Susan, 56, UK

At 56, with retirement approaching, I felt an emptiness I couldn’t ignore. My relationship with my son from my first marriage had grown distant, and each phone call felt like a chore. I wanted more connection and joy in my life, but I didn’t know how to bridge the gap.

That’s when a friend recommended the Big 5 personality test. I wasn’t expecting much, but the result hit me hard—my high score in Agreeableness. It explained why I always avoided conflict, even if it meant holding back my true feelings. I suddenly saw how this habit had shaped my relationship with my son, making it hard to express myself and deepen our connection.

With this insight, I made a change. I started reaching out to my son in a more honest way, sharing my thoughts rather than just going through the motions. At first, it was uncomfortable, but our conversations slowly became more real, more meaningful. I also focused on being more open with my daughter, ensuring our time together felt genuine.

The Big 5 test was a revelation. It didn’t just help me understand myself—it gave me the courage to take action. And now, step by step, I’m building the relationships and happiness I’ve been longing for.