Handwriting 101

What does your handwriting say about you? How you craft letters and words can indicate more than 5,000 different personality traits, according to the science of graphology, also known as handwriting analysis. To introduce students to the field, graphologist Kathi McKnight (the president of the Rocky Mountain Graphology Association) has them write "She sells seashells by the seashore" in cursive. Why cursive? Graphologist say it gives them a better read on a person. Try writing the same sentence now (even if you usually print), then see how graphologist might characterize you and whether you (or your friends) agree.

Go ahead... Grab a piece of paper and write it out. I did it three times, to get a good overview of it, especially since I ALWAYS use print. I even forgot how to make some of the letters! I'm going to give you all the "answers" but mine will be in italics. See if you agree with both yours and my results!

If your writing slants...
To the right: You are open to the world around you and like to socialize with other people.
To the left: You generally like to work alone or behind the scenes. If you are right-handed and your handwriting slants to the left, you may be expressing rebellion.
Not at all: You tend to be logical and practical. You are guarded with your emotions. [Yes, this is like me.]


If the size of your letters is...
Large: You have a big personality. Many celebrities have large handwriting. It may suggest that you are outgoing and like the limelight. [Not me at all.]
Small: You are focused and can concentrate easily. You tend to be introspective and shy.
Average: You are well-adjusted and adaptable.


If your loops are...
Closed for L (meaning the upstroke overlaps the down stroke): Feeling tense? This implies you are restricting yourself in some way.
Full for L: You are spontaneous and relaxed and find it easy to express yourself. [Yes! Though, expression doesn't always come easily.]
Closed for E: You tend to be skeptical and are unswayed by emotional arguments.
Open for E: You have an open mind and enjoy trying new things. [Yes, I always say, "I'll try anything once."]


If your S's are...
Round: You are a people-pleaser and seek compromise. You avoid confrontation.
Pointy: You are intellectually probing and like to study new things. The higher and pointier the peaks, the more ambitious you are. [Yes, this is me. I never really realized how ambitious I am, but once I make my mind up to do something, there's nothing that can stop me. Wait, maybe that's just me being stubborn and strong-willed? :) ]
Open at the bottom: You might not be following your heart. For example, you always wanted to be an artist, but you have a career in finance.
Printed: You are versatile.


What did you learn about yourself? Let me know, will you?




*Taken from REAL SIMPLE, July 2009 issue, p120.