7.6 LETTER FORMATIONS

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We come now to the finer points of graphology, which confirm the features already described. Some graphologists will tell you that the “quick glance” methods are “general but not specific,” and that the “fine points” count most. That, however, is not the case.

All handwriting authorities favor the more general systems—size, spacing, angles, and the like – so it is obvious that they are the methods on which the science is founded. Now that we have come to the “fine points” we should not attempt to make them too fine.

Almost all these points have to do with letter formations or peculiarities. To discuss all of these in detail would be superfluous, as many of them never appear in the average person’s handwriting at all. So this discussion of letter formations will cover those that are apt to appear in practically every specimen of handwriting that the reader may be called upon to analyze.

ROUNDED LETTERS

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These are distinguished by certain letters which cam be written in “rounded” style. This is a leisurely form of writing that shows a desire for duty and harmony, a love of comfort. When clearly rounded it personifies all that is wonderful and perfect—provided no effort is needed to get it.

Rounded writing adds up to a lazy symbol, an urge for luxury, an avoidance of any disturbing activity that might lead to a trifling bit of hard work.

Study this type of writing and you will learn to an amazing degree just how much idle time some people have, or how far they will go toward writing long, beautiful letters to their friends and acquaintances, with the feeling that they are having a busy day.

The degree of romped writing is important. In its modified form it indicates nothing more than a peaceful, law-abiding disposition, willing to accept the tasks of life, yet at the same lime craving better things.

ANGULAR WRITING

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In sharp – and we mean sharp! — contrast to the rounded style is the angular writing. Here is a quick disposition, filled with energy and the desire to accomplish things. Such people can’t waste time on beautiful curves represented by m’s, n’s, and r’s. They rush right through their writing and let the reader worry.

People with sharply angular writing are inclined to be aggressive. Whatever their chosen field, they expect to be leaders and are annoyed if others do not follow. Their weakness lies in expecting results too quickly.

Frequently they are opposed to the artistic, but only on the ground that it is impractical. Angular writers judge success by its commercial value. Ask them—and they will tell you just that—provided that they are extreme types.

Angular writing of a modified sort represents a wiser personality, lacking the aggressive quality, or at least not showing it boo openly. These are people who profit by experience.

BLOCK WRITING

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This is a style that is neither rounded nor angular. It shows a meticulous, painstaking individual, but decidedly on the practical side. It is the slow, careful manner of the steady worker who goes by blueprint rather than inspiration, but is always sure of results.

You will find people with this style of writing very busy in their home workshops. They are also very capable as accountants or as treasurers of organizations. Block writing appears in various styles, but always the writer apparently is anxious to make his letters plain—another token of a persevering nature.