Use Handwriting Analysis INSTANTLY - Karohs, Erika

Use Handwriting Analysis INSTANTLY

100+ Handwriting Analysis Traits Illustrated and Described

Use Handwriting Analysis INSTANTLY

100+ Handwriting Analysis Traits Illustrated and Described By Dr. Erika Margarethe Karohs

Use Handwriting Analysis INSTANTLY 100+ Handwriting Traits Illustrated and Described

By Erika M. Karohs, Ph. D., Ed. D.

Copyright © 2012 Erika M. Karohs, Pebble Beach, CA Cover pricture © Fotosearch.com

Note

The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility or liability for damage, injury, or any harm

to

persons, property, or product, whether direct or indirect, or occurring in any way as a result of use of or reference to this document. There is no warranty of any kind to the information given. Great effort has been made to provide correct and useful information, but any use is at the reader’s risk. By reading this book or using the information provided, you agree that there is no recourse available regarding liability. If you do not agree, please do not read further. Reading or using

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information contained herein constitutes agreement with the stated liability conditions. The author may make improvements or changes at any time and without notice. These changes will be incorporated in new editions of this publication.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Word of Welcome

1

Acquisitiveness

2

Aggressiveness, hostile

3

Analytical thinking Argumentative

4 5

Attention, desire for Bluff

6

8

Broadmindedness

8

Caution

9

Clannishness

10

Comprehensive thinking Concentration

13

Confusion

15

Creativity

16

Cultural interests

17

Cumulative thinking Daydreaming Deceptiveness

12

19 21 22

Decisiveness Defiance

23 24

Deliberateness

26

Details, attention to

28

Determination Dignity

30 31

Diplomacy

33

Directness

34

Dominating Domineering

36 38

Enthusiasm

39

Evasiveness

40

Exaggeration

42

Extravagance

43

Fatalism

45

Fluidity of thinking Frankness

48

Generosity Goals

46

49 50

Goals high:

51

Goals medium: Goals low: Humor

52 52

53

Imagination, abstract

54

Imagination, material

56

Impatience

57

Inattention to details Indecisiveness

58 59

Independent thinking Individualism (Idiosyncrasy)

61 62

Initiative

63

Intuition

65

Investigative thinking Irritability

68

Jealousy

70

Literary leanings Loyalty

67

71

73

Manual dexterity Mental orientation Narrow-mindedness

74 75 77

Need for involvement Optimism

79

80

Organizational ability Originality

83

Ostentation

85

Persistence

86

Pessimism

87

82

Physical energy and emotional memory Pressure heavy

89 89

Pressure medium

90

Pressure light

91

Physical orientation

93

Positiveness

95

Precision Pride

96 97

Procrastination

99

Repression

100

Resentment

102

Responsibility, desire for

103

Responsiveness

105

Right slant

105

Vertical slant

106

Left slant Reticence Sarcasm

107 108 110

Secretiveness

111

Selectiveness

112

Self-castigation

114

Self-confidence

116

Self-consciousness Self-control Self-deceit Self-reliance

117 119 120 121

Sensitiveness to criticism Sensuousness Shallow purpose

124 125

Showmanship

127

Simplification

128

Stubbornness

129

122

Superficial thinking

131

Talkativeness Temper Tenacity Vanity Willpower Withdrawal Yieldingness

132 134 135 137 140 141 145

Where to go from here

147

1 Use Handwriting Analysis Instantly 100+ Handwriting Analysis Traits Illustrated and Described

A Word of Welcome I want to welcome you the study of Use Handwriting Analysis Instantly. You have some exciting learning experiences ahead, starting with the first page of the book. You are going to explore how people express many things about themselves in their handwriting. A word of caution. Handwriting does not tell everything. It does not reveal a person’s past or predict the future. It does not forecast what problems,

challenges person

or

opportunit i e s a

will face. It does tell how people think, reach decisions, plan and organize activities, ho w they look at the world, and what they want to make of their lives. It reveals how diligently people work and what kind of job they would do best. It makes known how they relate to other people and how they feel about their family, friends and strangers. It even exposes moods, fears and defenses. This book will help you to analyze your own important traits. You will

discover your What are the

succ e s s attributes.

conflicts that badger you and hold you back? How can you reduce tension and handle every-day stresses with greater ease? From now on, you’ll be able “read” other people’s writing and deal with them as individuals, thereby establishing rapport and putting both of you at ease. Once you are able to recognize the differences between yourself and others, you can adapt to them. You will feel much less vulnerable because you understand your own and others’ strengths and

weaknesses.

W i t h Use Handwriting Analysis Instantly you will acquire a skill that will amaze most people. You will learn things that very few individuals know. The best to you in every aspect of your life! Dr. E. M. Karohs

Acquisitiveness Initial hooks on letters and words indicate acquisitiveness.

Trait description:

The writer has the desire to acquire, to possess and gain more than he needs or deserves. Possessions make him feel secure. Acquisitiveness may pertain to material things, people, knowledge or property. The craving for possessions is often a defense against anxiety. The need for affection is repressed to such a degree that it no longer appears on the surface while the fear of rebuff is so great that it prevents the writer from letting others know that he aches for some form of attention.

The longing for material things then momentarily or permanently takes it place. To compensate for his lack of self-worth, the writer clings to material things which provide a measure of status or security.

Aggressiveness, hostile Lower zone upstrokes breaking away with a sharp angle toward the right stand for hostile aggressiveness.

Trait description

The writer does not trust people. He takes it for granted that everyone is ho s t i l e . He tends to start fights and quarrels and makes unproved attacks. He wants to defeat others, even people who have no intention of attacking him.

The writer fights too many battles, even

for things he does not really want. He

needs other people as victims. Without mentioning what is really bothering him, he may pick a fight. He seems to believe that the best defense in any given situation is attack. When a superior adversary beats him, he overreacts with rage, frustration and humiliation.

Analytical thinking Angles at the base of middle zone letters testify to the writer's analytical ability.

Trait description

The writer is analytically minded. He wants to understand cause and effect. He feels he must analyze everything about a given situation, even if he is familiar with it. He gets irritated with apparent inconsistencies. Especially in situations that are unfamiliar, the writer needs to know the why to each question. He dislikes yes a n d n o answers; he wants complete information with all figures and facts, and he wants to reflect upon everything until he fully comprehends

all data.

The writer expects others to be equally thorough and logical. He wants to know the reasons behind their statements. (He does not want to be told that a product will pay for itself. He wants to know exactly why and how it will be useful to him and how it will be saving him money.) It is useless to rush the writer. He insists on figuring things out for himself and

resents other people trying to do his thinking for him. Since such analysis takes time, he is often slow to arrive at conclusions. The writer enjoys research and investigation. In analytical work he excels. But his tendency to process old facts “just one more time” can be very trying for others who are less analytical than he is.

Argumentative Lower case p's extending into the upper zone indicate argumentativeness.

Trait description: The writer is prone to argue and dispute. He quarrels easily with friends and partners and is often unreasonable. Any misunderstanding with this person will be extremely verbal. Being contradicted may undermine his confidence and can make him defensive and argumentative. He does not like to be told he is wrong even when he is. Being right is very important to him.

This person can b e very difficult to get along with when he refuses to back down from an argument. His argumentativeness can work against him if others grow weary of his constant verbal fencing.

Attention, desire for Long, upward curving finals that extend above the middle zone show the desire for attention.

Trait description: The writer has an excessive need for attention from others. He wants to attract notice at wants to be liked and

fussed

over, and he wants to attract notice at any cost. Without acknowledgment he is unable to appreciate himself as a worthy human being. He feels worthless and insecure. The writer wants to be told over and over that others approve of him. But regardless of the attention he gets, he always needs more. He is never satisfied, and the painful feeling of deprivation persists.

Every very time he is not the center of attention, he feels unworthy and insignificant. Deep-seated feelings of inadequacy drive him to seek extra acknowledgment all of the time, and more when he is under stress. The writer may act obnoxiously when being ignored. He may go to great lengths to arouse others’ pity or protective instincts. H e may pose as a martyr to the family, overstressing his slavish devotion as a breadwinner (or housewife). He fails to realize that his annoying behavior tends to make

him

unwelcome group.

in

any

The writer ’s need for attention makes him an easy target for manipulative flatterers who may use his weakness to their own advantage.

Bluff Excessively heavy downstrokes demonstrate bluff. (Bluff may also be shown by ostentatious letter formations, especially in the signature.)

Trait description: The writer tries to overcome inner feelings of inadequacy through

an

exaggerated show of strength or power. He wants to appear more confident and successful than he actually is. He may try to frighten by threats that he cannot make good. Inwardly, he feels inferior to other people. His greatest fear is that someone will see through the façade and detect his insecurities. He makes a great effort to hide feelings o f inferiority and conceal the sense of inner helplessness. He puts up a false front to keep others from seeing him as

he really is.

The writer tries to make a first impression that is not true. Because he feels inadequate, he puts on a show of extra determination for all to see. He uses this form of pretense to handle threatening situations without losing face.

Broadmindedness Well-rounded e's demonstrate broadmindedness. This is supported by open loops in the upper zone.

Trait description: T he writer is tolerant of other people's opinions and beliefs. He lacks prejudice or bias in regard to the ideas and attitudes of others. He is easy-going and apt to ignore slight departures from

accepted social conventional behavior.

norms

or

The writer enjoys listening to unorthodox views. His ideas are more moderate, and he has a broader outlook on life. He can handle unfamiliar concepts without feeling threatened. He considers them

willingly,

either

accepting them or rejecting them, according to their usefulness. He is as tolerant of others’ viewpoints as he expects them to be of his. Since the writer is less likely to become upset, he is more pleasant to live with. He does not expect others to behave as he does. He accepts situations more readily without passing judgment. He looks beyond the small irritations of the moment and is more open to compromise. Broadmindedness is not an unmixed blessing; it can be carried to excess,

meaning that the person is prepared to see too many sides of a question.

Caution Long straight final strokes at the end of l i n e s . w o r d s or signatures manifest caution.

Trait description: The writer is prudent in regard to danger and careful to minimize risk to himself. He examines carefully all the circumstances that may affect an action, judgment or behavior before

becoming

involved. Before moving into action he will weigh the pros and cons.

The writer proceeds cautiously in personal relationships and is wary about his associations with other people. He is careful and always on guard against being duped.

The writer wants to do things “just right.” Caution is his catchword. He double checks as a matter of course. Such circumspection is valuable in hazardous situations. He can be trusted to handle dangerous equipment carefully. Caution is a drawback in circumstances demanding an instant response. To other people he may appear unnecessarily hesitant and afraid.

Clannishness Small rounded or squared-off loops at the bottom of downstrokes expose clannishness.

Trait description: Clannishness is a defense trait related to a less than adequate self-concept. Jealousy and self-consciousness are strong components of it. It is an

unconscious part of the writer’s character which affects every area of his personality. The writer feels the need to retreat from normal relations to protect his ego. Hampered by fears he has little freedom in choosing friends or associates. Instead, he tends to associate closely with chosen members of a special group. He sometimes limits them to one or two. H e is very loyal to these friends, but also very possessive of them; they will not be shared.

Members of the group gain security from clinging to each other. They avoid interpersonal rivalry, hostility and competition. Members conform to the rules and no one dares to move separately or apart. Since they feel weak alone, they lean on

each other for the strength they do not have. Their pseudo-solidarity hides their fears from others so that, to a degree, they appear successful to the outside. Clannishness is not always apparent. It may be camouflaged by a casual interest in many people. The person may be an excellent mixer; he may even the life of a group. He may be well accepted in business circles and active in organizations. But these relationships are superficial. As a rule, he tends to seek activities that do

not require many participants. In fact, he may be satisfied

to have only one person at any one period in his life in whom he confides and with whom he shares his special interests.

Comprehensive thinking Upright, needle-like points on middle zone letters, usually m’s and n’s, show comprehensive thinking. They can also occur on other formations, usually h’s. The sharper the point, the keener is the writer’s comprehension.

Trait description: The writer has a quick mind and immediate He acquires

perception.

knowledge quickly and assimilates it with what he knows in order to put it to immediate and profitable use. Labored explanations are not necessary for him; he gets the point very quickly and frequently grasps the whole argument before the speaker has finished the preamble. Al though he moves quickly from one topic to another, it is not in a superficial way.

The writer is able to “think on his feet” and moves from one subject to another with great speed. He can outthink others and concludes, almost before the facts are in. He sums up situations swiftly and seems to have the answers before the questions are asked. Lengthy explanations make him nervous and people who take longer to process their thoughts irritate him. He may second- guess or try to hurry them along. Because of his perceptive mind and his desire to get to the next item, he often

interrupts slower people. One of his pet

phrases will be, “Get to the point.” The writer functions to advantage where time is at a premium or where fast decisions are needed. He would do well in emergency surgery, transportation, fire fighting or communication. Fast paced work gives him the feeling of being in the right place.

Concentration Small legible writing (less than 3 mm in the middle zone) corroborates the ability to concentrate.

Trait description: The writer has a long attention span, and he cannot be sidetracked. He can focus exclusively upon a task and

exclude all

distracting influences. He can take a line of thought and follow it through from beginning to end. He is mentally patient and able to concentrate for long periods of time. Having to deal with more than one job is extremely unsettling for this individual. He feels best when he can devote uninterrupted focus on one assignment at a time. His power of concentration is so well developed that he may appear like an “absent-minded professor.” The writer prefers a private place, a

sanctuary, where he can be alone to

ponder a problem. He finds it difficult to refocus after being disturbed. His whole mind is focused on one thing and whatever intrudes on his consciousness comes as a disturbance rather than an impression. It is very important to him to have all the basic rules and directions before he starts working, so he does not have to interrupt himself later to return for further instructions. Being interrupted it very irritating once he has settled in to work. This can be a major area of misunderstandings in relationships or work situations where

interruptions are

the rule.

As a rule, the writer ’s interests and activities are not directly involved with people. He might pass someone without seeing him because his mind is fully preoccupied. When he is in a group it is difficult for him to carry on a conversation with two or three people

at

once. He pays attention to them one at a time. Concentration may by used as a defense. When such an individual develops emotional problems, he may well use his powers of concentration to shut out the world of reality. This makes it difficult for others to reach him in his mental retreat. Concentration may al so ser ve s an escape from the discomfort of interpersonal relationships. People with strong concentration adjust

more easily to restricted places. They

likely prefer working by themselves in a in small cubicle rather than in large office with lots of coworkers. Concentration is intensified analytical thinking, mental orientation, or cumulative thinking.

Confusion Entangled upper and lower zone loops manifest confusion.

Trait description: The writer has a disorderly mind. He lives an unscheduled life and fails to distinguish between important

and

unimportant ideas and things. With poor self-directive ability he plans poorly and has scattered interests. He tries to crowd too many projects into his working day and deadlines are frequently missed.

He suffers from scattered, unresolved

thinking and his mind is not easily directed toward one activity for a longer period of time. He reacts impulsively to stimuli and is easily distracted. When something new claims his attention, he easily forgets the originally scheduled task. Projects begun with great enthusiasm are often left unfinished because he loses interest or is sidetracked by something new. In social situations, the writer may be tactless and inconsiderate. He in inclined to invade the personal sphere

of other people without giving it a second

thought.

The writer spends much time worrying a b o u t unfinished work. He wastes mental energies and is setting himself up for defeat.

Creativity Creativity is shown through original letters forms.

Trait description: The writer is highly creative. Full of original ideas, he can create without precedent. His mind functions ingeniously, reaching conclusions that are not the norm. He probably

enjoys

work that tests his imagination and inventiveness. He would not be satisfied to stay with a job he hates or is bored with. The writer has an original approach to things; he puts his personal stamp on whatever he does. Adding creative thinking to his work, he looks for ingenious solutions to problems. He is willing to experiment with the unknown. He may be skilled in presenting old ideas in new and innovative form.

The writer ’s thinking usually runs along surprisingly creative, imaginative lines. His problem solving ability could be a real asset when dealing with emergencies and the unexpected. His creativity may be expressed in small ways or on a larger scale. Beyond personal applications, he may use this

trait to originate new product designs, an architectural drawing, or a new marketing strategy. His imagination is triggered wherever the need for new applications exists. Having creative leanings himself, the writer can easily relate to people in creative endeavors.

Cultural interests Greek letter ε formations indicate cultural interests.

Trait description: Cultural interests do not necessarily indicate talent for the artistic field. It is an awareness and emotional reaction within the individual. The writer has a desire for culture and good taste, and

in

his manner, speech and character, he is instinctively refined.

The writer abhors coarseness and vulgarity. Beauty in all its forms moves him emotionally. He has a real feeling for harmony and wants things to feel “right” in every area of his

life. He

desires elegant living, gracious forms, gentle manners, and pleasant surroundings. He loves gracefulness in all its forms and quality and atmosphere are essential. The writer possesses a deep appreciation for all that is beautiful in art and nature. He senses beauty and reacts to it. He yearns to surround himself with items that are pleasing and appeal to him. He wants to keep his environment harmonious and decorative. If he is also creative, this will be even more significant.

The writer's taste is highly developed and he has a great sense of order and proportion. He wants things in the right place, in balance with their environment. He wants to be part of an attractive world. When the setting is right, he can be more enthusiastic about his duties while unpleasant surroundings have a negative effect on his productivity. Anything clumsy, jarring, coarse, blatant, uncouth and basically inelegant is distasteful to him. The writer feels disharmony keenly. Dirty and unpleasant environs upset

him

very much. Shrill sounds, garish colors, offensive odors, rough fabrics, harsh lights, vulgarity, dirt and disorder affect him physically. Coarser people upset and irritate him. Physical things such as perspiration, sweaty clothes, or body odor, are especially distasteful to him. As a rule, the writer prefers the company of people who gravitate toward interests similar to his own. He cherishes gentle moments shared with special friends. He enjoys dining in a graceful atmosphere. Beauty and harmony are essential for his enjoyment

of life.

For intimate o r sexual encounters, he wants all things in harmony. (He wants a clean bed and a welldecorated room. He must be approached lovingly and may then joyfully participate in making love. He wants sex to be gracefully accomplished. The partner especially should avoid any arguments throughout the preceding day.) The writer's dislikes absorb his emotions as much as his likes. He may feel strongly against a situation strictly because of its loathsomeness. When he

feels upset, he will do anything that will

restore the harmony he needs in his life. He may go so far as to withdraw from situations that are disagreeable or offensive to him. The writer loves cultural pastimes and is more likely to seek his recreation in a museum or at a concert in the park than at a football game. Wherever refinement counts professionally or personally, the writer works to advantage. He could be an importer dealing in exquisite furniture or art objects. As a cook, he m a y be particular about the appearance of

what

he serves. He would need an occupation which is of a more protected nature and stresses quality.

Cumulative thinking Well-rounded, flat-topped letters in the middle zone denote methodical or cumulative thinking.

Trait description: The writer thinks methodically and ponderously and is systematic in processing information. He solves

problems by accumulating facts in an orderly manner. His decisions are made slowly and carefully. He wants to be certain of his answers, but they are not arrived at quickly. He needs time to mentally work things through.

The writer feels insecure when he has to rush; he reasons most effectively when he can proceed at his own speed.

Attacking one problem at a time, he is concerned with the whole process and each step involved. His conclusions are carefully thought out and usually accurate. The writer feels greatly pressured when other people want him to speed up, or when time limits are assigned to him. He becomes very frustrated when he is forced to work with faster thinking individuals. Given enough time, he usually does well on tests, because he prepares for them carefully. Under time pressure his mind tends to

go blank.

The writer has a slower pace of learning until he comprehends all the facts. But while his mind absorbs more slowly, he rarely forgets what he has learned. Once he understands the new information, he has the knowledge almost for the rest of his life. The writer functions best where he can proceed at his own speed. He fits well into long range planning, research, farming and computer work, as long as these jobs provide enough time for preparation, research and thought.

Cumulative thinkers are usually have good manual and finger dexterity. Many of these writers are mechanically inclined or ambidextrous.

Daydreaming T-bars floating above the stem verify daydreaming.

Trait description: The writer's goals are illusory. He is unrealistic about his abilities and

aptitudes. Too eager to get ahead he fails to develop the current level fully before considering new goals. He scatters his energies to such a degree that he rarely makes his dreams a reality. The writer has a superficial interest in intellectual pursuits. Others may see him “with his head in the clouds.” He gets lost in daydreams when faced with a problem or with a project that does not interest him. He dream of what he could accomplish “if only...” He devotes little time and effort to practical

tasks. Daydreaming that

can

be

an

escape

provides the writer with an undemanding form of activity which yields considerable ego satisfaction. He may revert to this defense when he is frustrated or under stress. Not wanting to face the harsh realities of life, he uses fantasy as a means of escape. He may daydream of release from home ties and job duties and having to confront situations in real life. Daydreaming is an escape into ideals, expectations. or hopes that may never materialize.

Daydreams can be costly to the writer. When faced with problems, he slips into more pleasant daydreams and lives in a world of wishful thinking without pressure. He tries to delude himself with

fantasies. In the meantime, however, he avoids, postpones and aborts productive activity.

Deceptiveness Oval structures with double loops overlapping each other reveal deceptiveness. (Rather than basing a conclusion of deceptiveness on one handwriting indicator, it should be supported by other signs of dishonesty in the handwriting.)

The writer is an individual who

deliberately defrauds and cheats. He intentionally tries to mislead those with whom he deals. He obscures his real intent from others, he misrepresents and intends to deceive. Evading the truth he lives in a web of lies and deception. The writer cannot be trusted to act in good faith. There exists a real risk in dealing with him. His leading motivation is for private gain or for personal advantages at others’ e xpense. He lacks moral fortitude and may be pretending to be what he is not. In order

to protect himself, he may be saying one thing and

doing another. He may be using excuses or alibis to save face or avoid liability.

The writer is liable to defraud others to achieve his own ends. He may be double-dealing and indifferent toward social norms of morality. Others often tend to be uneasy around

this his

individual.

They c a n sense

insincerity.

Decisiveness Firm final strokes (retaining pressure, not thinning out) disclose decisiveness.

Trait description: The writer has the ability to make up his mind and is seldom uncertain where he stands. He forms definite opinions and comes to positive results. He depends upon himself for his

conclusions. He

begins the decision-making process by comparing alternatives. He subsequently chooses the solution which, in his opinion, promises the best result.

The writer does this automatically. When a decision needs to be made, he relies on past experiences and on his

own thinking ability to right

make

the

choice. Instead of vacillating, the writer terminates a problem situation or controversy. He is willing to accept the consequences if his decision should prove to be wrong. In situations that demand instant solutions, this is a blessing. Given a job to do, he will do it without returning time and again for advice. The writer ’s talents are best suited for professions where success depends on instant conclusions, such as head of

an

emergency room, or a commodities broker on the floor of the stock exchange, for example.

Defiance If the k-buckle is larger than other middle zone letters, defiance is indicated. The larger the k-buckle, the stronger is the trait.

Trait description: The writer openly shows contempt for authority and refuses to be hemmed in or ordered about. He has an

unreasonable

need to oppose others and to have his own way. What he conceives as pressure, he resists. The moment he thinks he is coerced his guard goes up and he fights back. There is nothing for him to negotiate. He specifically looks for ways to criticize and oppose people in authority, and he is especially rebellious when he feels insecure. He is likely to be troublesome without a cause and he becomes angry when others ignore his antagonism.

People in authority and what they stand for annoy him; restrictions imposed by job or family are especially offensive to

him. He expects the rest of the world to do all the adjusting to him and he refuses to admit that he could be wrong. The need to oppose has become the writer ’s habitual response. He goes against people’s wishes just for spite if he assumes they are trying to push him around. Ironically, he often defies them in ways which injure himself. The writer may show defiance by passive means. That is, he shows resistance not so much in direct opposition but by failing to do what is

expected of him. Instead of opposing a

suggestion outright, he obstructs it through procrastination, inefficiency or stubbornness. He fails to realize that this is a self-defeating defense. To thwart authority, he refuses to function effectively. He obstructs his own opportunities and turns away from what he really wants and needs. His hatred for authority cripples his freedom to achieve and he stands in the way of his own progress much of the time.

The writer finds it nearly impossible to work cooperatively. People who sense his defiance are likely to resist in return. Thus he discourages those who would be on his side and basically would be willing to support him. IMPORTANT! With two partners high in defiance, sex will be one of the main areas in which the trait is activated. If one of them feels pressured, he will resist. The partner, then, will respond in kind. The result is misunderstanding, depression and

doubt.

Deliberateness Separated stems on t's and d's reveal deliberateness.

Trait description: The writer lives and works at his own leisurely pace. He weighs carefully and unhurriedly in his mind the probable consequences of an act. He is very

circumspect and does not like to be rushed. But once his mind is made up and he has decided upon a particular goal, he cannot be sidetracked. He does not waste time with false starts. Rather than having to begin over again, he takes his time and gets things right the first time around.

The writer prefers to work in a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere. Few things disturb his tranquility He lives and works at his own leisurely pace, and he will not be rushed or pushed by anyone. If others try to rush him, he will listen patiently and pleasantly, but he will not act until he makes up his mind it is the right move. The writer ’s personal life corresponds to his basic speed. He is slow to establish contacts and dislikes being rushed into a relationship. He wants a partner to grow on him.

For sex, he needs a mate who does not pressure him. He likes to love leisurely and have the time to enjoy. He wants to have sex at his own speed (and in his own bed or in surroundings that are familiar and relaxing to him.) The writer would function best in occupations that allow him to set his own pace. Plant and animal farming, gardening, weather observing, archeology, or research work would be satisfactory to him.

Details, attention to Carefully dotted i's and j's prove the writer's close attention to details. The closer and more accurately the dot is placed above the letter, the stronger the trait.

Trait description:

The writer habitually places emphasis upon details. He carefully observes fine points, particulars and specifications. Details are his main concern and he seldom overlooks little things. He emphasizes the proper handling of details in all assignments, both by others and himself.

Accuracy and precision are his forte. Small details do not upset him as long as he can carry out a job in his own exacting way. In written communications, he likely is particular. He observes punctuation and penmanship as well as sentence structure and style. The writer is observant of everything in his surroundings. (He notices whether an item has been shifted a half-inch to the right, or a half-inch to the left. He

could

find anything in his room in the dark, if it has not been moved by someone else.) The writer is not always easy to live with. He wants tidy surroundings and gets unsettled by trivial things. Pencils broken, books moved on the shelf, meals delayed, reports not in on time, they all loom out of proportion. He dwells on them and they make him upset. He tends to lose sight of the big picture by the narrowed focus on trivia. He is concerned with details for their own sake and they become ends in themselves. (The writer may forgive his

mate for wrecking the car, but his whole day may ruined because the keys were misplaced. the writer wanted to buy an automobile, the sales person should make certain that everything during the demonstration car is perfect. The writer would be unhappy with the whole car simply because the windshield wiper did not work.)

The writer places great importance on the small and sentimental and can get upset over little things. What may seem petty or insignificant to others can be very important to him. (He probably never forgets a birthday or anniversary and is deeply hurt if others forget his.) Attention to details affects the writer ’s

sex live to a large degree. He wants sex in the proper order, after he has finished what he was doing before. Otherwise, he worries about little things left undone. The partner should not approach him while he is in the middle of a task. Children with attention to details probably enjoy building things that involve small pieces, such as a puzzle or a computer game involving many small components. The writer would function to advantage in a job where the safety of other

people depended mindedness. He

upon

detail-

would work well as pharmacist, proofreader, draftsman, cashier, jewelry designer, o r accountant, His ability to handle large amounts of details without losing concentration fits him admirably for research projects.

Determination Straight downstrokes descending below the baseline represent determination. The heavier the stroke, the stronger is the trait. The longer the stroke, the more enduring is the trait.

Trait description:

The writer is result oriented and has long-range action potential. Once he decides on a goal, he can be counted on to follow through.

The writer does not have to be prodded, he automatically follows through. He stays away from mental

considerations

that slow him down, block him, or bring him into defeat. Only positive pictures are allowed to remain in his mind. His habitual pattern is to keep moving regardless of how he feels at the time. When he is faced with an obstacle, he takes it as an opportunity. He moves forward, creating opportunities as he goes along. The writer does a thorough job in whatever field he has chosen. He finds it painful to do superficial work. A dedicated worker himself, he is

distressed when others do not finish a

job according to his measure of completion. His greatest satisfaction comes from a job well done and from a finished product he can be proud of. It would be difficult for the writer to stay retired from active life or quit something that interests him. Vocationally, the writer’s attitude would be an advantage in the healing arts, in emergency situations, in the military, or in political and financial enterprises. Other occupations that require a high degree of determination

are engineering,

law, architecture, and most types of investigative work. With determination very high, the writer ’s attitude may seem ruthless to others. He appears to be concerned with nothing but his goals. And often, the opportunities he makes for himself, he makes at the expense of others. He is likely to use anyone to further his own interests. To him, the end always justifies the means.

Dignity Retraced d- and t-stems suggest dignity.

Trait description: The writer conforms to established rules and acts according to standards that permit self-respect. He adheres to a code of behavior that includes restraint and observance of

conventional protocol. Living up to accepted standards makes him feel secure. Making a good impression is very important to him. Consequently, he is inclined to do the right thing at the correct time and in the proper way. He usually has a subtle air of refinement, and even the way he carries himself proclaims a sense of decorum.

The writer believes in moderation in everything, including reserved and

refined behavior and good manners and taste. His choice in clothes will likely lean toward the conservative. With a strong sense of propriety, the writer has himself well in hand. His dignity keeps him from doing anything that would draw disapproval from others. The writer likes some formality, because it denotes respect. That means others should not call him by a nickname unless given permission. He is quickly turned off by forward behavior or by anyone who exhibits

poor manners.

While the writer may be less exciting to be around, he can be expected to handle most situations with poise. Acting in accordance to what he thinks is expected of him, he will keep his dignity at all cost.

Diplomacy Words or letters, which taper in size toward the right without losing their legibility, denote diplomacy.

Trait description: The writer is tactful in dealing with people. He is courteous and diplomatic. He possesses the skill of saying the

proper thing at the right time to avoid giving offense. He is sensitive of others’ feelings and makes situations smooth and comfortable for all involved.

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He expresses himself in such a way as to decrease apparent threat to others. He is appeasing and conciliatory. He adroitly skirts around controversial points. He says and does what lessens friction and prevents others from losing face. He can appease opposing sides and settle disagreements on the job. He is good at smoothing things over between irate customers in a store, for example, or between two workers who are at odds. The writer gets along well with coworkers, associates and superiors, and

he shares upsetting

his

ideas

without

those whose support he needs. This is a valuable skill where feelings and egos are involved. With diplomacy very high, the writer is likely to turn this quality to his advantage. He is deferential, obsequious, and ingratiating. People may be put off by his unctuous manner and obvious insincerity.

Directness Letter formations without an approach stroke verify directness.

Trait description: The writer is efficient in style and

conduct and he has a desire for efficiency and lack of waste. He is a practical individual with a matter-offact attitude. He concentrates on the essential and quickly tells what is important from that which is not. One of his specialties is to simplify complicated information so that he can deal with it more efficiently.

The writer ’s directness is positive where a forthright approach is needed.

His succinct style helps to move things along. It may be a problem to those on the receiving end. More sensitive people may be offended when he states his opinions point blank, seeming brusque and insensitive.

When he is with people who need to feel his warmth and personal

concern, his

directness works against him. His verbal efficiency makes him sound cold and distant. (He is more likely to bluntly state, “Things just don’t seem to be working out between us and I think it would be better if we stopped seeing each other for a while,” than to resort to evasive phrases in order to spare a partner’s feelings. ) He has no time to spend on window dressing. Clarity is his main concern. Content is more important than style. He wants facts and information without embellishments. He is upset

by repetition and verbosity in

general. When he has to listen to lengthy explanations, he tends to become annoyed. (One of his pet phrases is probably, “Get to the point” .) Time is of essence to him and he disapproves of people who hold him back. They can expect to be interrupted as soon as he has comprehended what they are going to say. He is not insensitive. It is just that he has no time to spend on social niceties. Productive in his thinking, he gets exasperated with bureaucracy and red

tape. He will not waste his energy on

superfluous matters, he uses it most economically to benefit his work. If something needs to be done, he takes direct action. The writer ’s attitude toward sex is uncomplicated and straightforward, too. He does not like games and will be direct in his approach. A more romantic partner may be frustrated by his lack of imaginativeness. Directness makes the individual more efficient, whatever the job. It is an aid in legal work, in giving military orders, in technical work and scientific

research. It

is an advantage to administrators and executives.

Dominating t-bars made with a downward movement without losing pressure (the width of the writing stroke stay even) identify the dominating personality.

Trait description: The writer exercises control over others through the force of his will. He

is

skilled at influencing others and getting them to do things his way. He does not like working under others. He is much happier giving orders than taking them. His place is in front. He has the ability to command and organize. He excels in delegating responsibilities. Authority comes easily to him and he does not seem to question it. As far as he is concerned he is in charge and has the final say.

If he cannot be boss, he wants at least an important position in the group. Progress is usually guaranteed because he has a talent for marshaling all available forces into one combined effort. The writer is proud of his drive and his

ability to work hard. But he tries harder than is needed, much of the time. He pushes action rather than letting things unfold. He is a go-getter. He knows what he wants and will go all out to get it All of his drives are focused on a specific goal and nothing matters but getting the job done. The writer rarely thinks his way around difficulties. He pushes through obstacles with all the energy at his command. He forces issues and people. If he feels he is not getting through, he steps up the pressure. He can be

quite bossy and

expects to have his way. He is more demanding than accommodating and it is difficult for him to cooperate. Efficient and self-directed, the writer is well suited for the business world. He knows how to get what he wants, and he has the drive to make things pay off. He is not willing to be ordered around and has the ability to direct, control and steer. In a relationship the quickest way to lose him is to make the first advance. He must be a leader here as elsewhere.

The writer would be well qualified for a position in management where dynamic force is needed. He is a natural in high- pressure sales, law enforcement, crime prevention, disaster crews, or the military.

Domineering t-bars made with a downward movement and thinning out expose the domineering personality.

Trait description: The writer is unable to direct others effectively. Consequently, he tries to control people and situations

through

bossiness. He does not seem to know how to be cooperative and tactful and makes excessive demands on others’ time and resources. His get-someoneelse-do-do-it approach always involves a measure of aggression and hostility. The writer uses different strategies. He smiles, ingratiates and flatters others into serving him or granting him special privileges. If this method fails, he may nag, whimper or whine until they do his bidding. He domineers with a “poor me” attitude. He fails to realize that his complaints and whining ways get

on

everybody’s nerves. Basically, the writer wants love, comfort and companionship. Yet his domineering demeanor gets him only frustration and rebuff. Professionally and personally, he tries to control other people’s lives. He wants others to do things his way. He wants to make decisions for those with whom he is involved. He always thinks he knows what is best for everyone. He tries to reform others for their own good but in reality, makes their lives a

misery.

Rather than drawing others out, the writer states his views. What he says sounds like judgment, and he offends others by his tone. His instructions sound abrupt and lacking in courtesy. He may do this under the guise of showing others better ways of doing things, even though they manage in ways that better suit their traits.

No matter what the issue, the writer always feels he is right and that only his opinion counts. He creates much resentment in others with his views on how to better manage their lives. He fails to realize that the effect on other people is that they become exasperated. While the domineering approach may produce outward conformity, it also gives rise to rankling resentment. It makes others all the more eager to get away from the domineering individual.

Enthusiasm A long t-bar is a sign of enthusiasm. (tbars that are too long signify wasted energy.)

Trait description: The writer displays an ardent interest in his purposes and goals. He directs his mental energies toward the fulfillment of his aspirations.

Enthusiasm helps to carry him along. Cheerful anticipation grows the closer he approaches his goals. Feeling halfway about something is impossible for him. His enthusiasm not only makes tasks more enjoyable, b u t a l s o creates interest in others and assures their support. With his eagerness and zeal he

is able to inspire others. He makes them believers in his cause. With enthusiasm very high, the writer is ready to jump on any new bandwagon that may come along. He may pour out vast amounts of stamina in great spurts of enthusiasm but actually achieve very l i ttl e. He lacks a sense of reality and wastes mental energy. He detracts it from other areas where it should be applied more productively.

Evasiveness An oval letter or a letter e with a sharp angle approximately half-way up from the baseline reveals evasiveness. This angle or bend must be within the loop or covered by the downstroke rather than in front of the letter.

Trait description: Evasiveness is a defense trait. Its presence indicates deep-seated feelings

of insecurity. The writer tries to avoid a threatening subject, circumstance or situation by diverting attention away from it, thereby bring about a distraction. He evades, not b y speaking an untruth, but by avoiding the truth. He has an unconscious need to disguise his motives and hide his true intents.

It is usually difficult to pin the writer down to an opinion and he may hesitate to put his thoughts on paper because he instinctively knows that he does not want

to be writing.

committed

in

These individuals are concealing things for their own private reasons and frequently choose a pseudonym or at least a nickname. As long as they can conceal their real self they feel safe. Evasiveness is frequently due to humiliating experiences in childhood which the writers have been unable to overcome. They are extremely sensitive and often vindictive in personal affairs.

Exaggeration Grossly inflated lower zone loops disclose exaggeration. Loops must be really exaggerated and disproportionally large.

Trait description: The writer has a overactive imagination. He tends to enlarge

upon facts and

cannot help embellishing simple statements when he is relating an incident. The larger the loops, the more removed from reality the writer is. He is mislead by his own imaginings. Those around him may be more aware of this characteristic than he, himself.

Exaggeration affects many aspects of the writer ’s life. He may exaggerate to impress others or make impossible promises. Or his imagination may run away with him and cause him to make statements he cannot back up. His vivid imagination makes it hard for him to see matters factually. He is prone to magnify problems way out of proportion and he may represent small setbacks as hopeless situations. He is likely to hear more than he has been told. Now and then, he will imagine all

sorts of things about people that are, quite

simply, untrue. His active imagination fills in the dull or uninteresting gaps with more creative details. Although his imagination does color his statements, the writer seldom misleads anyone intentionally. He just cannot help splashing a little color around when he is relating an incident, and often he convinces himself that things really happened this way.

People with exaggeratedly large lower loops are often gullible. They tend to trust people far too easily and take everyone into their friendship circle. These folks can be naïve and innocent in

their approach to life which may be rather charming and refreshing. Unfortunately, they usually learn the hard way that not all people can be trusted. They are likely to lose their money and their love repeatedly in learning this lesson.

Extravagance Extremely long and slightly upward curving final strokes express extravagance.

Trait description: Extravagance is related to generosity. Generosity is the result of

conscious

considerations, the extravagant person responds without considering consequences. The writer has a poor sense of values. He is wasteful in his expenditures. He spends more than is reasonable or necessary. These folks often give automatically to others, but usually without thought. They are spendthrifts to a degree that they may eventually exhaust their resources. Since extravagance is an automatic

expression giving,

instead

of

conscious

it may not represent the person’s true feelings or inclinations. Any good done by it is purely incidental. Instead of considering to whom and what he is providing, the extravagant person simply gives. It may be only when it is too late that he realizes that his extravagant impulse actually has worked to his own disadvantage, and that others may be taking advantage of him.

Extravagance has another setback. The giving individual is likely to be misunderstood. His impulse to give automatically may make other people feel he is trying to obligate them. They may come to resent and distrust his motives. They may think that he wants something back or that he is trying to

force his them.

attentions

on

Extravagant writers are not likely to put away enough of their earnings for themselves and very few are cautious with cash. They want first class and luxury all the way, and they will freely spend on fun and pleasure. They usually live beyond their income and are seldom out of debt.

Fatalism Downward moving final strokes in lower zone letters such as g, z, and y reveal fatalism.

The writer passively accepts his fate. He is dispirited and heavy-hearted most of the time. He has given in to the negative forces around him. He

suffers from

constant dejection and a deep-seated pessimistic attitude. This characteristic may be present in either a mild form or as deep-seated conviction. Because the writer constantly anticipates bad luck, he is rarely surprised by the bad breaks he is getting. He accepts life’s blows with a conviction that “what will be will be.” “It would happen to me,” he concludes, with thoughtless acceptance and rarely tries to discern the reasons for the unfortunate turn of events.

Often a feeling of dejection occurs near success. The writer comes close to success, then turns away. The writer finds it increasingly difficult to work under pressure. His focus is on how dejected he feels rather than on what he can do about circumstances. He usually sees all of life’s experiences,

both present and future, as hopeless, dismal events. Discouragement affects his outlook as well as his mental attitude. It undermines selfdirective ability and motivation and, in extreme cases, means apathy. His negative outlook is apt to depress other people. His despair and his refusal to improve his condition make it difficult for them to stay around for any length of time. Since the writer ’s attitude toward advancement is negative, his code is usually, “Why try? What

good will it do?” Even if things are going well, he

never quite believes his good luck will hold. Progress is negated, even though talent may be present. If talent is expressed, the product is likely to reflect the attitude of the originator and has a depressing effect on the mind of the observer.

Fluidity of thinking Smooth figure eight strokes encompassing at least two zones suggest fluidity of thinking.

Trait Description Fluidity affects both the person’s thinking and communication. It indicates the natural ability to express ideas facilely, although the proficiency may be modified by the educational background of the writer. An individual with little formal teaching and a limited vocabulary will be unable to express himself very well despite a high degree of fl uidity. He will, however, use well what little knowledge he has.

The writer changes smoothly from one phase of thought to another. He has the ability to express himself easily either in writing or through the spoken word. He has a feel for the right phrase or verbal expression. He puts sentences together in logical sequence and uses language eloquently and elegantly.

The writer can debate on just any issue. (His speaking ability before crowds may depend upon other traits, such as self-assurance and confidence.) He can change a subject quickly, and direct the conversation adroitly away from uncomfortable topics. He can run around an argument in circles, mix other people up, turn them around, then win them over to their side before others realize what has happened.

Fluid writers not only get their ideas better across to their loved ones, friends and associates, they also enjoy vocational advantages in many fields. They are better lecturers, teachers, or masters of ceremony. They are more

effective in sales and on a debating team. They are more suitable writers or editors. They can be rapier-tongued lawyers and they usually make fine public speakers. It’s rate to find a successful author or orator without fluidity in the script.

Frankness Clear circle letters indicate frankness. The circle letters may be either open or closed.

Trait description: The writer expresses himself in a straightforward manner. Open, frank and direct, he says what he means.

He

expresses what he feels candidly and exactly. He speaks his mind, and he is not constrained by other people’s feelings from expressing his views. Others know exactly where they stand with him because he verbalizes both his approval and his dislike without holding anything back.

On the downside, he may drop the most

blunt remarks because he dislikes insincerity and affectation; he can be depended upon to give an honest opinion at all times. He may often be tactless because he is so remarkably candid and announces exactly what he feels. To him, the truth is the truth, and if others can’t bear it, they should not ask his opinion. Thus, despite his honesty, he often manages to say the wrong thing, in the wrong way, which leaves others with feelings hurt unnecessarily. His frank manner of

expression may often make him unpopular. It would be valuable for

others to know that he needs to be listened to on his own terms.

Generosity Long final strokes that are slightly garlanded manifest generosity.

Trait description: These writers give freely of whatever they have, be it time, money, or s ympathy. Fond of giving gifts

they

relish the feeling of pleasure that others receive from them. Within the limits of their resources, they will be generous with their families or people close to them. The offer whatever others need. They don’t hold back with resources or effort.

Often,

they

respond

instinctively

before

they are asked. They are glad to give others a lift when the load gets heavy, and they will do whatever is necessary to make things better for those around them. They will cheerfully share what they can without depriving those who are dependent on them. They give their sympathy and possessions willingly, even to strangers. They know that bread cast on the waters not only returns again increased, but it also makes people happy, and that is one of the things they enjoy most in life.

Their the

focus

is

outward

on

requirements of others. Material things, for them, are far less important than human needs. As guests in someone’s home, they may help with the cooking or the shopping; and this includes giving advice on how to do or not to do things. As bosses, they will be generous with vacations, salaries, raises and all such matters. They do not measure advice or services according to financial value, but rather in terms of the personal satisfaction through having done a good

deed.

Generosity is an important trait in selecting vocations. The high score is at an advantage in professions related to the healing arts, social welfare, teaching, entertainment, ministry, secretarial work, homemaking or domestic services.

Goals An person’s goal level is a basic component of his self-image. Most people have been found to set their goals just a little higher than they are sure of attaining. There may be an element of self-flattery in this tendency, but it is considered healthy since it is a sign of self-acceptance and self-confidence. Goal levels appear to be particularly relevant in a society like ours in which the pressure to achieve is so great and

feelings of success and failure so

crucial. Too often, parents set goals for their children on the basis of their own ambitions, with little regard to the young person’s capabilities. Many children cannot do well under constant pressure, and some develop an intense feeling of failure which leads them to set unrealistically low goals for themselves throughout life. These individuals are often very bright people, potentially capable of high level work, but they coast along on far lower levels of achievement. A history of repeated success tends to

lead to an increased goal level; the more we accomplish, the higher our goals. Continued disappointments, on the other hand, cause the individual either to set his goals so low that success is guaranteed, or so high that his inability to achieve them does not produce a feeling of failure. In either case, the pe r s on is deceiving himself about his abilities in order to protect his ego. This situation can usually be prevented if parents and teachers are careful to give children tasks that allow them a distinct

possibility of success.

Goals high: A t-bar near the top of the stem reveals high goals.

Trait description: The writer is motivated toward success a nd self-improvement. He is willing to challenge himself to

surpass the level

where he presently is. He wants to achieve something that will prove him to be outstanding in some way. Willing to take chances, he undertakes the unfamiliar to achieve his aims.

Above all, the writer is not afraid to try. If he fails, he usually has learned something from the experience which helps him do better next time. He is

not

devastated by possible embarrassment.

failure

or

The writer is oriented toward growth and does not allow himself to be diverted from his goals by the desire for immediate gratification. His main emphasis is on the development of those skills from which he, himself, gains the greatest satisfaction.

Goals medium: A t-bar in the upper third of the stem

verifies medium goals.

Trait description: The writer is content to stay with current opportunities. Because of the tension he feels in new undertakings, he tries to place his goals at a level that does not include risk. He aims for objectives that are traditional and generally approved.

If through force of circumstances or others’ requirements he becomes involved in pursuits that are above the level where he presently is, he usually strains hard to succeed. He is afraid of criticism should he fail to meet the expectations of the people who are important to him. The new success experience then will increase his willingness to become involved in similar endeavors in the future.

Goals low: A t-bar at the apex of the middle zone indicates low goals.

Trait description: The writer feels inadequate and inhibited. He sets his aims in a security- minded way. He settles for

what seems

easily attainable, and his goals are based on what kind of successes he has already had in the past.

H e focuses mentally on shortrange projects because he is afraid to reach up and take a chance with what he may be unable to accomplish or what others oppose. Too cautious in planning more progressive objectives,

he may fail to

develop talents.

his

innate

The writer underestimates and severely restricts himself. He worries about failure and therefore is afraid to try. He is unable to aspire higher than where he presently is. He does not try hard enough to get ahead. He is content with where he is as long as it offers a minimum of security. He fears change, equating lack of change with stability. He misses opportunities because he does not demand enough of himself. As far as he

is concerned, his goals are realistic and practical ones.

When he strives for what others disapprove of, either impulsively or accidentally, he experiences guilt and anxiety.

Humor Graceful flourishes on capital letters such as M, N or H are evidence of humor.

Trait description: The writer has a sense of humor and the ability to laugh and enjoy the good times. He is able to see the funny side of life. His humor is warm and playful and enables him to win friends easily.

Others

often laugh with him because his humor is contagious. With an awareness of how amusing he, himself, can be in his foibles and follies he can chuckle at himself without loss of self-esteem.

The writer has learned to appreciate witty remarks and amusing commentaries. More importantly, he has reached the awareness of how amusing he himself can be in his foibles and follies. He accepts his

idiosyncrasies

with the same good humor he admires in others. He can chuckle at what is funny in himself without loss of selfesteem. The writer has learned to take serious matters more lightly. Others can always win him over with a joke more easily than with tears. The act of laughing provides a healthy release for pent-up emotional energy, especially when a situation is tense and stressful. Taking serious things humorously fortifies his sense of perspective. Laughing with others creates a bond of understanding.

It gives being

others

the

feeling

of

included because laughter is always with them, never at their expense.

Imagination, abstract Broad upper zone loops returning to the baseline reveals abstract imagination.

Trait description: The writer has the ability to visualize and to create mental images not present to the senses. He may

obtain these ideas from his experiences and observations

or from within himself. Usually, new concepts come to him naturally. This is profitable when he puts this ability to productive use. Imagination helps him to think of new directions that his work can take him. With the ability to create innovative promotional ideas, he can design or arrange merchandise or plan new layouts. He can give an old idea a new twist or devise an original use for a familiar object or material. He can also contribute innovative ideas for others to put into practice. His

ingenious

suggestions probably superiors at work.

impress

his

The writer ’s imagination gives him the power to transcend space and time. He can create imagines of both the past and the future. He can have more fun in his own mind. For him, half the enjoyment can be in anticipating, such as in planning a trip. He can visuali ze goals he wants to achieve, and h e can see more possibilities. He

has the ability for

mentally “rehearsing” what is coming up. He can use his imagination for hope instead of fear and to make him happy instead of sad. For the writer, imagination has both good and bad aspects which need to be understood. While he benefits in many way, he is at a disadvantage when the same imagination amp l i f i e s negative ideas for him. It is important that he should not allow his imagination to magnify thoughts related to possible fears. Vocationally, imagination is an asset

in

creative occupations architecture, writing, composing and inventing.

such as advertising,

Imagination, material Full lower zone loops returning to the baseline demonstrate material imagination.

Trait description:

The writer creates practical ideas originating from within himself. If he is presented with one notion, it will be immediately associated with something else of a related nature. Any new experience releases a chain reaction of similar situations in the past. He is able to use the combination of past and present images to find novel solutions in new situations.

The writer ’s imaginative ability goes beyond the mere rearrangement of present factors. In his mind’s eye he sees new and different uses for familiar objects. He can visualize making a product fancier or simpler, more

colorful, cheaper or more expensive. He can imagine a different arrangement, a new design. He may visualize how to change the form and shape of products, how to package them more attractively or how to market them more seductively. He may also dream up completely new products or procedures. He has the advantage that he will be inspired by the picture of the finished product in his mind. People with an active imagination are good problem solvers. They are usually able to generate an adequate number

of

alternatives in order to increase his chances of devising a workable solution in a problem situation. They also learn from past experiences. This means that he will not make the same mistake over and over.

Impatience i- and j-dots which are hurriedly made to the right of the letter confirm impatience.

Trait description: The writer is mentally restless; he hurries himself and others along. Wanting to move ahead and get things done it is difficult for him to devote

full

attention to one job. Already he has his mind on the next thing he wants to do, and is pushing forward to that. Being in a hurry all the time he is prone to making mistakes and essential details may be overlooked. Even if he does not have to hurry a job, he will put a time limit on himself and try to rush everyone along at the same speed. The writer gets irritated at things not happening fast enough to suit him. He hates waiting at traffic lights, he detests standing in line. Any kind of delay, any enforced waiting, gets him upset.

(You’ll

have to hide his birthday presents in a safe place. He’ll be unwilling to wait for the surprise.) H e gets so annoyed about others’ alleged tardiness that he easily becomes an irritating influence himself. Impatience may prevent him from finishing anything worthwhile, and restlessness could make it difficult for him to hold down a job. Steady routine w o r k frustrates him He is at a disadvantage when operating hazardous equipment. Hurrying along lessens his ability to organize and diminishes

his

attention details.

to

The writer would work to advantage where things have to happen fast, such as moving baggage quickly or getting emergency equipment to a disaster scene.

Inattention to details Missing i and j-dots verify inattention to details.

Trait description: The writer is too impatient to handle details. He simply skips over them if it is more convenient to do so. To

him,

achieving the final result means more than the individual steps along the way.

Overlooking details is reductive to his thinking efficiency. He may overlook

certain consider

facts

that

others

important. It can cause him to overlook fine points or specifics, or he may draws conclusion based on inadequate facts. The writer ’s disregard of details be hazardous in certain kinds situations where they are vital safety and security of people equipment.

can of for and

Disregard of details can diminish the final results of the writer’s work. Instead of doing it right the first time he has to go back to check for errors and omissions. If time is not

always available for adding finishing touches the standard of his work may suffer.

Indecisiveness Fading finals in slow writing establish indecisiveness.

Trait description: The writer is vacillating and hesitant. He finds it difficult to make decisions, and seldom commits himself to an

opinion

about anything. He “sits on the fence,” so to speak, leaving every option open. He waits to see what people want before airing his position and quickly accedes if he thinks someone else knows better (which is most of the time). He is willing to let othermake the decisions he should make for himself. Making up his mind is a chore for this individual. Once he has it made up, he is liable to change it without warning if he feels that he made a mistake. He anguishes about not having

done the right thing and weighs all

once

more

alternatives. Unable to rely on his own resources and skills, he depends upon others for advice and the final say. Particularly in areas with which he is unfamiliar, he postpones. He wants to be sure that he will not leave himself open to reproach.

The writer lacks confidence in his ability, no matter how many facts are available. He is afraid of the consequences of a mistake. Decisions may be delayed for additional data,

which frequently reconfirms what the he already knew. Fear of criticism may so immobilizes the writer that he is prevented not only from making decisions himself but also from delegating them. He is afraid that mistakes by subordinates will reflect negatively on him.

Independent thinking S h o r t dand t-stems corroborate independent thinking.

Trait description: The writer depends upon himself to form his opinions. He thinks and

acts

according to his own beliefs and is his own authority. His own ideas carry more weight with him than the views of others or the codes of the group. He does what he wants and says what he likes, and he worries little whether others approve of his attitude or not. The writer hates taking orders from anybody. He wants to feel that what he is doing is the result of his own free will, and he his doing it because he wants to do it. He will not stand for being told what to do or believe in.

Given a job to do he is disinclined to listen to others’ suggestions. He relies on his own instinctive feelings to tell him what to do. He may even reverse orders and follow his own beliefs. He does what is desirable and realistic from his own point of view.

The writer ’s desire for approval is satisfied from within when he meets his own standards. Since society seems to prefer conformity, he may sometimes find getting along with others difficult. Rejection by the group to greater or lesser extent may be a consequence of independent thought. Being independent himself, the writer will not infringe on other people’s space. He respects their longing for freedom and independence. The writer prefers to be in a position

where he can make decisions for himself. Independent thinking would be useful in fields such as exploring, missionary work, developing new techniques in industry, medicine or business. He would function well as equipment operators, entertainer or in a hazardous duty job.

Individualism (Idiosyncrasy) C i r c l e iindividualism.

and j-dots

suggest

The writer has a strong desire for everyone to know that he is not an average person but someone special. He wants to be recognized for his uniqueness. He might be eccentric

in

ideas, appearance, mannerism, dress, or conduct. The trait may apparent in small ways showing that the writer insists on being that little bit different. Or it may be displayed as a constant inclination to do things differently. He likes to think that he is an original and that others copy him. He may adopt unconventional standards as behavioral guidelines.

The writer is concerned about the effect he has on others. He likes for everyone to know that he is not an average person. He likes to do things in a way that is out of the commonplace or ordinary. He

wants to have, or do, or be something that sets him apart from others. This difference is very important to him, but it may put him out of step with his co- workers, subordinates and management. Most people like to be with others like themselves. If he is too much different from them, they will need to adjust their thinking and his acceptance as a new member of the team may take some time to develop. His relationships work best when his quirks are accepted.

Initiative Instead of a t-bar, the writersuses a slightly rightward moving upstroke that breaks away sharply from the preceding t-stem.

Trait description: The writer has the ability to start many projects on his own. When he sees a

chance for action, he moves. He has the inner drive to put his ideas into action. to start new procedures or launch new activities.

Usually, he does not need to be prodded to make progress. His responses in action are automatic. He is a self-starter

who does not wait to be told what to do. Once the writer has a goal in mind, he instinctively follows through. Opportunities are seldom wasted on him and he feels most satisfied when he goes after what he wants. Because of this, he is more likely to see and take advantage of breaks which will get him to his goal faster. He has a knack for seeing possibilities a long way off and he is prepared to grab them boldly when others might hesitate. Even impediments become opportunities. His

initiative prevents acknowledging

him

from

limitations; where there is a will there is definitely a way for him. When an obstacle comes up he seeks a way to change it into an advantage. He turns stumbling blocks into stepping- stones and it is natural for him to move right on, regardless of temporary failures. He has a flexible, inventive persistence in exploring different avenues until everything that needs to be done is accomplished.

Intuition Genuine disconnections[1] between letters indicate the presence of intuition.

Trait description: Intuition is a mental process that puts together all the impressions that reach the person’s mind at lightning speed. It

is a kind of super conscious activity of the brain that is much faster than the usual conscious thinking process. It is a processing of knowledge beyond conscious reasoning; the conclusions come as “hunches” to the individual. Intuition comes quickly, in a flash, without forethought. There is no effort or reflection involved. Intuition does not function well if the writer tries to make it work for him. It requires a relaxed state of body and mind. Any forced effort makes for tension in the body, and is reflected by

a similar state of strain in brain functioning. The writer has quick flashes of intelligence that contain more of a general impression than he would have if he actually thought about something for the same length of time. These flashes usually shed light upon something immediate and specific in the moment. They may happen as “sudden comprehension” while he is confronted with new knowledge or a confusing problem. Most importantly, he seems to be able to direct himself

very effectively

through difficult situations by relying on his “hunches.” He is more often right than wrong and he can afford to rely on his insight because he knows from experience that it is reliable. The writer may interpret these flashes as a “sixth sense.” Close examination, however, shows that these “hunches” are based on lightning fast comprehension of what was being observed as well as applying past knowledge to the present situation. Hunches are the result of an unconscious trial and error processes

during which one possibility after

another is tested internally until one of them clicks.

“Hunches” may arise from information that does not even appear to be relevant to a problem at hand. Often, they can be stimulated by getting away

from a

problem or by “sleeping on it.” During this so-called incubation period, the writer ’s mind continues to mull over the problem on an unconscious or semiconscious level and, in some cases at least, a solution rises to the surface and presents itself in the form of a “hunch” or sudden insight. Intuition is especially valuable in emergencies. More often than not, it works as a forewarning, especially in a dilemma or crisis. An inner voice keeps warning the writer when a situation is dangerous. It serves as a brake

rather

than an accelerator, so to speak. There are no immediate facts to deliberate upon nor is there exact evidence; still, the writer instinctively knows or feels that he should get out of a situation or place. The writer has remarkable insight into other people’s thoughts and feelings. This gives him the uncanny ability to anticipate what they are going to do. He may surprise them when he intercepts their private thoughts as though they were broadcasting them and when he is able to sense the

meaning of the words

they have left unspoken.

Investigative thinking Angles in the upper part of middle zone letter such as m and n demonstrate investigative thinking ability. The sharper the angles, the more pronounced the trait.

Trait description:

The writer has an inquiring mind and is not an easy person to convince. He wants to investigate all aspects of a situation before becoming involved. His intention is to go directly to the source and he insists on gaining firsthand knowledge through his own efforts. He prefers to learn his lessons through his own investigation rather than from other people or books. It is his nature that he wants to experience through his own exploration.

He is constantly inquiring and has the intellect to explore and absorb facts. He believes in looking beyond the obvious and enjoys research and investigation. Once an idea becomes fixed in his mind, he usually sets about gathering large amounts of information to augment it. He does not like to undertake a venture until

he has carefully examined the ground and accumulated the necessary knowledge beforehand. The writer ’s curiosity goes beyond the immediate task. Any new subject excites him, and he wants to go on learning new things all his life. He is constantly questioning and seeking. Foremost, he wants to become a wellinformed person and he is keenly interested in expanding his knowledge. He is eager to investigate unfamiliar subjects and wishes to go on learning new things all his life. He probably

believes in higher

education and would like to have at least one academic degree. He is always trying to broaden and develop his mind and may endeavor to give others the benefit of his knowledge. The way to appeal to the writer is through reason. He is contemptuous of people who accept information blindly and irritated with those who let sentiment distort their thinking. With his strong desire to gather knowledge and his intellectual curiosity, the writer is eminently suited for research work. Higher

education would

have a special attraction for him and science would prove a fertile field for his investigative and searching mind. He could be a great contributor to various fields of knowledge through his ability to make painstaking studies and investigations. He would make an investigator of insurance frauds, conspiracies, and complex financial swindles.

Irritability Jabbed i- or j-dots suggest irritability.

Trait description: The writer is easily upset. He is frustrated and temporarily under

strain

from either a mental or physical cause. More often than not, pressure comes from a negative source. It may be longlasting or immediate. It indicates that the basic harmony of the individual has been disturbed and that an imbalance exists within.

The writer has to fight every step of the way to accomplish even simple

things.

He can’t think clearly and tries to hold on desperately. Every little thing that annoys him adds fuel to the fire until he feels that everything is wrong. Quite often, irritability is the result of not having enough rest to keep alert. Tiredness, exhaustion, the busy pace, strained relations, increased output demands, excessive noise, all contribute to irritability. If a person forces himself beyond his natural physical limits day after day, he is bound to exhaust himself and irritability is one of the effects.

While the writer is under strain, he is not

capable of thinking effectively. Instead he is responding from his emotions only. He is not directing himself, he is only reacting and prone to make wrong decisions until he is able to relax and become free of the strain that is bothering him. He sees and hears only that which is within his own mind and that means that he will have an irrational view of things. While he can go ahead and work at familiar tasks, he will find it very hard to concentrate on any new or unfamiliar job or idea.

Arguments are

during

this

period

useless. Disputes, any situation in which the writer feels himself being pressured or put on the spot, or in which he feels he is being shown in a bad light, will bring the irritability rising up. Irritability may be temporary or, with continuing aggravation, may be a constant attitude.

Jealousy Small initial loops on capital letters such as M, N or H expose jealousy.

Trait description: Jealousy is a complex emotion compounded by feelings of insecurity, apprehension, self-blame, and hostility

toward an alleged rival. Foremost, it is rooted in low self esteem and insecurity about self-worth. Writers with a high degree of jealousy usually display three personality characteristics: (1) having a low opinion of themselves; (2) seeing a large discrepancy between how they really are and what they would ideally like to be; (3) valuing highly such achievements as becoming wealthy, famous, well-liked and, especially, physically attractive.” Horney explains that jealousy “may

appear in every human relationship on the part of the parents toward their children who want to make friends or to marry; on the part of the children toward their parents; between marriage partners; in any love relationship.”[2] The writer experiences intense emotions when his relationships are threatened by a rival. He is easily jealous and if rejected, suffers excruciatingly. He fears losing the affection of the loved person as well as the loss of that relationship. He is jealous because of his strong

inferiority complex he cannot believe someone could possibly love only him. Usually, there is no justification for these fears. These writers insist on being first in everything and strive to possess rather than love. They are the takers in the relationship using every device to manipulate and control. Even their affections are smothering and definitely overprotective. They want their loved ones to lean on them forever, and when they show signs of independence, the writers rebel

against their desire to

experiment outside.

with

the

world

These people can be unreasonably possessive. Their partners belong to them body, soul and mind. They will not tolerate competition from another person or outside interest. They may require their mates to account for every minute of their time, and may even keep them under surveillance. They want to know where they were,

whom they met on the way, what they said, and they may even

be upset if they are not being told what the other one is thinking about. They are constantly on the watch for indications that their jealous suspicions are justified, and may manufacture evidence if they do not find it. Any other interest their partners may have is considered a potential threat. When they are frustrated, they may turn with bitterness toward the real or imagined rival standing in their way. Jealousy is likely to make the relationship a wretched misery. The partner may be a nervous wreck

imprisoned by the writer ’s

suspicion and distrust. The writer ’s possessiveness and tendency to take over the other person will definitely cause many disputes.

Literary leanings A delta δ points to the writer ’s interest in the use of the written or spoken word. d

Trait description: The so-called literary usually occurs in handwritings with a neglected or underdeveloped lower zone. This suggests that basically, the writer is not oriented toward the environment.

Exactly at the point where he should

meet his surroundings, he recoils. He escapes upwards toward the mental and spiritual sphere The writer has a natural aptitude for literature. He most likely is excited about books and an excellent reader. He enjoys reading and study.

These writers are often bookworms

and

dedicated users of the library. Usually they have an extensive vocabulary and a flair for writing themselves. They have the mental ability to describe what they see in graphic and moving language. They delight in communicating with others and sharing their knowledge verbally or on paper. Presumably, they are fascinating story tellers. They are lovers of good books and like to discuss learned subjects for hours when they meet other knowledgeable people. As children, they probably had no

trouble learning to read. They did not

mind being called on to recite and they may have smiled as the rest of the students sighed, when a theme was assigned. In all likelihood they learned foreign tongues effortlessly and they probably understand and read more than one language. These writers may be drawn to educational activities. They could make their mark in literature. They may like to teach or lecture or they may be fond of working in some capacity on the stage or in the theater. They have a feel for language and languages and could

make

excellent linguists.

Loyalty Round dots over the letters i j suggests loyalty.

and

Trait description: The trait may have negative or positive value according to the object of the writer’s loyalty. The

writer

dedicates

himself and

is

committed to people or causes. He holds on to what he believes. Once his attitude is fixed, it is hard for anyone to change his mind. Loyalty serves to strengthen his purpose. Once committed, he goes the whole way.

The writer is faithful to the point of

no

return. Once he gives his word, he will see the obligation through. Though he may fret under the pressure of adversity, he will seldom go back on a promise. He is as wholehearted in his support of others as he is in following his own beliefs. He will always defend his friends or take their sides. He will fly defiantly in the face of anyone who tries to hurt a friend of his. His indignation will have no bounds. The writer ’s devotion to his family often surpasses all understanding. He

gives loyalty with a faithful heart. He is true to

those he cares about and will never let them down. He never reneges on his promises to friends. He will always give them a lift when the load gets heavy and he will help them out of problems, no matter how great. It is his code. They can count on his unwavering support in difficult times and situations. If there is ever any kind of trouble, the writer is not one to desert a sinking ship. He will stick with them through the crisis, and possibly add a few ideas of his own how to solve it. He is a fiercely loyal friend through all ups

and downs; when

he lets someone down who is dependent on him, he feels devastated. Any shirking of responsibility causes pangs of blame and guilt. On the other hand, he demands the same unquestioning loyalty that he gives, in both personal and work relationships. He builds up resentment when he feels that he has been wronged. If he is betrayed, he will be just as much against the people who let him down as he once was ardent on their behalf. As an employee, the writer builds up a

sense of loyalty to his employer. If he

feels appreciated and likes the people he works with, it would take much more than a monetary incentive to convince him to switch companies.

Manual dexterity Rounded or flat-topped m’s and n’s demonstrate deftness with the fingers and hands.

Trait description: The writer has good finger coordination and is deft with his hands. He may

be

mechanically inclined or ambidextrous. He is able to work in fields that require special skills with the hands. He enjoys using his fingers and can be quite deft with handicrafts and the like. The writer has a knack for fixing things. (He is not the type to let hinges hang for months unscrewed or the carpet on the floor untacked.) This talent gives the writer vocational and recreational advantages. Sketching, wood working, crafts, art, baking, and many more activities are enhanced by this ability.

The writer could shine in manual occupations where dexterity is required. He would make an able carpenter, painter, stenographer, computer operator, dressmaker or

magician. He

could be a fine dentist or watchmaker. Manual dexterity could suggest nuances in vocational selection, such as becoming a surgeon, rather than a general practitioner. With dishonesty. If the writer forges a check or picks a pocket, he is deft about it and is less likely to get caught.

Mental orientation High upper zone extensions in combination with shorter lower zone loops indicate mental orientation.

Trait description: Orientation, either physical or mental, has a significant effect on the writer’s behavior, interpersonal relationships,

his outlook and his attitudes. Mental orientation is no guarantee of mental accomplishment. It is positive or negative according to scores in related areas. Without outlet in other areas, intellectual orientation will be a problem in the writer’s life. He will be frustrated and mentally spinning his wheels. The writer's orientation is toward mental pursuits. Intellectual endeavors are of greater importance than being with people or engaging in physical activities. Abstract thinking and

mental

pursuits are naturally for him.

The writer ’s energy is predominantly mental. Abstract concepts appeal to him and for him, discovery of new knowledge is the spice of life. Always open to learning more, he delights in stretching his mind and assimilates new knowledge with great interest. The writer likely wants to earn a living

through mental pursuits. In order to function at optimum capacity, he needs

to be mentally challenged. He would feel unfulfilled with a dull or menial job and greatly frustrated by an intellectually empty existence. A career that is mentally stimulating would be most suitable for him. While he has much endurance for mental jobs, strictly- routine jobs would be boring to him. The writer dislikes having to explain his thinking to less intellectual people. He needs partners who are on the same mental wavelength with him. He gets along best with co-workers who are

intellectually bright and able to share his

ideas. To his more down-to-earth associates his behavior may seem too highbrow and scholarly. The writer finds little to talk about in social situations that call for small talk. What turns him on is mental stimulation of some kind, and if others want to capture his attention, they should gear the conversation toward a subject that challenges him. Most likely, the writer derives most of his relaxation and pleasure from mental pursuits that are usually not far removed from his working habits.

As a lover, the writer becomes first intellectually and later emotionally or physically involved. He has to experience a total blending of the mind and the spirit before the physical passions catch up in intensity.

Narrow-mindedness Narrow loops in the letter e point to narrow-mindedness. The narrower the loop, the stronger is the trait. The trait in intensified by constricted upper zone loops.

Trait description:

The writer has a closed mind and is unwilling to listen to ideas other than his own. Disconcerted by unfamiliar notions, he finds it hard to adjust to new ways of thinking. He would have to abandon established convictions in order to accept new ones, and that is threatening to him. The writer hears only what he wants to hear. Having “closed ears,” so to speak, he is auditorily a poor learner. He may even misinterpret what is being said to make it fit with something that he already believes or wants to believe.

The writer does not readily seek outside advice. Feeling secure with the familiar, he fails to realize that others’ suggestions might prove better than his own. Once his opinions are formed, they tend to become fixed and dogmatic. For all practical purposes, it is impossible to change his mind. As a boss, he does not like to accept opinions that differ from his own. He may surround himself with “yes men”

sharing his personal views. Too inflexible to accept any compromise, he tunes out people who oppose him. Regrettably, closing his mind to outside opinions limits his creative thinking and resourcefulness. When faced with a problem, he persistently tries to solve it in the same manner that has been disappointing before. The writer finds a degree of security in his restricted outlook, and having to accept new concepts is seen as a threat. He has accepted certain values and moves strictly within the

limits

established them.

by

The writer has an inclination to see but one side of a question—his own. Set in his thinking, he does not want to hear anyone else’s ideas concerning a subject about which he has already made up his mind. Because of this tendency, he can actually sit and not hear a word someone else is saying. This makes it difficult for others to discuss their thoughts with him. They may even reach the point where they stop sharing anything with him.

As a salesman, the writer would find it difficult to look at matter from his

customers’ points of view. He would perceive prospects who act counter to his ideas as a threat. Failing to heed the customer ’s point of view could cost him the sale.

Need for involvement Full lower zone loops are full and narrow spacing between words is reveal need for involvement.

Trait description:

The writer has a strong desire for closeness with others and cannot comfortably spend time alone. He derives a sense of security from group support. He probably has a great number of friends and acquaintances, and he mixes with ease with all kinds of people. He delights in meeting new people and enjoys activities involving friends or people generally.

The writer requires a congenial working environment with colleagues who are pleasant and helpful. His coworkers are likely to become his friends, and he depends on them to provide support and human contact. He looks to his associates to help him through difficult

times. His family and his friends mean a lot to him. He needs to be near them geographically, at least part of the time. With a strong need for emotional feedback, the writer likes people who are warm and quick to show their feelings. He is uncomfortable with individuals who are cold and detached, as they do not meet his need for closeness and affinity. He can express his feelings for another person easily with physical

demonstrations as well as verbally. Touching someone is regarded as an amicable gesture. Talking freely about personal matters, he does not consider personal questions an intrusion into his private affairs. On the contrary, others’ interest in him makes him feel accepted. He may impulsively offer advice or suggestions whether or not he is asked. With him, others can almost always count on the conversation taking a personal trend. Any job for the writer should involve contact with people. His attitude would

be valuable in professions where he has to touch and handle others. A good example of this would be nursing. Contact-orientated, he could function well in reception work, teaching, the healing arts, service organizations, domestic help, and anywhere where he must deal with the public in a service- related way. His forte is any occupation that involves service to others.

Optimism Rising lines verify optimism. If lines ascend too much, the writer may be euphoric and unrealistic.

Trait description: The writer has an optimistic outlook and is inclined to see the bright side of situations or events. He. He is

hopeful

about himself, his work and what he can accomplish. His self-appraisal is positive, most of the time. He is almost unable to conceive that anything, or anyone he believes in, including himself, can fail. The writer focuses on the positive things he wants to happen and expects the best outcome in most circumstances. Obviously, such a trait is most welcome on a black day. He is enthusiastically involved in projects and relationships. He has confidence in the future and anticipates things to turn

out well despite

temporary setbacks. He is aware of positive possibilities in himself, in other people and in the situations around him.

The writer concentrates on what he can do about a situation and multiplies

what

is uplifting. His optimistic outlook makes him popular with friends and associates. He is able to replenish their store of hope when the world has defeated them, infusing them with his own dauntless optimism. The writer always manages to convey a cheerful attitude. He keeps his mind filled with happy thoughts and the mental pictures related to his goals are positive. He focuses on the goal ahead, not on how he feels along the way. With that vision he has the courage to move ahead, optimistically.

Organizational ability Balance between upper and lower loops in the letter f demonstrates organizational ability.

Trait description: The writer has the ability to systematize or set things in order.

This may also

apply also thoughts.

to

people

and

He comprehends projects in their entirety and knows the significance of each component part. Clear thinking and organized, he coordinates the parts of the system so they run smoothly together.

The writer derives satisfaction from systematic accomplishment. With a

common sense approach to utilizing time, he devises a program and sees that it is carried out. The writer is capable of creating his own format for work. He probably assembles his materials for a given task before he actually commences work and budgets his hours so well that he gets much done in a relatively short period of time. He may have a system in place that can handle the mundane tasks that he is responsible for on a daily basis. This, in turn, frees his time up to do the important and creative tasks.

The writer does not

waste his time on activities that are time fillers, but rather invests it on the priorities that give him the highest return. He may list in writing at the start of the day what he wants to accomplish. And once he has made plans, he carries them out methodically. The extra time spent in planning saves him many hours by preventing hit-or-miss starts and retracing his steps later on. With an organized and disciplined work style, he knows exactly how much

time

should be allotted to different tasks. If he says he will have a job completed by a certain date, others can rely on him. Setting himself deadlines keeps him focused and moving forward step by step to achieve his goals. At the same time, he will be mindful of setting realistic deadlines that provide him with the necessary time to achieve that goal.

Originality Creative changes to copybook letters reveal original ability.

Trait description: The writer approaches a situation or problem with originality. Following his own unique ideas, he seeks out innovative answers to the

challenges.

Able to see new possibilities, he often reaches conclusions that are not the norm. His unique thinking puts him out in front, because he is creative in areas where others see only practicality. The tried and true does not hold much appeal for him. Basically unconventional, he is most satisfied when not bound to old conventions and principles. Originality is often appreciated only until it comes into conflict with expected norms of behavior. How many of his unique ideas the writer

applies depends

on his feelings of security.

~.~

~r~ ~~~c~

-J,/'rU~

~~

~-

j-

r;!6,..4, LA-L-~

The writer ’s ability can be put to use in any field requiring unique thinking and creativity. Vocationally, he functions best in situations that challenge his originality to unfold. He may use this talent to originate new product designs, an architectural drawing, or a new marketing strategy. Whatever his occupation, he is likely to bring an individualistic touch to his work. Besides

giving

him

vocational

advantages, original ability can be used

profitably in the writer's private life and to make his hobbies more creative.

Ostentation Excessive and ungainly elaboration of letters means ostentation. The indicator is especially significant when it occurs in the signature.

Trait description: The writer craves an excessive amount of attention. He is a showoff who upsets others with his patronizing attitude and his pomposity. He makes a pretentious or vain display of himself intended to invite praise or flattery. He is out to impress and to be admired. Because he is insecure, he is trying to put up a front of confidence he does not have. He is egocentric and attempts to project an exaggerated air of importance. Foremost, he is

striving to impress.

Frequently, this urge gets out of control, degenerating into pompousness and posturing conceit. Most of the time, he is a swaggering braggart. He makes unreasonable demands and he habitually exaggerates. He is trying to build himself up with sensational claims which are not based on reality. He may use extravagant mannerisms or boast. He is trying to squeeze every ounce of drama out of every situation. The effect he feels he is creating carries him away.

The writer reflecting

spends

much

time

and making elaborate preparations with little follow-through. He wastes time and energy without actually starting to work. He uses his energies erratically, applies them in the wrong place, or preoccupies himself with trifles. He suffers from a conflict between pretense and actual performance and/or skills. Mentally inefficient, he reacts with fear when faced with the realities of life. The writer ’s taste is such, that he is likely to clutter his home with cheap and junky ornaments, believing them to be artistic and desirable. He

probably

dresses in an ostentatious and gaudy style and is affected and boastful. The reaction of other people is usually negative. But the more the writer feels the disapproving reaction by others, the more he will push for effect.

Persistence A tied stroke in any of the three zones indicates persistence. Persistence pertains to the zone in which the stroke occurs.

Trait description: The writer tries over and over in an

effort to succeed. Bringing persistence to any task, he works diligently toward bringing projects to completion. The writer approaches each obstacle as a challenge. Because he continues what he is doing despite difficulties, he is much more likely to succeed. Circumstances may force him to make detours, but faith in himself and his ultimate success seldom falters. Despite obstacles, he feels compelled to make another attempt. He will rally his forces and, if necessary, begin again and again. He does not give up

easily, and few

things discourage him. Failure and setbacks only make him more determined to succeed. If he is unsuccessful at the first try, he will find alternative means to accomplish what he has set out to do. If one method fails, he tries another.

His capacity to persevere in the face of difficulties usually makes him a

good

employee. Whatever job he is assigned to, he will apply himself persistently and with determination to succeed. Quitting is against his nature. When working for the boss, he is not likely to be a clock-watcher; he will persevere until the job is finished. The persistent writer would function well in the healing arts, in emergency situations, in engineering or the military, in political and financial enterprises, and in most types of investigative work.

With persistence writer

very

high, the

will persevere, even if it would be better to make changes. The trait keeps him from being able to shift gears and getting back on the right track. He continues when things no longer work to advantage, or when others who are important to him refuse to cooperate.

Pessimism Sinking writing lines or individual words that descend reveal a pessimistic attitude.

Trait description: The writer is a worrier. He tends to see

the difficulties and disadvantages of a situation rather than the favorable side of it. This adds a negative aspect to his thinking and to his general outlook on life. He has an inclination to look on the dark side of things. He tends to expect a poor outcome in most circumstances.

Hardly a day goes by in which he does not feel a vague sense of uneasiness. Gloom and depression descend on him without warning. Even though things may be going well for him, he acts as if a cloud is constantly hanging over him.

Expecting the worst to happen, he is not particularly surprised when it does. The writer feels he has to try harder than others to attain his goals. Negative in his approach to problems, he is discouraged before he starts. With an attitude of “can’t do,” rather than “can do,” he believes achievement will be difficult. He is unable to see beyond that which stands in the way of the successful completion of projects. He can become quite disheartened when things are not going according to plan. He tends to become

pessimistic and

discouraged over this. Discouragement then affects his outlook as well as his mental attitude. His focus is on how dejected he feels rather than on what he can do about circumstances. Pessimism prevents the writer from developing a flexible attitude. He overestimates obstacles to such an extent that he finds it difficult to follow a line of action. His negative outlook is apt to depress other people as well, and it makes it difficult for them to stay

around for any length of time.

Physical energy and emotional memory Physical energy and emotional memories are shown by the depth of writing pressure. Pressure may be heavy, medium, or light.

Pressure heavy

Yo u ma y have heard the phrase, “They have an elephant’s memory.” Those are the heavy pressure writers. They are the kind of people who seem to remember forever, and who hold grudges indefinitely. Conversely, they will also remember when someone did them a good deed. What happened to them long

ago will often influence their behavior today. The writer ’s feelings run so deep that incidents that would have little impact on some people exert great influence on him. Soaking up every emotional experience as if he were a blotter, he may be under their influence for a very long time. Inclined to hate with fury and love with fervor, he tends to become strongly biased by past experiences. Memories keep preying on his mind, and he holds grudges a l m o s t forever. Because of

his long-lasting feelings, he

also has enduring friendships and loyalties.

The writer has a large amount of energy that he rarely exhausts through normal productivity or sexual activities. He enjoys challenges, and most of the time he exerts more force against obstacles that is necessary. H i s

strength and

physical accomplishment are important criteria for success. He may set a rapid pace for others, and he keeps going when they can no longer endure. He enjoys hard physical work, vigorous contact sports and the physical aspects of sex. In each instance, his body responds fully and readily to the demand. Active manual labor helps use up the writer's stamina. If unreleased, the pent-up energy becomes tension. With a large degree of physical endurance, he can work hard for

long periods of time with only short pauses

for rest. He tends to become increasingly tense the longer something takes to work out. However, once the job is finished, the tension is released and he is able to relax. Vocations suitable for this writer would be all kinds of manual labor, such as lumbering, mining, farm labor, excavating, road building, the handling of freight or carrying mail on foot. With extremely heavy pressure, the writer is in a state of abnormal tension.

He continually uptight.

feels

agitated

and

Being in a strained state has become normal for him. Tension in him is caused by something unresolved in either body or mind. The writer pulls himself along by conscious effort and is driven to accomplish through fear instead of creative energy. Suffering the negative effects of the strain he is putting on himself, he has to exert himself beyond any useful limit just to hold on. He appears to be in a chronic state of irritability. Being delayed or thwarted increases tension even more. He cannot do what he must easily

enough to work

productively and effectively. Ignoring his body's need for nutrition and rest, he tries too hard and exerts too much effort, thereby increasing the pressure he puts on himself,

Pressure medium The writer has sufficient energy with which to accomplish his purposes, and a little in reserve. With normal amounts of sleep, he has adequate stamina to stay with something until it is completed.

He can demand performance from himself,

both in the physical and in the mental area, without becoming unduly fatigued. However, he does not like to be challenged to perform above the load he is accustomed to carrying. Usually, such writers start from a satisfactory balance between intellectual and mental drives.

Emotional experiences are remembered, but the writer does not become biased by them. They stay with him for a fair

amount present

of

time

and

may

affect

behavior temporarily. Only some experiences leave a lingering impression. Others he forgets as he becomes concerned with other matters. New experiences crowd out unpleasant memories. In general, he lives more in the present than in the past.

Pressure light The writer has more mental than physical energy. What he accomplishes is usually the result of

thought. Physical activity is not as easy or natural for him,

especially if it is prolonged and exhausting. He is less inclined to become involved physically. Because he tends to neglect the physical side of his being, he may have poorer health and less recuperative strength. He becomes discouraged more easily, and his endurance is less. A normal day's work leaves the writer exhausted, and sufficient sleep is mandatory for him. This is exacerbated by the fact that he probably takes little interest in physical fitness. The writer is trying to avoid friction

as

much as possible and is more inclined to compromise. He cannot “use his elbows,” so to speak. He rarely becomes a leader. Meeting others halfway is part of his strategy of getting along. Even in instances where he feels deeply about something, he is willing to negotiate. He adapts in order to avoid tension and prevent a dispute. The writer ’s interests are inclined to be more intellectual or spiritual than physical, and he is less inclined to become a

leader.

Emotional experiences are forgotten rather quickly, because feelings are expended at the time and not absorbed. Even though he may suffer from incidents that affect his feelings adversely, he soon forgets or becomes concerned with other matters. He would be more inclined to worry about the future than the past.

No matter how moving an incident might be at the moment, in due time it fades, having left little imprint upon the personality. Since the writer does not harbor emotionally-based grudges, he has a more unbiased attitude. The slower the speed of writing, the less energy the light pressured writer has.

Compatibility between heavy and light writers

Depth of writing is a significant criterion

in establishing compatibility. Partners with the same kind of pressure usually encounter far fewer problems. With widelydiscrepant scores, misunderstandings are likely to occur. What pleases the heavy writer is often overwhelming for the light-writing spouse. To the light writer, the heavypressure mate may appear too physically demanding, too physically “turned on” too often, and too serious and challenging in regard to the conversations he seeks. To heavy writers, light-writing mates may

seem

superficial, hypersensitive, unnecessarily complaining about hardships, and weak.

Physical orientation Long lower loops express physical orientation. The indicator is intensified through the presence of loops in the small letter p.

Trait description: The writer is physically motivated and inclined to express himself in terms of bodily activity. His initial reaction to anything is usually on the physical level and he performs best when he can act rather than think.

A doer rather than thinker, the writer has predominantly physical interests. His body gives him good support when he places demands on it. In sports, at physical labor, his body is right there working for him and with him. These are

the areas where he gains most of his ego satisfying experiences. The writer has a healthy amount of physical energy that he can express positively in work, sex, or other productive activities. He has the strength to sustain long hours of work and maintain a high performance level. Hard work invigorates him, so does running, walking, swimming, hugging, or any activity that connects his body with the rest of the world. The writer ’s initial reaction to anything is usually on the bodily level.

He will take action to work something out rather

than think obstacles.

his

way

around

Instead of planning ahead, he organizes projects as he goes along. He may need someone else to schedule his programs, because to him the mental effort is troublesome and tiring. He is more than willing to let others work with theory.

His action orientation works to advantage in emergencies. He acts quickly while others are still thinking. The writer ’s need for physical activity suggests a career that keeps him active and involved. Feeling most satisfied

when he can move around, he would be frustrated by mental work. He has to move about to relieve boredom and needs at least some physical exercise as part of the job. If he is merely sitting, he feels unproductive and becomes frustrated or begins to brood. If working in a sedentary job, he has to shift his position frequently. He may walk about, even while holding a serious conversation. The writer may have the habit of yawning or falling asleep while other people are talking or socializing.

They

may be offended by this alleged slight, especially when he snaps back as soon as something of interest enters the conversation. The writer may encounter difficulties in relationships with more mentally-oriented people. They tend to feel that he is pressuring them into physical activities without considering their needs. It would be difficult for this person to stay retired from active life or from at least engaging in physical activity.

Positiveness Firm downstrokes in upper-zone letters such as b and l indicate positiveness.. This downstroke is straight instead of rounded and ends at the baseline.

Trait description: The writer has mental tenacity

and

firmness of conviction. He is firm when the occasion demands it and he keeps to his chosen course. Since his conclusions are the result of conscious decisions, they are important to him. He determines carefully what it is he really wants and then keeps his mind filled with that positive image.

Onc e the writer decides on a goal, he follows through. He is more likely to create his o w n opportunities.

When

faced with obstacles, he takes them as opportunities and moves forward. He either finds a way or makes one. His pattern is to continue and keep going. Vocationally, positiveness is an asset because the individual moves ahead resolutely in whatever work he has chosen. He gets more done. He serves well in the healing arts, emergency situations, the military, political and financial enterprises. It is valuable in fields such as exploring, or missionary work.

Despite his positive stand, the writer can

be influenced by facts. He will change his opinions, but only if he sees the advantage of doing so, or if he can be convinced that a change of position would be of benefit.

Precision Carefully retraced demonstrate precision.

p

stems

Trait description: The writer is exacting of himself and precise in his work. He follows through correctly on all obligations. He sticks to standards and the letters of the law in his assignments, and accuracy is

extremely

important him.

to

As an employee, he requires little supervision. Conscientious and reliable, he does every job exactly to prescribed specifications. His whole focus is on being precise in everything. He completes his work with much

exactitude last

and

is

correct

to

the

detail. He will not tolerate anything slipshod, and unless he can do a job well, he does not want to do it at all. In a work setting, he might find himself feeling irritated or critical of others when their thinking or working style is less precise. He is always aware of what should be permitted and what should not. In personal relations, this can be an irritant. To the boss, it could seem that he spends too much time doing the job (unless, of course, the boss possesses

the same trait).

Precise in all he does, the writer is likely to be punctual and expects everyone else to be just as prompt. He would work to advantage in positions involving exact observation, measurements, or strict specifications. Precision is also useful in supervising and inspecting, drill instruction, reform work, fine technical labor, electrical wiring and prescription filling. It adds to the effectiveness as proofreader, auditor, accountant and dental technician.

With precision very high, the writer can

be machine-like in many ways. Things will be done precisely, and anything less than perfect would be intolerable.

Pride A d or t-stem that is 2½ to 3 times the height of middle zone letters manifests pride.

Trait description: The writer has a sense of pride. He likes to think well of himself and wants to be highly regarded by others.

Concerned

about his public and private image, he tries hard in every area of his life. He wants to make a good impression, and approval means much to him. He derives much satisfaction when others notice his accomplishments. Conversely, he would feel very uncomfortable with a lesser performance.

His pride in the vocational area is especially pronounced. Not wanting his image tarnished, he experiences a sense of failure when he falls short of what is expected of him. Pride is the measuring stick for what he is and what he wishes to achieve.

As an employee, he will go to great lengths to be valuable to the company that employs him. He can be depended upon to do his best, because he does not want to create a bad impression, especially on those in authority. Praise will make him try harder. Setting a high standard of achievement in all he does, he would also expect his subordinates to do their best if he were placed in a managerial position. The desire to be thought of well is one of his strongest

motivations.

Pride would be a deterrent to impulsiveness. The writer usually manages to seem controlled, because he does not wish to appear to disadvantage. He disciplines himself out of concern for his personal and public image. Pride may sometimes be felt in areas that are outside the law. There may be pride in criminal accomplishments, for instance in the “perfect crime.”

Procrastination t-bars to the left of the stem expose procrastination. This is intensified by i-dots to the left of the stem.

Trait description: The writer tends to be tardy about some aspects of his work or behavior. He puts off what he fears or does not want to do for a number of individual

reasons.

Waiting for a “better time” he defers action, because few things seem important enough to act on immediately. He holds back on doing things he does not enjoy.

Procrastination can cause the writer a great deal of trouble in his work and in his personal relationships. As a fearful starter, he has a tendency to let situations and assignments slide. Deadlines may be violated when he

“puts off until

tomorrow” and tries to skim by at the last moment. Not known for punctuality, the writer is often careless about time. As an employee, he may be late for work. Others may find him making excuses or complaining about the workload. With his work being frequently late, the writer may create an unfavorable track record. Others may find it difficult to adjust to his habit of lateness. By violating commitments, he may forfeit the confidence of those who see him procrastinate and are perturbed

by his

laxity. What he views as harmless procrastination, others may interpret as a sinful waste of time. Procrastination often makes the writer anxious. By delaying action he need not come to terms with problems at the moment, but this does not solve the situation; it merely postpones it. He lets situations build up, but all the time, he is uncomfortably aware that he will have to do the task sooner or later. He worries about work left undone rather than devoting energy to doing it.

As a sales person he may postpone appointments or reschedule at the last minute. He may miss opportunities by delaying action, because he procrastinates beyond the auspicious moment. The writer may be a poor credit risk. He

will delay unpleasant facts, such as dealing with his unpaid obligations.

Repression Frequent upward retracing downstrokes manifests repression.

of

Trait description: Repression is a defense mechanism in which painful or threatening experiences and impulses are

automatically excluded from consciousness. An urge or impulse blocked from expression so that it cannot be experienced consciously or directly expressed in behavior. The concept of repression was originally developed by Freud to account for the fact that his patients often failed to recall the events that produced their symptoms. At first Freud felt that repression produced anxiety, but he later reversed the order and came to believe that anxiety produced repression. In time,

this interpretation was used not only to explain lapses of memory, but the tendency to expel from consciousness unacceptable sexual desires, dangerous feelings of hostility, and egothreatening impulses of all kinds. Even though repression may banish objectionable memories or impulses from consciousness, it does not deprive them of their dynamic force, and they may express themselves in many indirect ways, as in dreams, fantasies, jokes, slips of the tongue, vague feelings of guilt, insecurity and

uneasiness, as well as neurotic and psychotic symptoms. Repression is probably the most basic defense mechanism and the one most frequently called upon to protect the ego. Moreover, it appears to be involved in many of the other defenses, for example, when the writer fails to perceive unpleasant realities [selfdeceit] or protects himself from hurt by withdrawing into himself. The writer tends to force painful thoughts and impulses into

his

subconscious mind. Repressing from consciousness unacceptable desires or ideas helps him to control impulses that would evoke guilt feelings and anxiety. Or he may be blocking from awareness negative aspects of himself in order to maintain a more positive self-regard. Rather than expressing and coping with his problems and fears, he bottles them up inside of him. Unable to consciously accept his inner nature, he operates with a good deal of repression and denial.

Like other defense mechanisms, repression has both advantages and disadvantages. It may help the writer to

control impulses that arouse guilt feelings or run counter to the moral code. It may protect him against traumatic experiences until he is better prepared to assimilate them. Nevertheless, it is a form of escape, and is it usually better to face problems than to evade them. Since the repressed material continues to exist in the unconscious, repression is never performed once and for all but requires a constant expenditure of energy to maintain it. Not surprisingly, when the writer uses energy for the

purpose of

repression, he frequently does not have enough of it left for other purposes.

Resentment An inflexible initial stroke beginning from the baseline or below indicates resentment.

Trait description: The writer has been taken advantage of in the past und is unable to forget old hurts. Wounded by failure to reap the proper rewards for past efforts, he is in

a constant state of preparedness against further impositions. Whether such alleged intrusions are real or imagined, his reaction will be the same. He feels imposed upon if asked to perform above the regular call of duty and he becomes resentful if taken for granted for too long.

With the proverbial “elephant’s memory” he harbors grudges for a long time and is a lasting enemy. He can

say

outwardly that he forgives, but inwardly he never forgets. The person who offended him, may have long forgotten the incident and is probably a loss to understand why the writer is so angry with him. Vocationally, the writer does well in commercial or military jobs where some mass goal needs to be achieved and where everyone knows that little time can be spent on being thoughtful of each participant’s smaller needs.

Responsibility, desire for Large initial loops on capital letters such a s M, N, H and J shows the desire for responsibility. The intensity of the trait is reinforced by initial loops in middle zone letters.

Trait description: The writer feels the need for greater responsibility than he presently has. He yearns to enhance his status in the eyes of others and to improve his opinion of himself. Being stuck in the same old rut is very painful and he seeks an active challenge and greater accountability. The writer is more likely than any other employee to accept additional duties without complaining. He is even prepared to shoulder the

obligations of others if he feels it necessary. He wants

to rise to a position of authority and revels in all the honors and privileges it confers. A smart employer will add some important sounding responsibilities to his job so that the writer will at least think he is at the top. It will allow him to save face with himself.

Occasionally, the writer may complain that everyone depends on him and that he is forced to carry the whole load, but in reality, he loves it. If

someone tries to

relieve him of his burden or lend a helping hand, he will disdainfully refuse help. He will accept orders from his superiors while he deems it necessary but in reality, he considers his job an important stepping stone in his drive to take over and be in charge. The thought never leaves his mind for an instant. The trait does not necessarily mean that the writer is a responsible person. It has nothing to do with inherent talent of ability. Feeling capable does not always mean the person is qualified. The desire

is based on feeling, not necessarily on

experience or facts. The writer ’s need to assume responsibility may stand in the way of good relations with others. He alienates others with his tendency of trying to take charge. Others feels his pressure and fight against it. While the trait does not suggest specific vocational fields, it does inform how much responsibility the writer is going to want. It forewarns that he may try to expand his own authority too quickly while working for someone

else.

Responsiveness Slant in writing reveals a person’s degree of emotional responsiveness or lack of it. It provides information how people react to others and to their environment. Slant can be toward the right, vertical, or toward the left.

Right slant Right slanted writing reveals immediate emotional responsiveness.

Trait description: Right slanted writers respond immediately on the emotional level. They show feelings quickly and easily. They laugh more readily and cry more easily. Predominantly

influenced

by

their

emotions, they are likely to let their feelings overrule their judgment. That means that decisions are based on subjective impressions rather than objective facts. Their emotions tend to take over the responsibility that the mind should perform.

Their to

subjective

attitude

tends

determine their opinion of other people and this, in turn, affects their relationships with them. Easily hurt by coldness or disinterest, they prefer friends and associates to whom they can show exactly how they feel. More likely than most other people to become prejudiced, they tend to form intense likes and dislikes for people, places and things. Whatever they believe, they believe intensely, and whatever they dislike, they dislike with fervor. Since

these

folks

are

so

emotional

themselves, they can easily touch the feelings of others. On the other hand, their emotional behavior may become an irritant to those who are more restrained. Emotional responsiveness is valuable in professions such as nursing, reception work, teaching, the healing arts, service organizations, domestic help, and anywhere where people must deal with the public in a service related way.

Vertical slant

Ve r t i c a l verifies and

objectiveness

emotional control.

Trait description: The writer ’s actions are governed by judgment rather than emotion. With his feelings under control, he can meet problems objectively.

Entering each situation in a matterof-

fact sort of way, the writer has a natural poise, or equability, that seldom deserts him, even in moments of great stress. In an emergency he can be counted on to carry through with composure. A substantial degree of objectivity helps to stabilize responsive tendencies and prevents impulsive action.

Levelheaded

and

composed,

the

writer

is just as controlled in expressing affection and compassion, as he would be in expressing more negative feelings. It is unlikely that he would burden others with his personal problems. F unc t i o ni ng best where emotional display is not the rule, he sets for others an example for moderation. He probably thinks of his controlled behavior as a benefit and appreciates similar restraint in others. Facing emotional situations with calmness and composure, he may be

sometimes more

misunderstood

by

responsive persons, to whom he may appear somewhat unconcerned and restrained.

Left slant Left slant indicates emotional withdrawal. Emotional responsiveness is very limited.

Trait description:

The writer rarely reveals his inward responses and instead presents a front of cool indifference. While he does not lack emotions, he prefers to keep them private. Apparently, he has learned early in life to keep to himself what is going on inside, his joys as well as his suffering.

His interest is withdrawn from the

outer

world and concentrated on his inner self; his focus in on his own thoughts, needs and desires. He shuns social interaction, and is content to work alone. He invites neither closeness nor intimacy. Inclined to ask, “How will this benefit me?” he feels the only one he can count on is himself. Although he may appear communicative and mix with other people, it is in a detached and impersonal way. While he may be friendly and outgoing on the surface, he actually gives very little of himself.

Any job demanding restraint of emotion would be suitable for him. Surgeons, executioners, professional gamblers, bill collectors, traffic enforcers, are examples of such professions. Important! The withholding of emotions may result in a build-up of tension. When the controls break, pentup emotions may be released as an erupting force.

Reticence Closed ovals such as o, a, signify reticence.

Trait description: The trait of reticence does not imply a conscious or calculated effort to be silent; rather, it is a natural quality of the writer. The writer refrains from talking. He

is

habitually silent and uncommunicative. He can speak when he wants to, but where his deep personal feelings are concerned he is quiet and reserved. In interpersonal relationships, the writer does not talk much unless discussing a pet subject. He appears hesitant and uncommunicative, most of the time. He needs much coaxing to speak of matters of personal concern. He seems to feel threatened by overt communication and usually keeps his

thoughts and ideas within.

When the writer is most upset, he is least inclined to talk it out. When he feels uneasy, he is more likely to communicate through covert methods, or not at all.

The writer ’s communication with others is composed mostly of agreements or silence. He is more inclined to listen to what other people are saying than to speak himself. When

he talks, he has a strong need assurance that he has

for

said and concluded the right thing. The writer rarely comes right to the point. Instead, he starts talking around what he really wants to say. He is more likely to write down his most personal thoughts than to express them verbally. (He probably e-mail over the phone.) He may be afraid to disagree or argue because he is afraid of losing friends. As a result, something unspoken frequently stands between him and those close to him.

The writer refuses to tell others how he

really feels and thereby denies them the support they may be glad to give. On the other hand, he often feels people should be doing things for him without direct request and he may feel slighted when they don’t perceive his needs. On the upside, the writer is easier to be around because his does not talk about his own upsets incessantly. He keeps quiet when others want to share their thoughts with him. His silence is reassuring. He is a good confidante and a discreet friend. His private life and the

personal concerns of those close to him

are kept confidence.

in

strict

Reticence is an excellent vocational trait in confidential positions and in situations requiring discretion. The writer would fit well into banking, investments, insurance, property management or corporation law, and the diplomatic service, for example.

Sarcasm Sharply pointed t-bars in slow writing verify sarcasm.

Trait description: Sarcasm is a defense trait and serves as an outlet of hostility. It is usually exercised as a result of specific inner tensions. Often, it may be directed at

an innocent victim serving as a scapegoat. It usually involves mental activities, such as thoughts and words and the sharp or biting expression of them; physical activity or actions is seldom, if ever, involved. The writer easily resorts to sarcasm when he is irritated, and annoyance can lead to stinging retorts. Frustration is usually met with sarcasm and often directed at the wrong target. When his ego is wounded, he is capable of saying bitterly cruel and sarcastic things to others, things he may not

mean

at all. He has a stinging tongue when he wants to use it. He feels he, himself, will be safe from attack because others will be afraid of him.

the writer ’s sarcasm can easily hurt others’ feelings. These hurts may be remembered for a long time. Because of his sharp tongue, others may be afraid to bring their problems to him. He may easily be seen by others

as an unpleasant

person. While the writer can be sarcastic with others, he will not tolerate it the other way around. He gets quite defensive when others use cutting language with him. As long as the people around him don’t take his caustic remarks personally, things go smoothly, but if they fear the writer ’s sharp tongue they will be afraid to bring their problems to him and misunderstandings are bound to result.

Secretiveness Ovals that are closed with a loop on the right side denote secretiveness.

Trait description: The writer consciously keeps to himself what he does not w a n t to

reveal. In

personal relationships, he is secretive and uncommunicative. Openness is not his style. He needs much coaxing to speak of matters of personal matters. He does not like to discuss his private life and guards his inner feelings carefully from prying eyes.

The writer will never confide in strangers, and there are things even his best friends don’t know. For no apparent reason he withholds information from family and friends. Much goes on

inside

of him that no one ever hears about. The writer is more inclined to listen to what other people are saying than to speak himself. While he refuses to take anyone into his confidence, he will listen to others carefully as they confide their secrets to him. He is discreet and will not violate their trust. The writer would function to advantage in positions requiring discretion. He fits best into banking, investments, insurance, property management or

corporation law, for example.

Selectiveness Narrow lower zone loops illustrate selectiveness.

Trait description: Selectiveness is a defense trait related to a less than adequate self-concept, to jealousy and self-consciousness. It is an unconscious part of the writer’s

character which affects every area of his personality. It restricts his willingness to engage in new activities and experiences. If the writer is intelligent and creative, his basic personality may work. Otherwise, he may perform below his true level of ability. Work that may be within his capacity may be avoided because it involves too close contact with others. In extreme cases, the trait may be symptomatic of neurotic tendencies. The writer is insecure in the give-andtake that is normal in daily

encounters.

Consequently, he restricts his friendship to a limited number of people. He is careful to choose only individuals with compatible interests. He withdraws from personal contacts that he, himself, has not initiated and shares his more intimate concerns only with the members of this select group. Hampered by his fears, he cannot interact spontaneously with people who might turn him down.

The writer gains security from belonging to his clique where individual members usually support each other. They lean on each other for the strength they do not have. Their solidarity hides their fears from others so that, to a degree, they appear successful on the outside.

The people the writer has chosen mean a lot to him, because that choice was conscious and considered. While he selects few friends, those chosen are held very dear. The writer ’s selective attitude may not always apparent. It may be camouflaged by casual interest in many people. He may, in fact, be an excellent mixer. He may be well accepted in business circles or active in organizations. But these relationships are superficial. Only a chosen few are admitted to the true circle of

intimates.

The writer would function best in occupations requiring formality, such as bank manager, funeral director, district attorney, trust officer, or hospital administrator.

Self-castigation Final strokes turning up and backward over the previous letter or word, reveal self-castigation.

Trait description: Self-castigation is a defense to keep a large amount of hostility repressed.

Unfortunately, this is a poor solution because blocked anger pushes inward where it turns into contempt and hatred for self. As a result, the writer tends to be less effective in life. Flooded continually with subconscious hostility, he is so tense and exhausted that he has little energy for more productive efforts. The writer suffers from self-blame and subconsciously seeks selfpunishment. He often blames himself for circumstances over which he has no control.

Still, he persistently and urgently courts his own disadvantage. He apparently finds satisfaction for a deep need in this way; it seems as if he takes pleasure in his own misfortune. Even though he may be unaware of both the nature of the need and of its existence, he continuously displays evidence of it.

Surprisingly,

these

individuals

are

often

effective in assisting other people to direct their lives while they are incredibly inept in managing their own. They virtually seize every opportunity to achieve a state in which they will be miserable. They are self-torturing. They unconsciously seek experiences which are punishing and embarrassing to them, a nd the y tend to expose themselves to humiliation and attack. Some of these people are so gifted that they seemingly get along in life, or even appear successful. But if their achievements are viewed in context

of

their capabilities, their underachievement becomes obvious. They may choose the wrong job or gravitate toward work they despise and which utilizes their capabilities only minimally. Basically, the writer longs to extirpate vague feelings of guilt. He loathes himself for not being the remarkable person that he feels he should be and his self hatred comes out in many ways, sometimes quickly, sometimes over many years. It may be revealed in destructive acts such as overeating,

alcoholism, use of dangerous drugs, hazardous sports and self-humiliating behavior of all kinds. The writer punishes himself and jeopardizes his life in many ways. Sometimes the self-inflicted humiliation eases his guilt and for a time he can make more constructive efforts on his own behalf. However, unless checked by healthy traits, the defensive behavior will continue to accelerate.

Self-confidence 1.

Personal pronoun I proportionate to overall writing size. 2. Signature proportionate to writing 3. Height of middle zone letters medium to large. 4. t-bars in upper third of stem

Trait description: The writer is assured and confident. He is courageous in the face of difficult circumstances. He faces up to challenges

as a matter of course. He knows he can handle problems if he has to. He functions well in his life and in his job because he knows his own strength and potential.

His confidence is based on his ability to achieve and is in no way held up by, or dependent on, the opinion of others. The writer is threatened only by very large responsibilities. He has bigger concepts and thinks in bigger terms than most people. He functions well in his job because he knows his own strength and potentials. Because of this he works to advantage in situations that call for leadership. The ability to communicate is influenced by confidence. The writer

is not afraid

to speak his mind. He is able to accept criticism or different opinions that others may offer. He contributes his own ideas to make his work more efficient and productive. He is willing to apply new techniques to new situations, and he accepts responsibility for the consequences. The writer has the drive and the enthusiasm necessary to develop his talents. He is willing to take risks to get ahead and confident in his ability to achieve his goals. He has learned that there are a few irremediable

mistakes,

and he regards mistakes as a challenge to keep trying, not a loss of approval and prestige, or as a humiliation to be avoided at any cost. The writer likes strength in others, too, and looks for it. Self-sufficiency in a person is what he admires most.

Self-consciousness A higher final hump on the letters M, N, m or n exposes selfconsciousness.

Trait description: The writer is ill at ease in the presence of strangers or in unfamiliar situations. He feels inept in new relationships and does not know what to do. Meeting

strangers is Unfamiliar

difficult

for

him.

surroundings and people put him off. In any public appearance, he feels strained and ill at ease. Since he is so anxious under emotional pressure, he feels that he is unable to handle it.

The writer seems to take a long

time

before he feels at ease in a group, even if the people know him. When someone draws him out in conversation, he seems to be grateful for the attention and begins to brighten perceptibly. In general, he seems to be more eager to hear what other people are saying than to speak himself. These individuals prefer to be left alone to do the assigned tasks by themselves. Supervision makes them nervous. They want to do the best job of which they are capable, but they can’t do it easily with someone looking over their

shoulder.

These individuals fit well where they are in the background with little notice. They are able warehousemen, stock, filing or shipping clerks, mine and mill workers, cooks, bakers, machine operators, light house tenders or fire lookouts. They are qualified for editing, writing, research, invention, and for positions such as secretaries, domestics, dental assistants, tailors, or dressmakers.

Self-control A curved t-bar bending downwards reveals self-control.

Trait description: The writer tries to control personality characteristics which would be detrimental to a favorable self image. He abstains from unacceptable behavior

and

practices self-restraint at most times. He is held back by his own will power rather than by external force or authority.

The writer considers consequences before he goes into action and rarely responds before he has the occasion to think. He suppresses expression of his feelings deliberately so that he appears composed and level-headed to others. He is neither prone to hasty judgment

nor impetuous acts. His responses are the

result of process.

a

conscious

thought

The writer appears more objective and self-possessed and his restraint helps him to keep his composure in difficult circumstances. His capacity for control makes him an asset in an emergency. He does not crack under pressure, nor does he doubt his ability to handle the situation. If someone is showing a more emotional response than the writer is comfortable with, he may increase his impersonal demeanor and thus signal

to others that he does not appreciate their apparent

lack of control. His appearance of reserve in emotional circumstances may make him less approachable, as far as other people are concerned. Since the writer ’s feelings are less likely to show, they are more significant when they surface. Under extreme pressure, he could respond impulsively; however, such action does not normally characterize him. When it does happen, it means that the emotions within have exploded past the normal controlled pattern of conduct.

Self-deceit Initial loops within circle letters betray self-deceit.

Trait description: The writer rationalizes. He refuses to recognize unpleasant facts by denying their existence. He seems to wear

blinders to shut out anything he does not want to see. Self-deceit colors his judgment. Very often he is unable to admit the truth about himself. He is an escapist who deceives himself about the seriousness of a situation rather then face the truth.

The writer usually avoids problems rather then face them. He builds false images by facing only parts of a difficulty or situation. He

weaves his

own interpretations and expects reality to conform. Lacking in mature judgment, he is incapable to deal effectively with reality. His own faulty judgment can be seen as the cause of many of his troubles and his problems may be largely due to the lies he tells himself. Subconsciously, the writer knows that his reasoning is specious and disappointment is inevitable. He is not only deluding himself, eventually others may think of him as a deceptive or devious individual.

Self-reliance Underscoring a signature is the primary indicator for self-reliance. In order for the trait to be effective the whole signature needs to be underlined with a strong, straight stroke, otherwise the intensity of the trait is weakened.

Trait description: Self-reliant writers want to reach their goals and accomplish their tasks by themselves or with as little outside help as possible. They are prepared to meet life on an independent basis in everything they do. They are determined to do everything they can themselves, in preference to seeking someone to do it for them. They will not admit dependence on others.

These indivuals trust their own power of judgment. They instinctively depend upon their own abilities. They are their own authority. They are prone to disregard directions and to things “their own way.” Presented with a job to do or a choice to make, they know instinctively how to handle it relying on their own ability and experience. They rarely find it necessary to ask for

assistance. As employees, should be put in a position where have the freedom to make their decisions, answerable, if possible, to the boss.

they they own only

Self-reliant individuals may go into business for themselves just so they can make their own choices and have things their own way. They will labor without help or encouragement until they carry out their plans. Their strength comes from inside and they can always find a way of going it alone when they must. If they cannot do something

themselves, they will not ask another to do it.

Self-reliance is a natural aid to people in the healing arts and armed services, for equipment operators, entertainers and anyone working in hazardous duty.

Sensitiveness to criticism Loope d d- or t-stems reveal that the writer is sensitive to criticism.

Trait description: The writer is easily offended or disturbed by real or imagined

criticism.

His feelings are easily hurt. It takes very little to get “under his skin.” Criticism cuts him to the bone and he usually feels he does not deserve this kind of treatment, yet he constantly anticipates to be censored or rebuked. He is vulnerable to even unintended slights about his performance habits, mannerisms, ideas and beliefs. His feelings get bruised by something others may not even realize they said. Any hint of criticism puts him on the defense, although he will not readily admit this, even to himself.

His sensitiveness is not

part of his inner consciousness about himself. It functions unconsciously. His emotions, which were probably hurt when he was a child, dictate his responses.

It is difficult for this individual to deal with other people because he is so affected by what they say and do, and even by the way they say it. He is overly sensitive to any sign of

rejection, a

laugh, a shrug, or an unfriendly tone of voice. He is vulnerable to hidden meanings and often feels shattered by an innocent remark. He is afraid to enter into any situation or relationship where a chance exists that he could be rebuffed or snubbed. He finds it hard to put his trust in other people because he is afraid of being hurt. The writer believes that others are saying spiteful things on purpose, strictly to provoke or irritate him. He tries to adjust by building a wall of defenses around himself. He will

avoid, if at all

possible, entering into situations or relationships where he could be criticized. Others should remember to reproach him tactfully and privately, lest criticism will never accomplish its intended purpose with him. Most importantly, he should never be teased. Any form of censure tends to trigger an exaggerated reaction. Because of his own sensitiveness, the writer will go to great lengths not to blame others. He will not dish it out nor does he try to hurt others unnecessarily. He tries to be

compassionate because he

understands how criticism hurts.

Sensuousness Pastose (broad) writing confirms sensuousness. This writing is not “smeary.”

Trait description: The degree of sensuousness is an important factor in personal relationships because it affects the

whole behavior pattern. The reaction to sense impressions determine to a large degree a person’s comfort and discomfort. It determines culture, the kind of music liked, the kind of clothing chosen, and how the food should be seasoned. The level of sensuousness affects the nature of hobbies and recreational activities. Misunderstandings are almost inevitable and may get blown out of proportion because people with opposing scores simply cannot “tune in” to how the other one feels. They

will annoy each other unwittingly in so many ways that it is just a question of time until a serious quarrel erupts. The writer has an emotional reaction to anything that stimulates his senses. He is pleasure-loving and sensuous. He is an admirer of beauty and to appeal to him, an object or idea has to be attractive to his finely tuned senses. The writer does not want to hear that something is “good for him,” “that everybody else is doing it.” That kind of persuasion makes him yawn. To respond with genuine interest, he has

to derive

some sensual satisfaction everything he does.

from

Beauty in all its forms appeals to him. Fine paintings and symphonies may stir him greatly, and he may be tranquilized by the color of the sky. He will appreciate candlelight, flower and the sterling silver routine. He may be visibly moved by freshly washed sheets with the sweet smell of sunshine, or by the delicious aroma of bread baking in the oven. He loves the fragrance of newly cut grass after a spring rain, burning wax candles or

the smoke from a

pile of smoldering autumn leaves. Concerts and exhibits are good bets on dates, or dining places with the best chefs, because flat hamburgers and bland pea soup leave him emotionally cold. Colors and sounds will affect his disposition and his emotions deeply. Discordant colors or sounds can literally damage his emotional stability. Unpleasant odors affect him just as drastically in a negative way. Loud piercing noises may have the same effect. If things are harmonious, he remains tranquil.

The writer ’s sense of feel is a tangible thing. He can almost tell the color of a fabric by stroking it with his eyes closed. The materials he wears will be luscious and soft. They will be luxurious, never irritating, and he will most likely dress with fine taste.

Body contact is important to the writer; he uses the sense of touch to convey his feelings to others. He does not merely want to feel with the tip of his fingers, but with the palm of his hand. He does not want to touch, he wants to stroke.

Shallow purpose Curved, suggesness.

basin-like

t-bars

Trait description: The shallow t-bar is associated with the strength of the will and goal setting. The bowl shape is a sign that the will has given way under pressure, meaning that t h e person does not have the

mental energy or strength to follow along his

own goals and purposes.

Although the writer may work toward a goal or goals of some kind, he does so without seriousness of purpose. Easily deflected by obstacles, he abandons his effort at the first signs of difficulty. With an attitude of “I’ll drop it if I don’t like it” he may back down without warning. He seems to find that it easier to quit than to grapple

with problems.

The writer may be gifted in many areas, but he lacks the serious intent to apply himself wholeheartedly to a purpose. He gives up easily in the face of too much responsibility and may conveniently forget what he has agreed upon. When pressured to accept liability, he may simply withdraw. Responsibilities often frighten him, and he has little hesitation about leaving them. His main effort is to avoid accountability and withhold himself as much as possible. The writer may let people down who

depend upon him. Under pressure, he

will desert a partner or a job and seek better opportunities elsewhere. He will t h e n repeat the process if he feels inclined to escape again. He may be a serious liability to an employer. Sometimes, these writers simply have too many responsibilities. They may feel overwhelmingly burdened, by (family) responsibilities and demands. They may merely need a vacation, or they may be looking forward to a wellearned retirement. When the bowl-shaped t-bar is connected to the following letter,

this

does not count as shallow purpose; this is fluidity of thinking.

Showmanship Artistic enrichment of letter structures is evidence of showmanship. AR T I S T I C

Trait description: The writer enjoys being in the limelight and attracting favorable attention. An audience and compliments add to his performance any time. He can dramatize nearly every situation

whenever

someone is around to see.

The writer likes to do things with style. An expensive car, a uniform, good clothes or a title help him to feel his importance. With his flair for playing a scene, he could represent a company in the promotional field. As a salesman,

he

would always try to make the best possible impression on prospective clients. He likely would gather up an avalanche of good will and orders for the business. Delivering lectures in front of an audience is probably something he likes to do. He makes more stimulating presentations, because he often adds an interesting personal touch. The writer would function well as a demonstrator, as he knows how to make things look good in the public eye. His ability to sense what the public does

and does not want gives him an advantage in

business. Others usually listen to what he has to say. With that extra “something” about him, the writer does not remain hidden easily, and it will be almost impossible to ignore him. He usually finds an inoffensive way of getting people’s attention. The writer excels when he receives appreciative feedback. Being constantly aware of the impression he makes, however, he is also very sensitive to criticism.

Simplification Unessential letter parts are dropped while essential letter parts are retained.

Trait description:

The writer is mentally efficient and has a knack for getting to the bottom of things. He is a discerning thinker who grasps the essentials and gets to the heart of a matter at once. He does not get lost in trivial issues and is highly effective in eliminating unnecessary detail. He is a master of simple, straightforward speech. He is a productive worker who concentrates on what is necessary and gets it done. Instead of making situations complicated, he simplifies them. He identifies a problem and then

looks for

the best solution.

available

Simplicity in all its forms appeals to him. He hates distracting influences and detests procrastination and delay. He especially dislikes waste of material and time. His fast pace may not always be obvious because he devises so many

shortcuts. to

He

finds

many

ways

streamline methods of operation. He uses his energies economically to benefit his job. He works and thinks in such a manner that the desired result will be obtained speedily without lessening of competence. With this writer, there always exists a satisfactory ratio between expended effort and resulting success. The writer is independent and matterof- fact in social and interpersonal relationships. He expresses what he feels directly and without embellishments. Clarity is his

chief

concern in sharing feelings and ideas, and content is more important to him than style.

Stubbornness Braced strokes in the letters d and t demonstrate stubbornness.

Trait description: The writer clings to his own beliefs and

convictions. He resists, even in the face of logic, any attempts to change his mind. Even when his position is completely untenable, will he stick to his guns or to a lost cause. He is absolutely determined to have his way. In his resistance to coercion, he does not discriminate. He resists that which is good for him as much as that which is harmful. The trait is particularly pronounced in situations where the writer fears that he is losing face or that others could take control. Trying to coax the writer out of

his

stubborn mood before it has run its course is literally impossible. It is like trying to move the Rock of Gibraltar. He makes others chafe at his stubborn, bull- headed attitude. He is so used to resisting that he finds it difficult to comply, even when he wants to. His first reaction to pressure is an automatic No and as a result, he often misrepresents himself to others. It is frustrating to them when he refuses to budge an inch and nothing they say or do will persuade him to reconsider. Incidentally, when he takes a stand, it

is

often because he is opinionated rather than because he has definite convictions. His obstinacy serves to choke doubts within himself and his beliefs have a stubborn and dogmatic character.

The writer stands in the way of his own progress too much of the time. And his automatic resistance is enough to discourage people who are truly trying to help him. Seeing his automatic resistance, others apply more pressure. More coercion means more obstinacy, and the self-defeating cycle increases in intensity. Stubbornness works to advantage when the writer stands up against an adverse influence. Resisting what is wrong is positive. It adds to the writer ’s strength under pressure. When someone

is trying

to bully him, he can hold his own. Stubbornness can be a useful addition to many vocational fields. For instance professional sports people profit from the added resolve of stubbornness. It is of benefit to customs officers, armed service personnel, right-of-way agents and all people who need to resist pressure coming from others in their work. It is a help to those people who have to hold on to principles, ideas, confidences or conscience in the face of continued pressure to lower standards

by superiors or subordinates.

Superficial thinking Thready writing with reduced legibility verifies superficial thinking.

Trait description: The writer lacks mental discipline and is a master of superficial thought. He darts here and there and his thinking is shallow. He does not probe

into matters;

he prefers to skim along, noticing only the most obvious facts. He skates on the surface of subjects, intent only on covering lots of ground rather than obtaining in-depth information. He has no intention to tackle fundamentals. He examines matters cursorily, selecting only information he momentarily needs. The writer does not bother to weigh things, but accepts them as he sees them. Most of the time, he is content with superficial knowledge, and too many impressions are allowed to crowd

his mind. While he may know a little about a

great many things, he lacks the power to concentrate long and deeply on any single topic. He is apt to generalize and skip over important considerations. He suffers from lack of forethought and rushes in for the result before understanding the nature of a difficulty. He skims across the surface of problems and offers panaceas but seldom any real solutions.

The writer is unwilling to commit himself and prefers compromise to a clear decision. He follows the line of least resistance, avoiding responsibilities along the way. His attitude changes according to circumstances. He is always ready to adopt a new perspective if it seems more expedient to do so. He avoids

letting himself be pinned down and always makes sure to leave himself a way out. In every-day life, he is unwilling to commit himself. Basically, he does not know what to choose and therefore refuses to take a stand.

Talkativeness Ovals open talkativeness.

at

the

top

verify

Trait description: The writer talks automatically. He enjoys conversation. He expresses his ideas, thoughts and opinions impulsively, regardless of

whether

others want to hear them or not. He blurts out what first comes into his mind without considered judgment most of the time. Where it is important to express immediately a first response, he works to advantage. But where a considered response is required, he is a liability. He is not likely to take the time for second thought. And too often, he speaks so quickly that he finds himself committed to something he did not really want to do. The writer talks so much that he

rarely

hears what others are saying. He talks and monopolizes other people’s time. Often, his talking comes to no point, it is random; he seems to be talking just to be talking. Mostly he is too busy chattering to really say much. Because of this, he often misrepresents himself, he blunders verbally. He “runs off at the mouth,” he interrupts and is a poor listener. He cannot hear what others are saying because he is talking himself, or just waiting until he can say what he wants to. He may talk to hear the sound of his own voice. He

will be chatting to

strangers, too. He rather enjoys gossip, and he feels hurt or left out if something is going on around him that he doesn’t know about.

The writer ’s true intents and desires are usually buried under a rush of irresponsible words. But other people

are likely to assume that he means what he says, and he will suffer the consequences. They judge him according to his impetuous speech and treat him accordingly. In relationships, the trait can cause much harm because it permits many unkind things to be said by people who basically like each other. It does not matter how sorry they are later, a hasty blunder of speech or a quick condemnation of a loved one will cause damage that will take a lot longer to repair than it did to destroy.

The writer functions best where his life or livelihood depends upon his speed of verbal expression. Talkativeness can be an asset in the field of verbal communication. Entertainment, law, high pressure selling and education are vocations in which fluency of speech is needed.

Temper t-bars to the right of the stem prove temper. The heavier the t-bar and the sharper the point, the stronger is the trait.

Trait description:

The writer is quick-tempered and easily irritated. He sees bright red frequently at the slightest provocation. He often lashes out with a burst of anger for no reason at all. He loses his temper and responds in an uncontrolled and irritable manner. Temper is us ually brought on by rising tension resulting from disappointment and frustration. The heat builds up inside and the writer suddenly flares into an angry outburst

The writer can lose his temper over a trifle. Few who know him would ever try to provoke him and his friends, family and coworkers have probably learned never to push him too far. There is always a chance that he will blow his top. When criticized or opposed in argument he becomes spitefully indignant and he is easily infuriated and

upset. He flares up quickly, hits out blindly and says things he may later regret. If others challenge his temper by teasing him, which he cannot stand, or by applying steady pressure, or demanding that he do something his mind is dead set against, he can turn belligerent. Some little thing may set him off and suddenly he snaps off people’s head at the slightest remark.

Tenacity F i n a l l e ft- te ndi ng hooks on letters, words or t-bars reveal tenacity.

Trait description: Tenacity is indicated by final hooks which are basically left tending. They are so-called “back-to-self” strokes and expose self-protective tendencies.

They also imply clinging to the familiar and self-interest. Most frequently, the writer’s tenacity is detrimental to his environment. He literally “hooks into” a matter or circumstance for egotistical reasons. He does not want to let go of something from which he hopes to gain a personal advantage. Egotism hooks, as they were called, were one of the earliest signs identified in graphology. The writer clings to his possessions or that which he has gained. It is never easy for him to let go of anything. He

gets a

firm grip and you cannot pry him loose. It is his intention to hang on at all costs. He hangs on to what he is doing or trying to do. Once the decision has been made and the job has begun, it is hard to shake him loose. He sticks to whathe starts and finishes what he begins. He can become furious when he suspects someone is trying to take something from him, either emotionally or tangibly.

With money, the writer is conservative and may be a bit stingy. Security is important to him and he feels less vulnerable with cash in the bank. Economy is natural for him and he tries hard to save. He does not believe in being lavish nor is he particularly attracted to luxuries. He does not waste

money and can account at any time for his resources. Tenacity for the writer can be good or bad, depending on the situation and the principles involved. When he is holding on for the right reasons, this adds to the firmness of his character. On the other hand, if he is inflexible for the wrong reasons, this trait may keep him from being able to shift gears and get back on right track. He does not know when to let go. He continues when things no longer work to his advantage or when others who are important to

him refuse

to cooperate.

Vanity d- or t-stems higher than 3½ times the size of the middle zone letters are evidence of vanity.

Trait description: Vanity is a defense trait. Basically the writer insecure; he feels less than others around him but wants to project an outward appearance of confidence

and superiority. The writer’s basic fear is that someone would see through the façade and detect his inner insecurities. He does not want anyone to discover how he really feels about himself. The writer feels insecure and unappreciated, uncertain and vulnerable. To compensate, he has an excessive need for praise of his appearance and accomplishments. He offsets his feelings of inadequacy with exaggerated self- approval and in his mind, elevates himself above others.

By creating in his

imagination a picture of himself that will impress others and that he can be proud of, he is able to ignore the reality of what he truly is. He is good at bluff, often promising more than he can deliver. The writer ’s exaggerated opinion gets the better of him. He says he will do great things and then finds he cannot. He is a big talker, promising anything to anybody to get attention, and then avoiding people he has let down. Most of the time, he gets off to a good start but, unfortunately, the

auspicious

beginning does not always result in a successful finish. He must succeed quickly and in a grand manner in carrying out whatever he has planned or he will suddenly lose interest. He may then claim that the project was not worthwhile and abandon it. The writer rarely backs up his promises with hard facts and lasting effort and subsequently has to pay the price of humiliation and embarrassment. He continually rationalizes and distorts reality when events demonstrate that he is not, in fact, the superior human

being

he claims to be. He becomes extremely aggravated when someone call attention to his shortcomings.

The writer has an inflated sense of pride in himself. He is boastful and

puffed up

with his own importance. He wants to be noticed and draw attention to himself. He prefers to have things that others do not have and he is pleased to show them off. For that reason he may splurge on things that others feel are unneeded luxuries but which are very necessary to him. Expensive items of high priced clothes make him feel his importance. He likes his name on his belongings and well-known store labels on the things he buys. The writer seeks recognition and the respect of others for little real effort on

his part. He is on a continuous ego trip that demands rather than deserves. When he does not receive the attention he allegedly deserves, he can become very destructive in attitude and action against those who are receiving the acclaim. He is unable to give praise to others and he is unable of uttering a complimentary word to anyone. He tries to hog all the glory and conveniently forgets to give credit where credit is due. The writer worries very much what people are saying about him and how

he appears to them. If they praise him, his

self-esteem is confirmed and he feels worthwhile. Compliments and adulation are all ways to his heart. He is surprisingly easy to deceive with flattery and praise, and a personal compliment, no matter how outrageously extravagant, seldom seems inappropriate to him. If he is criticized, especially in front of others, he is devastated. He is terrified of being laughed at or of making a mistake. Comparisons are particularly offensive to him. The writer is egocentric. He always

wants to recognition

be

given

the

most

or be above others in preferment. He behaves as if anything concerning him is of utmost importance, yet he has no interest in other people’s lives. He likes to feel that he has new ideas first. The best way to introduce a subject to him is to leave a few casual remarks and later request his opinion on the subject. The writer may be generous but only when such actions will not draw attention away from him. He will use such good behavior to earn momentary applause but he begrudges others their turn in the spotlight.

He constantly

strains to “keep up with the Joneses” since outside appearance means so much to him. The writer has two behaviors: a gracious, personable one for company, especially if there are new people to impress. He saves his worst conduct for his family who may be left bewildered by his change in attitude. The writer has the tendency to overlook anything “small.” This includes personal relationships as well as vocational challenges. He loses many opportunities to advance himself by

belittling the

worth of the task, or the people who offer him the job. Exaggerated pride prevents the writer from asking for help. One seeks advice only from those above him, and who is superior to him? Admitting failure would be a major blow to his pride. He feels he has to be right at all times. He refuses to accept another person’s point of view and as a rule, will not even consider it. If necessary, he will turn the facts around to suit his case. The world resents people who think

they

are smarter than everyone else and consequently, the writer ’s relationships usually poor. What others find disconcerting is his lack of humility. The writer ’s love for an audience draws him into the entertainment world. He could perform well as lecturer, professional athlete, or in sales.

Willpower H e a v y t-bars demonstrate willpower. The heavier the t-bar, the stronger is the force of the will.

Trait description: Willpower helps the writer to maintain a certain mental attitude in spite of all temptations to the contrary. It retains

the

various faculties of his mind in that position where they are really doing the work he wishes. It also keeps determination centered in the right direction. If necessary, willpower enables him to postpone an inferior present gratification in favor of a greater prospective benefit. The writer applies extra mental effort toward future plans and aspirations. He is proud of his drive and wants to succeed by the strength of his will. Once a goal has been set, there is little chance of stopping him. Others are

bound to feel

the effect personality.

of

his

forceful

With sufficient willpower, the writer can determine his own objectives. After setting his objectives, he takes the appropriate steps to reach them. Through the force of his will he drives himself toward their accomplishment. Able to apply himself single-mindedly

to any project, he carries his plans forward into

implementation . Devoted to achieving a specific objective, the writer exercises firm selfdirection. He does not let others deflect him nor does not yield to pressure. With a clear idea of what he wants he has no trouble in directing his efforts toward the chosen goal. He has the strength of will to overcome obstacles and thus accomplishes his purposes in life. As a strong-willed person, the writer

could be manage.

somewhat

difficult

to

What he wants, he goes after with firmness of mind and it is not easy to sway him from his course. He knows exactly what he is striving for, and he expects to accomplish it. Once a goal has been set, there is little chance of stopping him. Others are bound to feel the effect of his forceful personality.

Withdrawal Left to very left slanted writing discloses the tendency to withdraw.

Trait description:

Withdrawal is a defense trait. Many people become accustomed to withdrawing when they are quite young. They may, for example, seek relief from constant demands from people around them. They may feel uncomfortable with others and try to avoid the feeling by keeping to themselves. While the circumstances surrounding their early decisions may have been long forgotten, their implications can be seen in their behavior in adult life. Whenever they make the decision to

withdraw, they are acting out an old childhood pattern of refusing to deal with people. They decide to reject the world before it can upset them. Unfortunately, when they made the early decision they were far too young to assess decisions adequately or to investigate things for themselves and make up their own mind about them. However, over the years, their automatic response to situations has become so ingrained, so much part of them, that they never think to question it. They probably consider it “their

nature” to act the way they do. The withdrawal response is notoriously difficult to extinguish. If a person keeps withdrawing from what he considers anxiety-producing situations, he may never give himself a chance to find out that the situation is in reality no longer painful. The writer has an exaggerated need for solitude. He withdraws physically or mentally from people and situations that arouse a sense of threat. He closes himself off and erects a barrier that others find difficult to penetrate. He

is

cold and unresponsive, even though he may not want to be that way. Circumstances, particularly in childhood, probably exposed him to harsh treatment and he has unconsciously steeled himself against being hurt again. In every area of his life, the writer needs an inordinate amount of space to surround him to feel secure. He makes as few social contacts as possible and probably has no friends to speak of. He consciously controls the number and the extent of personal

relationships he gets involved in, depending on how they will

affect him and his emotional security. While his need for contact may be strong, his fears are more intense. The writer feels uneasy in any situation that requires close contact with another person. To reduce anxiety he uses unconscious techniques to keep others away. He becomes withdrawn, selfprotective and uncommunicative. He much prefers working in isolation, locked up in his office, away from the co-workers’ camaraderie. He may choose to work

out of his home, and may actually accept a smaller income to do

this if the opportunity comes along.

Since he withdraws from personal contacts he, himself, has not desired, the writer is close to few people and may be far lonelier than others. He may rationalize his behavior by saying that he has not much in common with others, or that they don’t understand him anyway.

The writer recoils from involvement and is fearful of relationships that become

too intimate. He has difficulty with people who make demands or cling to him. He is much more comfortable with people who respect his privacy. He is afraid of being vulnerable if he exposes too much of himself. He feels that by staying detached from people they can neither disappoint nor hurt him. He disappears into his shell and stays there without any spark of communication. Protecting himself by keeping apart does not necessarily mean that the writer removes himself physically. It

means being independent of others regarding

his internal and external needs. He has made the conscious or unconscious determination not to get emotionally involved in any way, whether in love, fight, cooperation or competition. The writer discovered early in life that natural responsiveness left him vulnerable, and that it was safer to hide his emotions whenever he could. He began to mask his feelings and put on a facade. In later life, that mask became his face. He even learned to think of his lack of response as an accomplishment. He felt he was “more

in control” if he

did not allow himself to “feel.” The writer spent a lot of time and energy suppressing emotions until control finally became an end in itself. He may even have stopped using the language of emotions. He may say “I think” instead of “I feel.” The fallacy is that withdrawal did not stop the hurt and fear inside but, unfortunately, he can no longer reach out to anyone, nor can they reach out to him. Withdrawal means lack of communication, isolation and a sense of

real separation. Since his protective

attitude has becomes a pervasive part of the writer ’s lifestyle, he finds himself deprived of the opportunity to have positive emotional experiences or form healthy attachments to other people. A loving relationship with another person might be forsworn because it makes the writer vulnerable to being hurt. Unfortunately, by withdrawing, the writer also hurts the feelings of others who believe he does not need or want relationships or their support. And since they assess him only from what

they can see, they may be judging him incorrectly

or miss entirely.

his

true

feelings

Withdrawal is carried out at considerable expense to the writer himself. Every time it is used, he is bound to become more fearful and less likely to cope with a similar situation in the future. In addition, he may fall prey to feelings of guilt for having retreated, or he may suffer hostilities toward those people whom he falsely considers to be the cause of his frustrations.

Withdrawal affects every area of the writer ’s life, particularly the sexual

sphere. He exercises the same defenses in his sex life that he exhibits in other areas of his personality. While sexual relationships could mean much as a bridge to others, he is only able to enjoy them, if they do not interfere with control over his feelings. He wants sex confined to the compartment he has set aside for this part of his life and he would rather withdraw than surrender his controls. Sex can only be enjoyed with persons toward whom the writer has no tender feelings or, toward whom he has

contemptuous feelings, or none at all.

A permanent relationship would be an especially threatening to the writer because of the intimacy involved. Any close and lasting association could jeopardize his need for privacy, unless the partner had an equally strong need and each partner would respect the other’s need for distance.

Yieldingness Softly curved strokes in the letters s and p reveal yieldingness. Supportive indications may also be found in the letters c and h.

Trait description: The writer tends to accept the domination of others. He is easily influenced and sometimes cannot say no even for his own good. He is submissive to his environment. He yields to the command or leadership of other people.

The writer rarely takes a definite stand He is uncommitted and prone to changing his mind. He is indefinite with words and undetermined about follow- through. He “sits on the fence,” so to speak, leaving every option open. He

quickly accedes if he thinks someone else knows better (which is most of the time). He is willing to let others have their way. The writer ’s conduct and tone of voice often make others think of him as weak. His impressionable nature makes him an easy victim. He becomes a “sucker” - too quickly convinced, too easily taken in by unscrupulous people. He is timid in the way he speaks and his statements sound like questions. He vacillates and will not stand up for what he believes. Unconsciously, he

provokes

others to take advantage of him. He is quickly recognized as an individual who will “give in.” Considered an easy pushover, he may often be victimized. He becomes the target because his demeanor reveals how weak he basically is. The writer is ineffectual in positions requiring command because he does not sound “like he means it.” Unable to rely on his own resources and skills, the writer depends upon others for the decisions he should make for and by himself. He changes course easily

and

may compromise himself and others by his lack of mental commitment. The writer has to be careful about his involvments. He is so easily changed in his path that he needs to watch out for his fidelity in a relationship. When committing himself to something, he is wise to pledge in front of many people, sign a contract, or make some kind of down payment, so he is less likely to turn his back on the whole thing later for something which seems more attractive or a better

idea.

Where to go from here Hopefully, you have found the handwriting analysis information in this book interesting and enlightening. If you are interested in delving deeper into the subject, or if you would like to become a professional handwriting analyst yourself, please go to http://karohs.com for information about ISHA, the word renowned International School of Handwriting Analysis®. ISHA was founded in 1981 by Dr. E.

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Traits

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4. Step-by-Step (SSS) System of Handwriting Analysis (Master course) Dr. Karohs ha s authored more than 70 books on graphology. S h e has also developed the powerful Grapho- Cybernetics Puts You In Control Of Your Game - A SelfModification and Ambidexterity Program for Golfers, has been featured in the April 2001 issue of "Maximum Golf." Among her publications are the 30-volume Encyclopedia of Handwriting Analysis, Hiring the Best

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Inner Circle papers, etc. Dr. Karohs has presented lectures about graphology or handwriting analysis to many professional organizations, among them the Sales and Marketing Association of Amer ica, Sales and Marketing Executives International, the Financial Institutions Marketing Association, Life Office Management Association, the Savings Institutions Marketing Society of America, and many more. Dr. Karohs wor ks as graphology consultant to U. S. and

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corporations. You can contact Dr. Karohs at [email protected] .

Notes

Notes

[1] A genuine disconnection is a stroke that is moving in one direction when the pen is lifted off the paper and picks up the writing movement from a completely different direction. A stroke that is stopped and then continues in the same direction is a break in the writing

line

and has a completely different interpretation. [2] Karen Horney, The Neurotic Personality Of Our Time (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc, 1964), p. 129.