start of the conversation and tell them you’re doing what you originally set out to do. They may learn that reverse psychology doesn’t work on you, and give it up in the future.^[20]
   
3. Let them know that you know what they’re doing. If you’re certain they’re trying to use reverse psychology on you, reveal that you know. If they know that you know how it works, they’re less likely to try it on you moving forward.^[21]
   
   • That said, watch out for reverse-reverse psychology, which is when someone uses your own knowledge of the strategy to pretend they’re not doing it.
   • With reverse-reverse psychology, someone wants you to think they’re doing reverse psychology to make you pick the option you think they don’t want you to do. Tricky!

Video

Warnings

• This isn't the healthiest way to communicate, since you're essentially taking advantage of (and spurring) someone's misguided rebelliousness.^[22] In the case of children, they usually grow out of it, but most adults will realize how silly they're being and respond to nonviolent communication instead.

Related wikiHows

• Persuade People with Subconscious Techniques
• Be Persuasive

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201109/the-true-spirit-reverse-psychology
2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201302/when-all-else-failstry-reverse-psychology
3. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233021679_Do_people_use_reverse_psychology_An_exploration_of_strategic_self-anticonformity
4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201302/when-all-else-failstry-reverse-psychology
5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-science-influence/201104/do-you-use-reverse-psychology-stop-right-now
6. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233021679_Do_people_use_reverse_psychology_An_exploration_of_strategic_self-anticonformity
7. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233021679_Do_people_use_reverse_psychology_An_exploration_of_strategic_self-anticonformity
8. ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/reverse-psychology-what-is-it-and-does-it-work.html
9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-science-influence/201104/do-you-use-reverse-psychology-stop-right-now
10. ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/reverse-psychology-what-is-it-and-does-it-work.html
11. ↑ https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-does-reverse-psychology-work
12. ↑ [v162069_b01]. 3 February 2022.
13. ↑ https://www.livescience.com/55272-how-reverse-psychology-works.html
14. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-science-influence/201104/do-you-use-reverse-psychology-stop-right-now
15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-influence/201104/do-you-use-reverse-psychology-stop-right-now
16. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201109/the-true-spirit-reverse-psychology
17. ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/reverse-psychology-what-is-it-and-does-it-work.html
18. ↑ https://www.livescience.com/55272-how-reverse-psychology-works.html
19. ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/reverse-psychology-what-is-it-and-does-it-work.html
20. ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/reverse-psychology-what-is-it-and-does-it-work.html
21. ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/reverse-psychology-what-is-it-and-does-it-work.html
22. ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/reverse-psychology-what-is-it-and-does-it-work.html

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