7 Ways Your Handwriting Might Be Revealing the Hidden You

Graphology 101...just for fun!

Take a moment to examine the unique swirls, slopes, and spacing of your handwriting. Just as your voice has a distinctive timbre and tone, graphologists believe your penmanship reflects your personal story. It’s not an exact science, but the study of writing—and its psychological implications—offers intriguing insights into our personalities.

Graphology vs. Forensic Document Examination

Graphology is the study of handwriting and what it might show about an individual’s personality, character, or traits. The scientific community broadly categorizes graphology as a pseudoscience, so it’s not usually admissible as evidence in a court of law, because it’s too subjective and lacking in empirical support.

Forensic document examination, however, combines graphology with an investigation of papers, inks, and writing instruments—and document comparison—to determine authenticity, forgeries, and authorship. Experts in this field use analytical methodologies and specialized tools such as microscopes, computer software, and chromatography. The conclusions are a combination of objective measurements and subjective comparison by trained eyes. While the reliability of investigative document analysis can still be subject to human error, misinterpretation, and bias, it is accepted as evidence in many legal systems. The sophistication and accuracy of instruments and methods have increased dramatically in recent years. 

What might your handwriting be saying about you?

1. Size

Large: If you’re someone who writes with large, bold strokes, it might suggest you're outgoing, love attention, and are fairly transparent (no hidden agendas).

Small: Those who pen tiny letters are often focused, meticulous, and can concentrate on tasks for long periods. They might also be introverted or shy.

2. Slant

Rightward: If your writing leans to the right, it can indicate that you’re open to new experiences and enjoy meeting people.

Leftward: A left slant might suggest you’re introspective and reserved. Some say this indicates a preference for working behind the scenes instead of being in the spotlight.

No Slant: Straight up and down? You’re logical and practical, and you tend to control your emotions instead of letting them prevail.

3. Pressure

Heavy Pressure: If you press down hard enough to make an imprint on the next page, it might mean you’re committed and take things seriously. But be cautious, as it can also suggest tension, stress, or uneasiness.

Light Pressure: Gentle writers are often sensitive and empathetic. They might also be intuitive and less assertive.

4. Spacing Between Words

Wide Spacing: If you leave lots of room between words, you likely enjoy freedom and independence.

Narrow Spacing: Those who keep their words close might be crowd-lovers, often seeking companionship or avoiding being alone.

5. Connection of Letters

Connected Letters: If your letters flow together in a script-like fashion, you may be logical and systematic in your thought process.

Disconnected Letters: Preferring to print might show that you’re intuitive, creative, and spontaneous.

6. Speed

Fast Writers: Being a quick writer can signify impatience, but it also points to quick thinking and resourcefulness.

Slow Writers: Deliberate writers tend to be organized and methodical in their approach, with a tendency to perfectionism.

7. Dotting Your I’s and Crossing Your T’s

High Dots: Do you place your dot way above the ‘i’? You might have an imaginative mind.

Slash Through the 'T': A strong horizontal slash on your letter “t” might show assertiveness and confidence.

So what do you think? Do any of these seven characteristics ring true for your own personality? Let me know in the comments.

Mine do. My handwriting traits are large, slants to the right, medium pressure, medium word spacing, connected letters, fairly fast speed, and standard dot height and slashes. Here’s a snapshot from a recent Haiku page of my journal:

These insights can be fun —and sometimes accurate— about ourselves and those with whom we correspond. But this basic level of analysis shouldn’t be taken too seriously. My own longhand has changed many times over the years as I experimented with different styles, slants, and pens. I write in print to my young grandsons. Just perusing my journal, I can see that it even seems to change with mood and time of day. 

I suppose the most important story our handwriting tells is that it's ours and ours alone. So next time you jot down a grocery list or write a heartspoken note, take a moment to appreciate the little quirks of your personal script.

Want to learn more about Graphology? At the risk of sending you down the same intriguing rabbit hole from which I’ve just emerged Click Here for some additional resources on my blog.

NEXT WEEK: I’ll be addressing a note/letter-writing question one of my readers wrote to me about and I’ll suggest ways for her to handle the situation. Be sure you’ve subscribed so you’ll be notified when it is published.