“Something written by hand brings a singular human presence that the typewriter or the computer cannot confer.” -Anna Quindlen (author, journalist, columnist)
It’s National Handwriting Day! And, as a handwriting analyst interested in all things handwriting related, today is a day worth celebrating. Not only because handwriting provides some fascinating insight into the writer, but because writing by hand is still an important skill to learn. Why? It exercises the brain, can improve memory, teaches impulse control—to name a few. Best of all, your handwriting is unique to you. There is no exact match on the planet! You are unique and that always deserves expression and celebration!
This edition will celebrate that with a piece from my files of more than 300 articles I have published on the subject. This one looks at 2 samples of writing; one written 43 years earlier! Do you notice
any similarities in your writing? Write On!
Dear Debbie,
Here are 2 samples of my handwriting. One is from a letter written 43 years ago…
-Curious
Dear Curious,
Old writings can be such a treasure—for the writer and for those that follow. Here are some highlights of my comparison.
43 years ago, you reacted more quickly to emotional situations. You reached out into your environment and gave yourself much more room that you do today. Although, the two samples and your note indicate controlling factors, you are no longer as self-conscious about your movements. Current interests and responsibilities keep you very active, even to the point of collision, but organizational skills have grown with you and will help in times of confusion.
One particular quality that has held fast through the years is dignity shown by retracing the stem of the letters d and t. Your sense of self-worth is based on the knowledge that you abide by adopted standards of living.
Another trait can be found in both writings: argumentativeness—a readiness to contend back and forth, to challenge, to defend one’s opinions. Note the construction of the small letter p, and in particular, the beginning strokes of this letter. The willingness to argue can be seen in the segment that reaches above the middle portion of the letter. This area can be pointed, such as yours, or it can be looped or wedged each revealing a different effect on the personality.
The chart on the right shows variations on this structure: 1) shows no argumentativeness; 2) the writer probes for ideas to use; 3) retracing shows the arguer to be a quick thinker; 4) the loop shows imagination, the figure 8 shows fluency; 5) the pull-back within itself shows a repressed tendency; 6) the writer gets straight to the point; 7) the separation of the rounded portion from the previous downstroke shows initiative. The combination shows the writer to be quick and alert to opportunities to debate. In 8, the separating v-stroke below the line of writing could indicate, if other supporting traits are present, a potential for physical action triggered by such a strong urge to argue.
Your desire to debate has remained strong yet you exercise some caution in choosing your battles. However, if you feel your status or way of life is threatened, you will rise quickly to defend your ideas and actions based in the knowledge that you acted according to custom, established guidelines, or what you truly believe to be right. Some jealousy is indicated, supporting your need to defend your position for fear of loss.
Such a small sample cannot do justice to the picture of who you were 43 years ago but it did offer an intriguing insight. Thanks for sharing!