8 Optical Illusions That Reveal How Self-Aware You Truly Are

Understanding ourselves better is a really helpful thing for personal growth. However, truly knowing who we are isn’t always easy. It’s like trying to see yourself through someone else’s eyes without letting your feelings get in the way. It takes clear thinking and focusing on facts to get a complete picture of ourselves. For some people, this ability comes naturally, making them very thoughtful about what they do and say to others. Being self-aware can also help us spot and stay away from situations and relationships that could be harmful to us. A fun and quick way to get a glimpse into your self-awareness is by looking at optical illusions. These visual tricks can reveal surprising things about your personality and how you see the world. Here are eight illusions that can help you discover how self-aware you are of different aspects of yourself:

1. The Running Figure: Discover Your Dominant Brain Style

The concepts of feminine and masculine energy, sometimes called “Yin and Yang,” represent two important but opposite forces in the world. Together, they help create balance and harmony. These energies are often linked to certain characteristics. It’s important to remember that these energies aren’t tied to whether someone is biologically male or female. By looking at the image above, you can get an idea of whether your brain leans more towards these traditionally “feminine” or “masculine” styles of thinking. What do you see in the picture? Is it “a man running away” from you, or is he “running towards you”? Here’s what each answer might suggest:

“Running Away From You”

Seeing the figure running away might mean that “you do not make decisions hastily.” Instead, “you listen to your senses and often use reasoning and logic to overcome obstacles.” You’re likely good at “multi-tasking,” and you probably have a strong “memory.” When faced with a difficult situation, “your best friend is your intuition.” These traits are often associated with what is sometimes called a “mostly female” brain.

“Running Towards You” 

If you see the figure running towards you, it could indicate that “you are good at solving problems.” You probably enjoy “puzzles and anything that requires analysis.” While “multitasking may not be something you are very good at, you are exceptional when you manage to have a single focus.” These are traits often linked to a “male brain.”

2. The Hidden Animals: Are You Cautious or Adventurous?

In this optical illusion, if you look closely, “you will be able to see two animals who are natural enemies – a cat and a mouse.” What you notice first might give you a clue about whether “you are generally cautious or more prone to going on adventures.” If you first see the mouse, “you will also tend to be a person who is more self-aware of how and where to use available resources.” On the other hand, if you first see the cat, “you will tend to be extremely independent.”

3. The Sunset or the Lips: Are You an Optimist or a Cynic?

In this image, do you first see “luscious red lips or a beautiful sunset?” One of the key benefits of “self-awareness is knowing how you generally look at life.” This illusion can help you understand if you tend to be “cynical and cautious when dealing with the world.” Or, perhaps “you might be an optimist, so much so that you cannot avoid assisting anyone who asks for your help!”

4. The Cloud or the Fish: Exploring Commitment Tendencies

When you look at this image, “at first glance, it might look like a cloud among the mountains.” However, “for some, they may spot a fish instead.” According to the person who originally shared “this optical illusion,” the first thing you see “will let you know if you have difficulty with commitment.” Seeing the fish first “might be someone who never lets an opportunity pass, no matter the risk.” Or, seeing the cloud might suggest “you might find it easy to trust anyone new completely.”

5. The Wine Glass or the Forks: Understanding How Others See You

“Self-awareness also gives us an idea about how others look at our actions and behavior.” In this image, “you may either see a wine glass or, if you look closely, two forks!” According to “the TikTok clip where it originated,” seeing the wine glass first “indicates that you usually value your goals over everything.” However, “that does not mean you put yourself first over anyone you choose to be close to.”

6. The Detailed Scene: Revealing Shyness and Trust Levels

“This illusion is a bit more detailed because it can reveal much about you.” “Depending on which part of the image attracts your attention more, it can show you whether you are too shy.” However, “that is not necessary a bad thing, as it is most likely your attempt to protect yourself for disappointment.” On the other hand, you might be someone who feels comfortable around many people, like “a literal social butterfly.”

7. The Hidden Image: Are You Too Hard on Yourself?

“Too much or too little of anything is more harmful than helpful, and self-awareness is no exception.” “If you give too much attention to yourself, you risk being unnecessarily harsh on everything you do. This will, in turn, affect your self-esteem.” This illusion is designed “to help you see whether you are too self-critical.” “However, if you see something else, it can mean people see you as too judgemental.” It’s all about finding a healthy balance in how we view ourselves and others.

8. The Intricate Picture: Discover Your Love Language

“For the final one on the list, we have the most detailed illusion.” “In this one, it tackles a very particular aspect of your life: how you express your love.” “In other words, it can help you determine your love language.” You might feel most loved when you receive “gifts,” when someone does helpful “acts of service” for you, through “physical touch,” or by simply “finding time to spend together.” Thinking about what you see first in this illusion can give you insights into “which act of love you appreciate the most.”