At first glance, this simple cookie-like image seems harmless — just a grid carved into dough. But the question above it, “The number of squares you see determines if you’re a narcissist,” makes everyone pause. It’s a fun psychological illusion that has gone viral online, sparking thousands of debates. Let’s explore what this puzzle really says about how you think, how observant you are, and yes — whether you might have a few narcissistic tendencies hiding beneath that calm exterior.
Step One: Count the Squares
Take another look.
You’ll probably see nine small squares at first. But if you focus longer, you’ll start noticing larger ones: the four formed by combining smaller sections, and finally, the single big square that holds them all. In total, there are 14 squares — if you counted them all, congratulations, you have sharp pattern recognition and strong attention to structure.
But according to playful online “pop psychology,” how many you notice right away can reveal something about you:
- 6–8 squares: You’re easy-going and don’t overanalyze everything. You notice what’s obvious and move on. You’re less likely to stress about perfection or control.
- 9–11 squares: You’re analytical and careful. You like solving problems and thinking deeply, but you still balance logic with intuition.
- 12–14 squares: You see beyond what others miss. You’re a perfectionist, a detail-hunter — and possibly, according to the meme’s cheeky tone, a little self-centered or controlling. In other words, the “narcissist” label here is a joke about how deeply you inspect yourself and the world around you.
Why This Image Feels So Accurate
This test isn’t scientific — it’s more of a mirror for self-reflection. What it really measures is perception style. Some people process information globally (seeing the big picture first), while others focus on small details before stepping back. The joke about narcissism taps into the idea that people who look too closely might also overthink how they appear or perform.
In real psychology, narcissism has nothing to do with how many squares you count. But your reaction to the challenge can be revealing. Did you feel proud of spotting all 14? Did you get annoyed that others didn’t see as many? Or did you shrug and laugh it off? That response says more about your mindset than the number itself.
