Step one: Count the squares
Take another look.
You’ll probably see nine small squares at first. But if you look longer, you’ll discover larger ones: the four that form from piecing together smaller sections, and finally, the one large square that contains them all. That makes 14 squares in total—if you’ve counted them all, congratulations! You have a good sense of pattern and a keen eye for structure.
6–8 squares: You’re uncomplicated and don’t overthink everything. You notice the obvious and move on. Perfectionism and a need for control are less important to you.
9–11 squares: You’re analytical and meticulous. You enjoy solving problems and thinking deeply, but you still manage to balance logic and intuition.
12-14 squares: You see things that others miss. You’re a perfectionist, a stickler for detail—and, in keeping with the meme’s ironic undertone, perhaps a bit egocentric or controlling. In other words, the label “narcissist” here is a joke about how closely you analyze yourself and your environment.
Why this image feels so apt
This test isn’t scientific – it’s more for self-reflection. Essentially, it measures perceptual style. Some people process information globally (they grasp the big picture first), while others focus on details before considering the overall context. The joke about narcissism plays on the idea that people who look too closely also tend to overthink their appearance or performance.
In psychology, narcissism has nothing to do with how many squares you count. But your reaction to the challenge can be revealing. Are you proud of finding all 14? Were you annoyed that others didn’t see as many? Or did you take it in stride? This reaction says more about your mindset than the number itself.
The Hidden Lesson Behind the “Square Cookie Test”
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