I love to write, I mean, I love to actually write using pen and paper (or pencil and paper). Handwriting fascinates me in so many ways, has always done so. And I recall the first time I discovered the hidden secrets of our handwriting styles, the things our handwriting reveals about us!! I was hooked, or should i say, penciled or inked, for life. Given the sad decline of writing by hand in today’s digital age, I really hope to see it make a comeback, for it offers so many benefits – to body and mind.

On the occasion of Handwriting Day (one reason why I love quirky holidays is the spotlight we can throw on things like this)

Did You Know that Your Handwriting Can be Revealing?!

In today’s world of keyboards and touchscreens, handwriting seems like a disappearing thing. But even the little we do write can reveal much more about us than we might think. Whether you’re journaling, taking notes, or scribbling a quick to-do list, how you write can offer a glimpse into your personality. Handwriting analysis (or graphology) has intrigued people for ages. So let have a quick look at

The Science of Handwriting Analysis

Graphology is the study of how the way you write can reflect your personality – your psychological state and character. While it’s not a perfect or fool-proof science, there are several general patterns that experts look for when analyzing it. And many enthusiasts believe that it can reveal subtle, sometimes surprising insights into your personality. They examine aspects like:

• Slant: A forward slant can indicate an outgoing, spontaneous personality, while a backward slant might suggest introversion or a tendency to be more reserved. An upright stance can point to someone who is logical and disciplined. If your writing slants upwards, you’re likely a hopeful, optimistic individual. If there is no slant, you might be methodical and precise in your thinking. A downward slant, while less common, can indicate someone who is more emotional or introspective.
• Size: Larger handwriting can indicate a person who is outgoing and likes attention, while smaller handwriting might suggest someone who is more focused and detail-oriented. Large print is often associated with individuals who have a large presence, are extroverted, and enjoy socializing. Small print, on the other hand, may point to a person who is more introspective, meticulous, or even shy.
• Pressure: Heavy pressure while writing may be linked to high energy levels and strong emotions, while light pressure can indicate a sensitive and thoughtful individual.
• Spacing: Narrow spacing between words or letters can indicate someone who is more driven and competitive. Wide spacing may suggest a person who is independent and values their personal space.
• Cursive vs. Print: People who write in cursive tend to be more creative and open-minded, while those who use print may be more analytical and practical. Cursive writing can also indicate that someone is more emotionally expressive, as the fluid motion of cursive mimics the flow of feelings.

Of course, as mentioned already, this is not a fool-proof science and has both skeptics and believers. But it is fun anyways, so why not try it out (with a hearty grain of salt and an open mind and humor as well)?

further reading and h/t: Handwriting Analysis

Why Handwriting Matters

As I said before, in today’s increasingly digital world, where we communicate mostly through texting, typing, or via voice, handwriting has sadly begun to fall out of practice. While the digital communication means are convenient, they lack the personal touch. And of course, writing by hand has additional benefits.

Science (and personal experience)Writing by hand has been shown to:

• Improve Memory and Retention: Writing by hand helps you process information more deeply. Studies show that writing notes by hand can improve memory and recall compared to typing.
• Boost Creativity: Handwriting engages different parts of the brain than typing, leading to increased creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Enhance Focus and Mindfulness: When you write by hand, you are forced to slow down and focus. This can lead to increased mindfulness, reduced stress, and better focus overall.

So why not start handwriting again? Whether you keep a journal, write letters, or just doodle for fun, you’re tapping into a world of benefits that can help you think more clearly, creatively, and consciously.

How to Improve Your Handwriting

If you feel that your handwriting could use some work, don’t worry—improving it is easier than you think. Here are a few tips:

1. Practice Regularly: Just like any skill, this one also improves with practice. Set aside a few minutes each day to write, and focus on forming letters carefully.
2. Use Quality Tools: Invest in a good pen or pencil that feels comfortable in your hand. A smooth, well-balanced writing instrument can make all the difference.
3. Slow Down: Rushing through your writing can lead to sloppy handwriting. Take your time, focus on letter formation, and try to maintain consistent size and spacing.
4. Try Different Styles: Experiment with cursive or different handwriting fonts to see what feels most natural and comfortable. You may find that your personality shines through more in one style than another.

13 Random Things About Handwriting

1. A person’s writing is as unique as their fingerprints.
2. Writing is not static; it is influenced by many things, including age, our mood, the writing instrument we use and how we hold it, the pressure applied, and even our environment and the language(s) we learn.
3. While graphology studies writing, palaeography studies ancient scripts, and helps with deciphering historical documents.
4. Since we are talking about ancient scripts, here is a fact for you. Sumerians developed the earliest known writing system, cuneiform, around 3100 BCE. They etched writing into clay tablets using a reed stylus (source).
5. Long before paper, ancient civilizations wrote on papyrus, made from plant reeds, and parchment, crafted from animal skin. Scribes often repurposed parchment by scraping off previous text to create a palimpsest. This practice has led to historians uncovering hidden layers of writing beneath newer additions, like magic!
6. Before modern pens, quills made from bird feathers (often goose or swan) were the primary writing tool in many places around the world, requiring constant dipping into ink.
7. The invention of the fountain pen in the 19th century revolutionized the writing process, offering a smooth experience without the need for ink dipping required with quill pens.
8. And the modern version of the pencil, a core of graphite encased in wood, also became popular in the 19th century. The pencil is one of the first writing tools for many students around the world.
9. Calligraphy, the art of beautiful handwriting, has roots in ancient China, where it was considered one of the “Four Arts” of a scholar (source)
10. The language with the smallest alphabet is Rotokas, a language indigenous to the Bougainville Island of Papua New Guinea, with a total of 12 letters!
11. Conversely, the largest alphabet belongs to the Khmer language of Cambodia, with a total of 74 letters, consisting of 33 consonants, 23 vowels and 12 independent vowels.
12. Many scripts/alphabet systems around the world are in danger of becoming extinct. You can learn more about them here.
13. In medieval times and even in the 17th/18th centuries, different scripts were used for different purposes and by different classes! (source 1; source 2)

(For thursday thirteen)

Sources, h/t, and further reading

• History of writing
• List of writing systems
• Wordindex
• Endangered Alphabets

Related Reads and More

• (Handwriting) My Way to Lasting Friendships
• Fun and Fascinating Facts About the Fountain Pen

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, what was the last thing you wrote by hand, or received? Do you enjoy it?