(Score each item 0–3 and total your score at the end)
Scoring guide:
0 = Never
1 = Sometimes
2 = Often
3 = Almost always
SECTION 1 — EMOTIONAL OPENNESS & BONDING
These items reflect how fast and easily you emotionally connect.
- I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, even when I barely know them.
- I often assume others have good intentions, even without evidence.
- I share personal details early because I want to build closeness.
- I feel a strong pull toward people who show warmth or charm in the beginning.
- I feel guilty or rude if I don’t trust someone immediately.
SECTION 2 — BOUNDARIES & SCEPTICISM
These items reveal how well you protect yourself socially and emotionally.
- I struggle to say “no,” even when something feels uncomfortable.
- I avoid conflict, even when I should speak up.
- I ignore subtle red flags to “keep the peace.”
- I tolerate behaviour that hurts me because I hope the person will change.
- I assume someone’s explanation is true even when behaviour contradicts it.
SECTION 3 — PATTERN RECOGNITION
These items highlight the brain’s ability to connect dots and evaluate risk.
- I become attached to people before I really understand their character.
- I trust people’s words more than their actions.
- I tend to overlook patterns that show someone is unreliable or self-centred.
- I stay too long in relationships because I want to believe the best.
- I often realise “the signs were there” only in hindsight.
SECTION 4 — VULNERABILITY TO MANIPULATION
These items reflect susceptibility to charm, flattery, or emotional hooks.
- I feel special when someone gives me intense attention early on.
- I bond quickly with people who seem to “need” me.
- I excuse bad behaviour if someone has a sad story or difficult past.
- I find it hard to withdraw trust once I’ve given it — even when I should.
- I am more influenced by emotions than by logic when forming relationships.
⭐ How to Score
Add up your total across all 20 items.
0–20: Healthy Trust Balance
You’re warm but discerning.
You trust realistically and protect yourself well.
Your brain uses both empathy systems and caution circuits effectively.
21–35: Mild Overtrusting Tendencies
You are fundamentally kind and open, but you may miss early inconsistencies.
With small adjustments (slower trust, clearer boundaries), you become very resilient.
36–50: Highly Trusting — Vulnerable to Manipulation
Your trusting nature is beautiful, but predators, narcissists, and exploitative people will see it as an entry point.
Focus on strengthening your prefrontal “gatekeeper”: patterns, boundaries, time-based assessment.
51–60: Chronically Overtrusting — Self-Protection Necessary
You lead with the heart, generosity, and empathy…
But your brain’s caution systems (ACC, prefrontal cortex) may be under-engaged.
This makes you an easy target for charm, intensity, or flattery.
Important:
This does not mean you should trust less — just that you should trust slower and with evidence, not emotion alone.
⭐ Next Steps Based on Neuroscience
If your score is high, the recommended approach is:
1. Slow the Pace
Oxytocin spikes through closeness → slow the bonding process.
2. Watch Behaviour, Not Words
Reward pathways love promises — look for patterns.
3. Use “Wait for consistency” as your new rule
Even manipulative people can act good briefly.
Consistency reveals character.
4. Build micro-boundaries
Small limits filter out unsafe personalities early.
5. Let your logical brain have a vote
Your emotional brain is beautiful — now give the prefrontal cortex equal power.
