Handwriting: A Fine Line

The space between lines of writing is significant. Line spacing reflects how clear emotionally the person is, it suggests organizational abilities and has ramifications in regard to goal setting. Self-discipline and common sense are also factors in line spacing.

All the above is challenging to assess if you give your potential candidate or friend lined paper, for the lines of writing and so many other factors are dictated by the margins as well as the lines on the paper. Remember to always use blank paper.

Line spacing that is balanced suggests someone who can plan well, and who has a clear objectivity in their outlook. Balanced line spacing, in addition, suggests clarity of thinking and a good ability to plan. In addition, this is an area where you can assume that your candidate or friend’s level of common sense will be strong.

Where you observe narrow line spacing, when you can see that the lines are almost going to collide, it suggests a questionable judgment on the part of your potential candidate. It also implies a lack of comfort with self and a questionable level of knowledge about themselves. Their sense of reserve can also be called to question.

Overlapping lines, where the handwriting resembles a ‘traffic accident’ immediately raises red flags in relation to ability to follow through in an organized fashion. Where the upper loops (ideas, philosophies) are colliding with the lower loops (imagination, ability to bring what you are thinking into ‘reality’) it also suggests the person’s thinking may be far from organized. If you think of the writing as one line stepping on the other, it can call to mind a person who steps on another’s toes and who therefore lacks consideration for others. The look of such a writing can be analogous to the proverbial dog’s breakfast, and suggests issues with perspective and judgment.

A writer whose line spacing is wide is indicating they wish to be more detached, perhaps so that it is easier for them to exercise their judgment. If the distance between the lines is significant, it can suggest the writer feels somewhat isolated emotionally, or at least someone with an arm’s length idea of manners or protocol—perhaps a more elegant or ‘refined’ individual. Overly wide line spacing can also suggest the person is experiencing some level of upset or is a dispassionate individual.

Line spacing that is up, down and all around is an obvious red flat insofar as inconsistent confidence, demeanor, and can indicate moods that swing this way and that way at will. This is type of person who can be impetuous and whose moods are ‘of the moment’.


Be sure to view my 5-minute “Power of the Pen” DVD on my Home Page at www.elainecharal.com!