Sure, everyone’s a little unkind now and then—but have you ever wondered if you’re actually mean?
Give your honest answers to these quick questions, and we’ll tell you how mean you are compared to the average person.
Questions Overview
- I elbow everyone around me. Just to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
- I subtly step on their foot, just to teach them a lesson.
- I shrug it off. Accidents happen.
- I apologize for getting in their way.
- I buy it and eat it in front of them. You snooze, you lose.
- I buy it, but give them an apologetic look after.
- I choose something else. They can have it, it's no big deal.
- I buy it for them. Now we both feel good!
- Talk louder about how much fun it'll be.
- Lower my voice, but keep talking about it.
- Change the subject so they don't hear.
- Invite them to come. Who knows? Could be fun.
- Shout "Waiter!" until someone comes.
- Wave my hand in the air dramatically so they can’t miss me.
- Say "Excuse me," when one walks by the table to grab their attention.
- Wait patiently for someone to come to me when they’re free.
- I laugh out loud. Now that's something to celebrate!
- I feel neutral about it.
- I feel kinda bad for them. Not too bad, though.
- I feel terrible. Nobody deserves that.
- I take every opportunity to tell people why I don’t like them. So no, I don’t ghost.
- Yeah, all the time. If someone’s vibe is weird, I’m out!
- Once or twice.
- Never. It’s rude!
- "You’re going out in that? Whatever, you do you."
- "I’m gonna be real, you look terrible."
- "I like the concept, but let's workshop this."
- "You always look great, but I'm not sure about this one..."
- Spill my friend's secret to the crush so they're turned off.
- Make my move. I love my friend but I called dibs.
- Step aside and let them have the crush. I can get over it.
- Set my friend up with the crush. I just want my pal to be happy!
- Yeah, and I've started some of my own...
- Sure. Everyone does.
- Sometimes, but I'm not proud.
- Never. I don't talk unless I have the facts.
- Turn all their friends against them.
- Tell them off to their face.
- Avoid them. We don't have to be friends.
- Try to talk it out and see if we can understand each other.
- Stalk all their accounts and send them hate messages until they deactivate.
- Diss 'em right back. Two can play that game.
- Block them and move on.
- Tell them to have a nice day. I mean it. I hope things get better for them.
- Can you hold your breath? You're wasting all my air.
- I always wanted kids until I met you and saw how they could turn out.
- You'll never disappoint me because my standards for you are too low.
- I don't really like these.
More Quizzes
How to Be Less Mean
We’ve all got a nasty side, that’s just part of being human. And while sometimes being a little mean is called for, it’s not so nice when you find yourself being mean by default. It’s not fun for the people around you, and it’s not fun for yourself, either. It happens to the best of us, but here’s how to ease up and lay off:
Put yourself in their shoes.
Sometimes, when someone’s being mean, they’re just having a bad day and blowing off steam. That doesn’t make it okay, but part of being a good person is having grace and patience for those people in those moments. Take a minute and try to imagine what sort of pressure they might be under. Maybe something’s going on at home, or they just lost something or someone, or they’re on a terrible string of bad luck. Even if it’s not true, it helps you empathize.
Force yourself to think of a compliment.
You don’t actually have to give the person the compliment, but it’s hard to think mean thoughts about someone when you’re already thinking nice thoughts. Their hair looks nice, they have a nice smile, they’re handling a lot of pressure, their outfit is cool, that comeback was super clever. Whatever it is, think it, then put it in your pocket and walk away.
Think happy thoughts.
It’s easy for mean thoughts to slip out when your brain is overflowing with them. It’s like trying to stop a pot from boiling over without actually taking it off the stove. Practice thinking good thoughts. They can be about anything: imagine a warm spring breeze, remember something nice a friend did for you, look forward to that delicious meal you’re having tonight. Pleasantness starts from within.
Shrug it off.
When you’re unbothered and in your own lane, being mean doesn’t even occur to you. We know, we know, easier said than done, but sometimes the most satisfying thing you can do, and the most devastating, is walk away. Don’t give them the pleasure of picking on you. Show them that they’re beneath you, and not worth your time. You’ll save yourself a whole lot of hassle.
Want to learn more?
For more information about being kind, check out these helpful resources:
Reader Success Stories
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"It's a topic most people want to know about; you would probably know if you were mean, but this quiz will help people find out for fun! I honestly loved it!"..." more
