Does the real you disappear when you’re in a crowd? Or do you stand out on your own? Take this quiz to measure your confidence.
1. You didn’t train for soccer season. When Coach asks, you:
a. change the subject.
b. tell him you’re just there to have fun.
c. show off your best footwork and hope he’s impressed.
d. admit that you didn’t practice, even if it disappoints him.
2. The neighbor kids talk about a new movie you haven’t seen. You:
a. nod along, acting like you’ve watched it too.
b. cover your ears and shout, “Don’t spoil the ending!”
c. lie that you saw the movie before they did.
d. ask about their favorite jokes or stunts.
3. A girl on the bus makes fun of your hair. You:
a. get a haircut as soon as possible.
b. shrug and ignore her. (Your hair is great.)
c. tell her she has ugly shoes.
d. look at different styles on the computer. It’s fun to change your look!
4. Your friends all make plans to bring lunch from home… on pizza day. You:
a. bring a bag lunch and tell yourself you don’t really like pizza.
b. eat pizza and brag how great it tastes.
c. run to the cafeteria and eat before your friends arrive.
d. suggest that you all bring lunch on a different day.
5. When getting dressed for a friend’s birthday party, you:
a. worry that you won’t look exactly like your friends.
b. wear the biggest, silliest hat you can find.
c. choose a shirt with a cool logo, ’cause it makes you cooler.
d. grab comfortable clothes so you can play games.
6. Mom lets you pick the restaurant. You:
a. list three or four places, then see which one she likes.
b. go to an ice cream parlor. Dessert for dinner!
c. suggest the fanciest steakhouse in town.
d. name your favorite restaurant, of course.
7. When choosing a topic for a school report, you:
a. ask the teacher for ideas.
b. research turtles, same as always.
c. pick the smartest-sounding topic you can think of.
d. select a topic that you want to learn more about.
8. Your friend has a better singing voice than you. You:
a. compliment her, while secretly feeling bad about yourself.
b. sing along with her (slightly off-key).
c. practice in secret until you improve.
d. thank God that you both have awesome talents.
9. When asked to list three ways you are unique, you:
a. ask your friends what they notice about you.
b. list them easily. You’ve been quirky since birth.
c. look for traits nobody else has. You’re uniquely unique.
d. write down three things, then realize you have more.
10. Your best friend tells a lie to get out of trouble. You:
a. stand beside her, nodding silently.
b. gasp and stare at her.
c. also lie. That way, she owes you.
d. wait until you two are alone, then urge her to tell the truth.
If you chose mostly A:
It’s hard to know who you are or what you want sometimes. Making yourself invisible won’t make you more likable. “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25, ESV). Remember, God created you special, and He wants others to see the real you.
If you chose mostly B:
You couldn’t care less what people think. You’re weird, and you love it! However, you might need to learn how to read social cues. “Be gentle… show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2, ESV). God surrounded you with other awesome kids. If you don’t get to know them, you might miss some life-changing friendships.
If you chose mostly C:
You try to “win” every relationship, putting on a performance to make yourself look as cool, smart or impressive as possible. Don’t lie or tear down other kids. You are enough, exactly as you are. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11, ESV).
If you chose mostly D:
You like who God created you to be and confidently show your true self to others. Keep it up! “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ… our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5, ESV). Encourage friends and classmates to also assert themselves. People feel more confident if somebody has their back.
