Although it may sound silly, the challenge of trying to lick your elbow might reveal something about who you are. Dr. Brian Little, a respected psychologist from the University of California, introduced this idea during a talk at a renowned event. His quirky test can be a fun way to learn about your personality traits.
Here, we’ll break down what this viral challenge could mean for you and explore different personality types using a popular test called OCEAN (open, conscientious, extroverted, agreeable, and neurotic). We’ll cover the five personality types and what your attempt (or lack of one) at the challenge says about you.
The elbow-licking challenge
The test is simple: can you lick your elbow? The answer might reveal traits you never realized you had. Let’s dive into each outcome.
Open to new experiences
People who try to lick their elbow typically belong to the “open” category. They love new challenges and enjoy experimenting with the unconventional. If you give it a shot, you’re likely curious, creative, and willing to explore new ideas, even if they seem odd at first. This makes you adventurous and ready for life’s unexpected moments.
Conscientious and prepared
Those in the conscientious group might not jump right into the challenge. Instead, they plan and think it through. Maybe you haven’t yet tried to lick your elbow, but you’ve marked it as something to experiment with later. Conscientious individuals are detail-oriented and dependable. In everyday life, they’re the ones who keep appointments, excel at work, and earn promotions. Their careful nature means they might prefer to research a task thoroughly before trying it.
Extroverted and social
Extroverts are driven by social interactions and high-energy experiences. If you’re known for being the life of the party, chances are you’ve attempted the elbow-licking trick. It may have started as a joke, but for an extrovert, it’s simply another fun way to connect with friends. You might even encourage someone else to give it a go.
Warm and agreeable
People with an agreeable nature are friendly and empathetic. They may not feel compelled to try something physically awkward, but they enjoy watching others attempt it. If you fit in this category, you’re likely the one cheering on a friend who’s giving it a go. Your natural kindness makes you supportive and excellent in team environments. You enjoy being part of a group activity, even when the task is as quirky as this one.
Sensitive and neurotic
People with a neurotic personality, who tend to be more sensitive, may initially question their abilities when facing this challenge. However, rather than becoming frustrated, some see this sensitivity as an early warning system that helps them recognize stress and danger. If you didn’t even try to lick your elbow, you may fall into this group. Keep in mind that sensitivity isn’t a flaw but a useful trait that can quickly alert you when something is off.
Dr Brian Little’s test reminds us that personality is a mix of unique traits. Sometimes, a simple challenge can help us understand more about who we are and what makes us unique.