Quiz: Are You Too Sensitive?

When your boss gives you negative feedback, do you consider it constructive? Or, do you internalize the criticism and misconstrue it as a personal attack? Has one of your family members or coworkers ever commented that they have to walk on eggshells to avoid hurting your feelings? Have you been known to shed a tear (or two!) at the office? Take this quiz to determine whether or not you're too sensitive.

Instructions:

Read each statement and select an answer that best describes what you would do in the situation. Although you may not find one that describes you perfectly, choose the one that works best.

1. After working diligently on a project for weeks, you finally turn it in to your boss. Although you think it's perfect, he apparently feels differently. When he asks you to revise it to include his recommendations, you:

A. Shrug it off and perform the task his way. It's not personal; it's business.

B. Politely explain why you approached the project like you did and then make his changes.

C. Feel defeated. You put so much of yourself into that assignment, and his critique feels like a personal attack.

2. Every Friday, you go out to lunch with your coworker, Katherine. However, this Friday, without providing an explanation for her departure, she leaves the office at noon with another coworker. Perplexed, you:

A. Figure that Katherine and the other women have important matters to discuss and head out to lunch solo.

B. Text Katherine to make sure your lunch plans are cancelled. If so, you'll just ask another coworker to grab a bite with you.

C. Decide that Katherine's mad at you and e-mail her to apologize for any possible wrongdoing on your part.

3. Your boss calls all of the members of your department except you into her office for a closed-door meeting. Confused about your exclusion, you:

A. Give the situation a fleeting thought; however, you refuse to lose sleep over it. Most likely, your boss was just giving your coworkers more work. And, if that's the case, you're glad you were excluded from the meeting!

B. Shoot an inquiring e-mail to your closest coworker once she has left the meeting.

C. Freak out and consider this an omen that you're about to get axed. Time to update your resume!

4. While at a business dinner with important clients, someone makes a comment to you about how it's refreshing to see a woman who actually eats. You:

A. Laugh it off and continue to chow down on your filet.

B. Acknowledge that this comment could be taken in more than one way, but refuse to let it ruin your meal.

C. Blush and make a mental note to order a salad the next time you're at a business event.

5. During your annual performance review, your boss mentions that he's less than impressed with your work ethic. When he asks for your feedback, you:

A. Briefly explain that you always try to perform to the best of your ability. If he can't see that, then it's not your fault.

B. Obviously feel slighted, but attempt to keep your cool. You then highlight specific ways you've demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout the year.

C. React emotionally and fight back tears and a rapidly beating heart.

Count the number of A's, B's and C's on your list.

If mostly A's appeared on your list: Sensitive? No way! In fact, you fall into an entirely different camp: complete apathy. Although having thick skin can be beneficial, it's possible to showcase your emotions and speak your mind without losing your job. Learn how to strike the perfect balance.

If mostly B's appeared on your list: Congratulations, you're neither overly sensitive nor overly apathetic. Although you may occasionally get your feelings hurt, you try to keep your emotions in check at the office. As a result, others consider you relatable, yet professional. Keep up the great work!

If mostly C's appeared on your list: Let's face it: You're too sensitive. Instead of looking at situations pragmatically, you tend to respond emotionally. Although your sensitive side may cause others to confide in you, it can be detrimental to your career. Repeat after me: "It's not personal; it's business." To ensure that your sensitivity isn't encroaching on your professional credibility, check out this helpful article.