Handwriting may seem like a dying art in the age of keyboards, smartphones and even talk-to-text technology, but national handwriting day on Jan. 23 reminds us that handwriting is still an important part of everyday life and is unique to each individual. Whether it is the way you dot your i’s, cross your t’s or the way you write your signature, the study of handwriting, also known as graphology, unlocks a myriad of insights into the ways a person thinks, feels and acts.

Some studies even claim that studying handwriting can reveal health-related complications, like high blood pressure and schizophrenia. A study conducted by the National Pen Company disclosed that handwriting can indicate over 5,000 different personality traits. When analyzing handwriting, some aspects to consider include size of letters, size of space between letters, slanting, pressure, speed and signature. Continue reading below to find out what your handwriting style may mean about you.

Size of Letters

According to the study, the size of letters can be an indicator of how comfortable you are in social settings. Writing in small letters means you are introverted, meticulous and thoughtful while large letters signify an outgoing, outspoken, people-person. Alternatively, large letters can mean that an individual puts up a front, but does not have a lot of confidence. Average letters show a person is well-adjusted and adaptable.

Spacing

Like the size of letters, the space between letters also indicates various personality trait trends. People who leave large, wide spaces between their words tend to value personal liberty and freedom and shy away from crowded overwhelming spaces and situations. On the other hand, narrow spacing conveys that an individual likes to be in the company of others, often being intrusive.

Slanting

The next consideration is whether or not the handwriting slants to one side or the other. A slant to the right delineates a person who is open to new experiences and opportunities and enjoys meeting new people while writing that slants to the left signify an individual tends to prefer keeping to themselves and working in more behind-the-scenes roles. If your handwriting slants to the left and you are right-handed, it could be an expression of rebellion. No slant means a person has good control over their emotions and doesn’t let them get the best of them. People with no slant tend to be logical and practical.

Pressure

The pressure is another fact to consider when deciphering the meaning of handwriting. Heavy pressure indicates a propensity for commitment, but excessively heavy pressure may mean a person is uptight and reacts quickly to criticism. Light pressure, however, can mean a person is sensitive and empathetic but may lack energy.

Speed

Studies show that people with little patience for delays who dislike wasting time are more likely to write quickly while a slow writing pace generally delineates a methodical, organized individual.

Signature

Even if you don’t handwrite very often, signing your name on legal documents, records, receipts and more is unlikely to go out of style anytime soon. If a person prefers their John Hancock to be legible and neat, it may indicate that they are confident and comfortable in their own skin. An illegible signature shows a person values privacy and may be hard to read or understand.