Ever find yourself asking what makes you, well, you? I’ve taken dozens of personality tests, from Myers Briggs to frivolous internet quizzes about my morning coffee order, but recently I’ve found that the true key is in the little things I do automatically. Dr. Christine B.L. Adams, a psychiatrist with three decades of study, says it’s these automatic behaviours not formal tests that can tell us our feelings and motivations. From the way I walk to the way I interact with the barista, my habits are a personal diary of my personality. Let’s explore 15 innocent habits that scream volumes about who we are, providing a new perspective into our inner worlds.
1. The Way You Walk
Your walk is a billboard of your personality. Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman, a body language expert, notes that a steady stride with head held high screams confidence. I’ve noticed this in my friend Sarah, who strides into rooms like she owns them, exuding social ease. Public figures often perfect this “power walk” to project strength. But a slumped, inward posture like mine during stressful weeks hints at vulnerability or deep thought. A 2021 study published in Journal of Personality and Individual Differences even discovered that psychopathic pupils were able to identify “victims” by the way they walked, which means an assertive gait can scare away trouble and be a sign of a bold inner person.
2. Your Handshake
A handshake is a brief but revealing second. Behaviour expert Patrick Wanis maintains that a firm, short shake conveys confidence and receptiveness. I recall encountering a coworker whose firm handshake immediately made me feel comfortable. A limp handshake, however, can imply insecurity consider that uncomfortable, sweaty handshake at a networking reception. Wanis writes that a two handed shake or a descending palm can indicate dominance, even hostility. A study in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology established stronger handshakes with extroversion and emotional expressiveness, and females with strong grips tended to come across as more intellectual and open, making this small gesture a snapshot of personality.
3. Your Email Manners
Emails are an online reflection of your personality. Dr. Adams links our “email persona” to actual personality. My perfectionist friend Tom sends error free, lengthy emails, exhibiting his perfectionism. Research associates common “I” use with narcissism, while extroverts prefer relaxed, enjoyable subjects such as music. Poor grammar may indicate less academic attention, but context is everything. Long letters, such as those that I send when anxious, may indicate completeness or neediness. Brevity and crisp responses tend to indicate efficiency. The next time you press “send,” your email style is broadcasting your personality to the inbox in a quiet way.
4. Nervous Habits (e.g., Nail Biting)
Nail biting or hair twirling isn’t fidgeting it’s a window into your feelings. A 2022 Brain Sciences study attributes such “body focused repetitive behaviours” to stress or anxiety. I bite my nails when I’m due for deadlines, a habit that yells my inner perfectionist attempting to deal. Such tics tend to be comforting, stemming boredom or frustration. If you’re a compulsive nail biter, perhaps you’re seeking control, something typical in detail driven people. Recognizing these patterns helped me understand my stress triggers, turning a quirky habit into a clue for emotional self awareness.
5. Your Punctuality
Your relationship with time reveals much. Dr. Adams says punctual people, like my always early mom, are rule followers who respect others’ schedules. Chronic lateness, which I’m guilty of occasionally, can suggest self focus or, per Dr. Goman, ADHD traits. A 2006 Journal of Research in Personality study correlated punctuality with conscientiousness and agreeableness and early arrivers with a hint of neuroticism, as they might be anxious about being late. My friend Mike, who is always late, low balls task timelines, matching his chill persona. Your attendance or lack thereof is a clear indicator of your priorities and personality.
6. Your Eating Habits
The way you eat is as revealing as what you eat. Slow eaters, such as my cousin who takes bites slowly and thoroughly, are frequently careful and control valuing. Fast eaters, such as myself in hectic weeks, are ambitious but impatient. Daring eaters consider experimenting with sushi or hot curry tend to be risk takers, whereas finicky eaters might experience anxiety, seeking comfort. A Frontiers in Psychology study associates conscientiousness with better eating habits, and neuroticism with worse. My tendency to have foods separated on my plate yell my disorder desperation, so meals are a personality canvas.
7. How You Treat Service Staff
How you treat waiters or cashiers is a character litmus test. Research indicates friendliness towards service staff, such as my tendency to talk to baristas, indicates empathy and high emotional intelligence. Rude behavior such as snapping at a server tends to indicate narcissism or entitlement. I’ve observed this at restaurants: One friend’s patience with a slow server demonstrated her having grace under pressure, and another’s gripes revealed impatience. Psychologists say that dealings in “power” positions, such as customer to employee, reveal true character, so your coffee order becomes a stage for empathy or ego.
8. How Frequently You Check Your Phone
Repetitive phone checking is a contemporary tell. Studies link frequent glances, like my habit during boring meetings, to anxiety or impulsivity. A friend who ignores her phone for hours exudes calm and discipline. Research in Computers in Human Behavior ties excessive phone use to neuroticism and loneliness, while less frequent checking suggests mindfulness. I’ve noticed my scrolling spikes when stressed, a clue to my emotional state. Your phone behavior says something about how you manage attention and stress, creating a digital picture of your inner life.
9. Your Handwriting
Your handwriting is a signature for your personality. Graphology, which has been researched since Aristotle, asserts more than 5,000 characteristics can be identified in your scribble. In 2018, a study reached 80% accuracy on predicting personality based on handwriting. My big, flowing letters indicate I’m extroverted, whereas my sister’s small, neat letters suggest introversion and concentration. A right lean indicates friendliness; a left lean, reserve. Heavy pressure with the pen, such as mine, indicates passion, whereas light pressure indicates flexibility. The next time you scribble a note, consider your pen is drawing out your soul.
10. If You Deflect Compliments
Deflecting compliments, such as when I brush off praise of my culinary skills, usually indicates low self esteem, says Dr. Adams. It’s a habit that I’ve struggled with, one associated with imposter syndrome. Deflecting can become a pattern, turning aside the positive and holding on to self doubt. Saying “thank you” has been empowering, increasing my confidence. People who graciously accept praise tend to be self assured. Your reaction to a compliment says something about how you perceive yourself, making it a subtle but telling measure of inner strength or struggle.
11. Your Pet Preference (Dog Lovers vs. Cat People)
Dog or cat person? This says a lot. According to a study at Carroll University, dog people, such as my sociable neighbour, are extroverted and obedient, loving social strolls. Cat people, such as my contemplative cousin, are independent and open to nonmainstream thoughts. I adore both, but my dog’s energy matches my social personality, whereas my cat’s tranquility aligns with my introspective states. Your pet preference reflects your personality, indicating if you need contact or value your aloneness.
12. How You Roll Your Toilet Paper
Believe it or not, the orientation of toilet paper gives away personality. Dr. Gilda Carle’s poll discovered “over” rollers, like me, are dominant and organized, in charge. “Under” rollers might be submissive, prioritizing privacy. This offbeat behaviour indicates how you handle control. My “over” predilection complements my preference for order, while my friend’s “under” corresponds with her relaxed personality. It’s a little action that subsides that indicates your position on structure and social dynamics.
13. Your Taste in Music
Your playlist is a personality soundtrack. Classical and jazz enthusiasts, my dad included, are according to a Cambridge University study, associated with intellectual curiosity and openness. Pop fans, my energetic sister included, are extroverted and agreeable. My heavy metal enthusiasm suggests nonconformity and emotional depth. Country fans are traditionalist, while progressive rock enthusiasts, like myself, test high in creativity. Music influences mood and connection, so your Spotify queue is a colorful indicator of your inner life.
14. Checking Locks or the Stove Twice
Double checking locks or the stove, as I do at night, denotes responsibility and conscientiousness. It is a habit born out of my desire for peace of mind, a demonstration of conscientiousness. For others, it’s anxiety provoking, but for me, it’s about protection. Those who don’t bother checking might be more laid back. This little action demonstrates how you approach responsibility, displaying a fastidious nature that appreciates control and security in an insecure world.
15. Grammar Correction in Text Messages or Web Posts
I can’t help but correct a typo in a group conversation, a quirk that screams perfectionism. Attention to grammar is an expression of affection for precision and order. People who do this, such as myself, appreciate clarity and might wince at looseness. It can appear nitpicky, but it’s about maintaining standards. This quirk showcases a meticulous mind, usually connected with intellectual severity and love for clear communication.
These habits from your stride to your Spotify paint a vivid portrait of your personality. They’re not just quirks; they’re clues to your confidence, emotions, and values. Reflecting on my own habits, I’ve learned to embrace my strengths and work on my doubts. What do your daily actions say about the unique, wonderful you?
