Conservatism in Handwriting

Handwriting: Conservatism

The trait of Conservatism is seen in Handwriting by script that is compressed: Letters are very closely spaced and the letters are narrow. This narrowness of letters is especially seen in the loop and circle letters. This narrowness of letters indicates minimized imagination and therefore the individual will be reluctant to accept new ideas or philosophies; they will also be reluctant to accept or acknowledge a broader outlook.

To be sure, Conservatism in handwriting is not nearly as common now as in past times. However, when seen today it can be perceived as a stabilizing quality that keeps a person in balance by helping them control characteristics which could be over-expressed. For example, a far-forward slant denoting a highly emotionally responsive person, if he also has Conservatism in his writing, will not allow expressed feelings to make them conspicuous. Conservatism in this case is a benefit because it will act as a control on a writer who, by his far-forward slant, would otherwise be impetuous.

Similarly, Conservatism acts as a control on such handwriting traits as aggressiveness (v-wedges in the y’s and g’s). Conservatism will also act as a control on enthusiasm (long t-bars), acquisitiveness (hooks at the beginning of letters and words) and initiative (v-wedges at the base of h’s and k’s), all of which can be valuable as success traits, but can also be detrimental when carried to extremes.

Where conservative thinking is called for in problem solving, Conservatism can help the person solve problems because it will keep them from going off on wild tangents. This works well, of course, unless a more original approach to problem solving is required.

This being said, a writer with Conservatism will find it difficult to adjust when placed in an arena where rapid change is the rule. Such a person will long for routine and will search for the ‘rut’ where they feel comfortable.

Conservatism can also act as a natural protection for a person’s ego, for it will facilitate the writer going along with an existing status quo and, as a result, can avoid being disapproved of or criticized.

Carried to an extreme where the handwriting is extremely narrow or where the letters appear cramped, Conservatism may be a real protection from fears such as fear of criticism or some other inadequacy so that the individual can retreat into a condition where they can be strongly vigilant so their behavior is never ‘out of line’. Such a person will be handicapped in a social sense because their fears inhibit normal expression of character traits that would otherwise make them interesting companions. Such an ultraconservative person will instead have a feeling of false security in their conformity with a set of standards which in reality mask ego protection.

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