via mind journal

Our relationships with others are some of the most important things we have to maintain a happy, healthy life. In fact, some scientific studies have suggested that secure, grounded relationships are as important as a good diet and exercise! How? Well, social isolation causes stress. Stress, as we know, can increase systemic inflammation in the body, tank our immune system, and leave us susceptible to disease at the same degree as being inactive.

Yet, for many of us, we did not have healthy family dynamics modeled, even if our parents were doing their best. These first, key family dynamics can also shape how we make other relationships in the future, and may well distort how we view our interactions with the world going forward. This quick-and-easy psychological test could give you a key insight into how you view family dynamics- and how it’s influenced your response to other relationships.

Have a look at the picture below, showing three families walking.  Which of these families do you think isn’t a real one? Don’t overthink it, go with your gut. We’re testing the ways you respond to subtle signals. When you’re done, scroll down for the real answer- and what your pick can tell you about yourself!

via Brightside

Family 1

via Brightside

What the picture tells us about the family:

There’s an undercurrent of tension in this picture, sure, but sometimes families aren’t the best. The male figure is distracted and uninterested, seemingly not wanting to be there at all. However, you’ll still notice he’s turned protectively towards the group- he feels responsibility, even if he’d rather not. The female figure is fully focused on the child. Perhaps she feels the need to overcompensate with extra love and protection for the father’s lack of care. Or maybe she’s too focused on the child, and can’t see the needs of her partner. Whether it’s real or not, she is shielding the child, and that held hand suggests care and affection. The child isn’t the most comfortable, but they’re engaged. This is an unhappy family with problems, but it’s a family never-the-less.

What your choice tells you about yourself:

Well, you were only half-wrong when you picked out this picture! But you missed some of the subtle signs that there was still a connection here. Family probably hasn’t been a focal point in your life to date. Perhaps you had the cold parent who didn’t want to be there, or maybe the over-attached parent who put too much pressure on your shoulders and you could never live up to it. 

On the plus side, it’s probably made you a great friend. In fact, you probably see them as your real family. You like to spread love and bring positivity to people’s lives- probably because you don't want anyone to grow up like you did. It’s that gut reaction that led you to pick out this picture as the fake one.

Family 2

via Brightside

What the picture tells us about the family:

This is the fake family we were looking for. Both parents are distanced from the little girl, and she doesn’t even want their attention, either. There’s no connection between the three, and we’ve seen happier groups of strangers, to be honest. The body language in this picture is flat and dull. The female figure is walking straight and fast, keen to get out of the moment. The male seems like they could be checking a phone, or just checking out in general. They don’t want to be there either. And the child couldn’t look less comfortable. That’s not the happy skipping of a distracted child- they look edgy and bored, and there could be a tantrum building. There’s just nothing comfortable or kind here.

What your choice tells you about yourself:

Whatever your own family background, you yourself are strongly family-orientated. You know that happy, stable relationships come from people who feel nurtured and loved, and you understand how important trust is. You may even have ignored your own needs to make your loved ones happy. Most importantly, you know that family isn’t about blood, or perfect people- it’s about the hard work you put into loving and supporting each other.

Family 3

via Brightside

What the picture tells us about the family:

This is a happy family, and you can feel the love here too. Look how closely the couple is walking together- it’s definitely arm-in-arm, and probably an embrace. The little one trusts their father enough to walk with them hand-in-hand, and while they’re not right next to dad, that’s probably because they’re having the kind of blissful fun you do as a child out walking with two parents who love you and whom you trust.

What your choice tells you about yourself

So, you picked this happy family as the fake one… what does that mean about you? It’s possible you don’t come from the best family background. In fact, it was probably a little dysfunctional, though you may all have meant well. Why? Well, your anxiety is showing here, and you’re not very good at reading other people. You probably worry a lot about the future, and you generally overthink things. You certainly over thought this simple picture into something worse than it was.

Remember, it’s never too late to work on having happy, healthy relationships, so don’t be put off if you didn’t pick the real strangers!