Is anyone else OBSESSED with handwriting?! I love everything about handwritten notes - they are a personal connection between the sender and recipient. Handwritten letters may be considered old-school, but I say bring back snail mail!
A Funny Handwriting Story
Way back in the day, before we had a fancy printer to print messages inside cards, we would occasionally (reluctantly) agree to hand-write a message inside one of our cards and send directly to the recipient on behalf of the customer. I say reluctantly because, well, my handwriting is not the neatest and neither is Gill's.
The last time I agreed to do this for a customer was the last time for a reason.
The customer had been desperate for us to send a card with a handwritten message inside, so we agreed. Two weeks later, we received a very angry message from the customer, who had been to visit the recipient of the card and seen the monstrosity that was my handwritten message. She was horrified. In fact, the words she used to describe my handwriting will haunt me until the day I die -
"It looks like a spider fell in a pot of ink and crawled across the page to die."
Ouch.
I mean, I'm no calligrapher, but I never thought it was THAT bad. Okay, so I do have an official diagnosis of ADHD, which I didn't have back then. And perhaps, maybe I do have a tendency to write quickly to keep up with my racing thoughts...
That day, we invested in a new laser printer and never handwrote messages for customers again.
I'm still a huge fan of personal, handwritten messages. I think you can tell a lot about the sender by the way they've written - from the style of their writing to the care and attention they've put into it.
But What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?
Graphology is the study of handwriting, and it is fascinating. How a person writes can indicate more than 5000 personality traits. As always, this comes with a slight disclaimer- graphology is a massive area and proper graphologists consider a number of factors together to create a whole picture- this is simply a very brief introduction.
Let's look at just a few of those writing characteristics and what they indicate now...
Pen Pressure
If you write with heavy pen pressure, you might notice the imprints of your writing on the other side of the page. Writing with heavy pressure can indicate intense energy, assertiveness, strength, power or a level of commitment to what you've written.
On the flip side, light pressure might indicate caution, gentleness, sensitivity or introversion.
Size of Handwriting
Large writing suggests an outgoing, confident, extroverted nature, while small handwriting suggests someone more shy, quiet, reserved, meticulous and introverted. Average-sized lettering suggests a well-adjusted and adaptable individual.
Slant of Handwriting
If you write with a slant to the right (say that quickly 3 times!), it can be a reflection of an outgoing, expressive, open personality. A left-slant suggests the opposite- someone more reserved, closed and who keeps out of the spotlight. If your writing slants to the left and you're right-handed, it could also be a sign of a rebellious nature. No slant at all might be an indication of a logical, practical character.
If your writing slopes uphill, it can be a sign of optimism, enthusiasm and ambition, while downhill writing can show disappointment, unhappiness or negativity.
The Shape of Your Lettering
Are you a loopy, curly sort or writer? If so, this can be a sign of creativity, open-mindedness, playfulness and self-expression.
Wide loops and curly, rounded lettering suggest spontaneity, creativity and freedom.
Pointed lettering, on the other hand, suggests intensity, intelligence and curiosity.
Joined-up (cursive) lettering shows consistency, logic, efficiency, adaptability, organisation and patience.
How You Dot Your 'i'
Where you place the dot -
- Directly above the line: You are structured, organized, and have high attention to detail. You are precise, punctual, and methodical.
- High above the line: You have a vivid imagination, are a big-picture thinker, and are often creative or dreamy.
- Low (close to the line): You are practical, grounded, and focused on fulfilling responsibilities.
- To the left of the line: You may be a procrastinator, hesitant to make decisions, or attached to the past.
- To the right of the line: You are impulsive, impatient, mentally quick, and like to move on to the next task quickly.
- A simple, precise dot: Shows concentration, consistency, and a well-ordered mind.
- A circle (instead of a dot): Suggests a creative, artistic, and perhaps childlike or playful spirit. It may also indicate a desire to stand out or a focus on self-expression.
- A slash/dash (instead of a dot): Indicates you are often in a rush, highly energetic, or prone to being self-critical and impatient.
Presence of the Dot
- A Missing dot: This can indicate a lack of attention to detail, forgetfulness. It is often associated with a quick, racing mind.
- Sporadic dots: You may be inattentive to details.
- Very Top of the letter: You are ambitious, optimistic, and have good self-esteem.
- Right in the Middle: You are confident, secure, and feel comfortable in your own skin.
- Long Crosses: You are very determined, enthusiastic, and goal-oriented.
- Short Crosses: You may be lazy, unmotivated, or lack determination.
- Downward Slant: Suggests a critical person with a "negativity bias".
- Sweeping/Long T-bar: Indicates a generous, "exuberant giver" who extends energy toward others.
- No Cross/Weak Cross: May indicate a lack of focus or inability to follow through.
What Does Your Handwriting Say about You?
In hindsight, I can see that my spider-death-crawl handwriting might just be a reflection of my creative, playful, spontaneous personality. And sure, maybe that's not quite the look that our customer wanted for her friend's birthday card, but I think it perfectly sums up who I am!
What have you taken from this? What have you learned about what your handwriting says about your personality?
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