My mom was aghast. “Allie! Don’t be silly. There are billions and billions of people in the world. Do you really think they can all be broken down into one of sixteen types? Not to mention, you’re twelve years old! You still have years to grow and change and follow your interests. Don’t get upset over one website.”

I was dumbfounded. “Wait, what?”

“Look, it’s just like a quiz in a magazine. They ask you general questions, you give general answers, and they put you in a general category. That’s all it is. You could take the test on a different day, be in a different mood when you answer the questions, and get assigned to a totally different category.” She shook her head in disbelief.

“But I am an introvert!”

She shrugged. “Maybe so. But I was an introvert when I was your age, and now I’m an extrovert. Either category is fine, by the way. Plus, people can change, you know. And anyway, haven’t you ever heard of an ambivert?”

I giggled at the funny word.

She nodded. “Yes! It’s a thing! Some people are intro- and extroverts! There’s a whole book about it that came out a few years ago. You should read that.”

“Huh,” I said in surprise. A weight was lifting from my shoulders a little. “So I’m not doomed to a small circle of friends for life just because I’m slow to make new friends?”

“Oh, Allie! How awful. Of course not! You can do or be whatever you want!”

“Then what I want is to be more like Sierra,” I said. I explained how everything came so easily to Sierra, and how whenever she messed up or met new people or anything nerve-racking, she was just able to charm everyone by singing or being funny or nice or whatever.

“It is good to have an employee who knows how to keep our customers happy,” my mom said. “I understand what you’re feeling. However, you also need to remember that you’re only seeing one aspect of Sierra’s life. I’m sure there are other situations where she feels uncomfortable and unsure. No one is perfect at everything all the time.”

I thought of how Sierra often overextended herself, saying yes to too many people, too many activities and plans. I sighed.

“Instead of being envious of Sierra for the way she is, maybe think of changes you’d like to make yourself,” continued my mom.

“Don’t expect me to start singing,” I grumped. “I can’t carry a tune. I’m tone-deaf. I’d scare the customers away!”

My mom laughed. “Too bad. I was just getting ready to promote Molly’s as the only ice cream parlor with an all-singing staff. Kidding! No, what I meant was, think of things that make you feel good about yourself, instead of focusing on things about Sierra that make you envious.”