If you've ever wondered about your compassion, you're in the right place. Cortiva Institute created this simple test to help you find out if you have what we call the "compassionate gene."

This is one test you can't fail. There are no wrong answers. Everybody's different. Just answer each question with your first instinct. Your responses to these everyday life situations can provide a good measure of your natural compassion. See for yourself.

1. I'm willing to go out of my way for:  Family and close friends only.
Family and acquaintances whom I feel I can help.
Anyone who needs help.  
2. When people ask more from me than I can easily do, I usually:  Say "No" so they'll find someone else to help them.
Use all resources at my disposal and risk getting burned out.
Balance my own needs with requests by maintaining awareness of my time and resources.
3. I find a wallet in the street:  I leave it where it is. I don't want to get involved.
I drop it off at the nearest police precinct. Let them handle it.
I look through it for an address to return it. The person who lost it must be frantic.
4. Donating my time:  I think about it, but I never seem to get around to doing it.
I do it to be social and to learn more about the world/other people.
I do it for worthy causes.
5. I recycle:  If I have to (when someone else is watching).
If I have time (and the recycling bin is right there).
I recycle everything I can. (It’s the right thing to do.)
6. I'm late for an appointment:  Who cares. People are always keeping me waiting.
If I'm a little late, it's OK. Sometimes it can't be avoided.
I call ahead. It's rude to keep others waiting.
7. When people want my advice on how to solve their problems:  I only listen if I can’t escape or change the subject.
I listen intently so I can understand how to help them.
I listen to be supportive, even if I don’t have the answers.
8. When a friend experiences a big success (like a promotion):  I'm secretly jealous, but I smile.
I'm happy for them, but I wish it happened to me.
I congratulate them and really mean it.
9. When I take on responsibility:  I do it to gain experience.
I do it for the others who will be affected by it.
I do it because the job needs to get done.
10. My perfect fantasy job:  Power, notoriety, money, glory.
Satisfaction, creativity, fulfillment, personal growth.
It doesn’t matter what I do, as long as I am doing good in the world.
11. In general, I think people:  Are basically selfish and self-serving.
Mean well, but are often too preoccupied to help others.
Are generally good, but sometimes lack good judgement.
12. When listening to someone else:  I cut them off after I’ve got the gist so I can talk about something more interesting to me.
I tend to finish their sentences for them to help them express their thoughts.
I wait for them to finish talking, then I respond thoughtfully.
13. The reason I would help someone else is:  Then they would owe me a favor.
To hear them say "thank you."
It makes me feel good.
14. A typical way I have physical contact with others is:  Crowded together in an elevator. And only as a last resort.
A handshake. A pat on the back.
A hug between people feels pretty good.
15. When I need to make an important decision, I will:  Usually ask someone else to help me make a decision.
Seek out a few opinions from friends and then make my own decision.
Do my own research and then confidently make my own decision.