Relationships

What sort of animal are you?

Determining your animal personality is a matter of matching your personality traits to the animal species which closest matches you. You may instantly know which animal represents you, but if you want more help, then our quiz will help you to identify which animal you are. 

Taking our animals quiz is a great way to stimulate discussion about how you relate to others in your relationships. It can be a good way of thinking about how you behave and how other people perceive you and what effects that can have.

1. How would your best friend (or someone who you know really well) describe you?

a) Reliable and Friendly
b) Serene and Competent
c) Independent and Influential
d) Confident and Observant
e) Sensitive and Shy
f) Hardworking and Playful

2. How would someone who doesn't like you describe you?

a) Boring and Passive
b) Serious & Snobby
c) Overbearing and Bossy
d) Distant and Indifferent
e) Insecure and Defensive
f) Anxious and Uptight

3. What qualities do you most value in a relationship?

a) Loyalty and Companionship
b) Commitment and Harmony
c) Teamwork and a shared commitment to family
d) Autonomy and mutual growth
e) Security and Stability
f) A willingness to work at things

4. How do you most like to relax and spend time with your partner?

a) Long walks, hand in hand
b) Listening to classical music or enjoying the arts together
c) Doing something active together and then sharing some good food and wine
d) Sitting in a café together, chatting and watching the world go by
e) Snuggled up on the sofa together watching a film
f) Doing some DIY around the house then relaxing together and admiring our handiwork

5. What sentence best describes your feelings about physical affection?

a) I'm very affectionate and like lots of kisses and hugs with friends and family
b) I enjoy affection but only in private and with people I'm close to
c) I love to be touched and caressed but I also need my own space to be respected
d) I'm not very affectionate except with my partner
e) I'm quite hard to get close to but I am extremely affectionate with people I trust
f) I don't have time for affection – I wish I did!

6. If someone starts an argument with you, what is your instant reaction most likely to be?

a) I'd try to placate them and get on good terms as quickly as possible
b) I'd be calm on the outside but inside I'd be anxious
c) I'd fight back
d) I'd withdraw and refuse to get involved
e) I'd become very defensive
f) I'd work hard to find a resolution

7. What sentence best describes your attitude towards parenting?

a) Parents should always be there for their kids
b) Parents should protect their children at all costs
c) Parents should teach their children to survive and succeed
d) Parents should show their children how to be independent
e) Parents should help their children to recognise danger
f) Parents should provide for their children’s needs

8.) What sentence best describes your attitude to life?

a) Life is a game – share it
b) Life is a game – perform it
c) Life is a game – win it
d) Life is a game – learn it
e) Life is a game – survive it
f) Life is a game – play it

Mostly A'sThe Lovable Labrador.

Man’s best friend loyal, trusting and playful. 

What type of animal are you?

You can rely on the Labrador to always be around for you when you want them for comfort and for fun. But sometimes you'll find they're there when you don't! It is used to doing what it’s told and working hard to please, but without lots of affection and attention it can quickly become lonely and sad. And if ignored for too long, they can be very vocal in demanding the attention they need, and don't forget they can bite! 

Labradors love being in relationships but sometimes their loyalty can be taken for granted. If you're a Labrador, make sure you take time to consider your needs as well as everyone else’s. Think about the direction that your relationship is going in and don't be afraid to take the lead for a while if necessary.

Mostly B’s

The Graceful Swan

Elegant and graceful, inspires feelings of tranquillity and calm in those who surround it. 

But those qualities come at a price. The swan works hard to maintain its pure, unruffled exterior and beneath the surface is an ongoing bustle of activity. It mates for life and takes the responsibility of rearing their young very seriously. In fact, pretty much the only time you'll see this graceful animal ruffled is when it thinks its family is under threat – then those beautiful wings can become a fearful weapon. 

The swan can sometimes feel quite isolated in a relationship and feel that they're the only one looking after the family. Remember that your serene exterior can be misleading to others and in order to get support you need, sometimes you'll need to admit to what’s going on under the surface.

Mostly C’s

The Regal Lion

One of the most revered animals in human history. 

It is both beautiful and awesome. The lion combines grace and power into a combination that leaves others excited and a little scared. A predatory animal it lives in a hostile environment where survival is dependent on speed, agility and intelligence. Independence is valued but so too is the social structure of the pride, where rules are obeyed for the greater good of the family. 

The lion's ferocious independence can sometimes be seen by others as aggression and a sign that they're not really needed. Make sure you take time to tell others that you do need them and want them in your life. Just because you can survive alone, doesn't mean that you want to. Let those close to you see the pussy cat as well as the wild animal.

Mostly D's

The Solitary Eagle

Flying high above the rest of the world, this distinguished bird is known for its keen observation skills. 

The eagle knows what’s going on and takes its time to fully evaluate any situation before getting involved. It doesn't commit to relationships until late in life but then tends to stays faithful to the end. Freedom is highly valued and the eagle is happy to move home and hunting ground on a regular basis. This solitary high-flier has few enemies and needs even fewer friends – but it is a faithful and committed partner.

In relationships, the eagle needs to make sure they're not so busy surveying the world that they miss what’s going on under their own beaks. Your partner may sometimes feel that you have little interest in them or in your relationship. Be sure you regularly come off your perch and demonstrate how much you enjoy spending time with your loved ones.

Mostly E’s

The Prickly Hedgehog

In spite of being a very common mammal, the hedgehog is a rare sight.

This cute little creature is very shy and likes to keep its ear close to the ground to protect itself from possible attack. Famous for its highly successful defence mechanisms, it knows how to protect itself and will assume the worst before venturing to check if the danger is real or not. But remember, beneath that spiky exterior hides a soft, warm and vulnerable underside. Many people have found that with patience the hedgehog can become an enjoyable home loving friend.

Many hedgehogs have been hurt in previous relationships and it can take a long time for them to be confident enough to share their softer side. Remember that true intimacy will always be a risk but one that has rich rewards. Give your partner plenty of opportunities to show you that they can be trusted with your love. And if they make the occasional mistake, try to work things through together rather than curling into your little ball.

Mostly F's

The Industrious Otter

Likes to be doing something all of the time.

The endearing otter is unlikely to do anything that’s wasteful. When it’s not working hard at building a home, rearing young or hunting for food, it’s playing. But even playtime will be serving a purpose such as perfecting hunting techniques or strengthening social bonds. Either way, work and playtime are approached with energy, enthusiasm and resourcefulness. The otter has no problem enjoying its own company, and as long as you can keep up, it’s also comfortable as part of a pair. The problem with the otter is that sometimes they just don't know when to stop. 

Being in a relationship with an otter can be exhausting. If you're an otter, make sure you give your partner space and time to be themselves. Check your priorities on a regular basis to ensure your not wasting your energy in the wrong places and make sure you make time to relax.