Graphologists explain that the size and shape of letters betray our true personality. This is the characteristic handwriting of a person who lacks self-confidence.
The pen draws much more than letters and words: it can reveal certain personality traits. Complementary to psychology, graphology is a fascinating discipline which analyzes the physical particularities of handwriting to deduce character traits and the psychological characteristics of an individual. The principle is simple: writing is a motor gesture directed by the brain, a sort of unconscious self-portrait. By observing the pressure of the pen, the inclination of the letters or the occupation of space on a sheet, an expert can detect the degree of extroversion, the management of emotions or even the level of ambition. It is a valuable tool for knowing ourselves better and understanding how we interact with the world around us.
In detail, every nuance counts. If you notice that your characters are of variable shape (a mixture of curves and angles or changing letter sizes), this generally reflects a great open-mindedness, estimates Martine Goen, President of the Belgian Association of Graphology to the media Flair. “You do not have fixed ideas and you know how to adapt to new situations flexibly.“It is a sign of high emotional intelligence. Having angular letters is synonymous with a combative spirit. If the letters (a, o, g or d) are round, it is because you attach a lot of importance to your feelings. Roundness symbolizes the “cocoon”: you are generally a conciliatory person who seeks to avoid conflicts. Your priority is the harmony of relationships. You are sensitive to the atmosphere of a group: if the atmosphere is tense, you lose your means.
This is not the only thing that writing can reveal about our personality… So, contrary to popular belief, occupying all the space on the sheet does not necessarily mean unshakeable confidence. According to the principles of graphology, writing in an imposing manner can reveal a deep lack of self-confidence. This “large format” writing is often a compensation mechanism: the person unconsciously seeks to make themselves more visible, to assert themselves in the eyes of others because they do not feel legitimate enough inside. It’s a way of saying “I exist” when you doubt your own value.
“Extroverts will tend to draw larger letters“, confides Martine Goen. On the contrary, the fact of writing very small is often the sign of an introverted personality, but endowed with a great capacity for concentration and a keen sense of detail. These profiles are often meticulous, even perfectionist, preferring observation to emphasis.
The strokes of writing are not set in stone: just as our personality evolves, it is possible to act on our gestures to transform our inner state. In terms of writing, some recommend “graphotherapy”: trying to consciously position your writing, to make it more balanced and fluid, which can, through a feedback effect, help to ease internal tensions. Finally, keeping a gratitude journal where you note your successes of the day is an excellent way to re-educate your view of your own abilities.
