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6 Ways To Recognize You’re Being Emotionally Bullied

“Emotional bullying is a deliberate attempt to hurt someone else, according to the British non-profit parent-support organization Ask Wiltshire. Examples of emotional bullying include cruel teasing, talking viciously about people behind their backs, spreading humiliating rumors, and excluding kids from group activities.” ~ Nobullying.com: “Dealing With Emotional Bullying”

It’s not just physical…

Many people tend to think of bullying in physical terms, or using physical force to harm or threaten someone else.

But not all bullying is physical.

Emotional bullying is both very real and potentially detrimental. In fact, the psychological toll of prolonged emotional bullying may just be more traumatic than physical injury.

Anyone of any age can be a victim of emotional bullying, though we (rightfully) focus on young children, adolescents, and teenagers.

But it’s essential, as adults, that we recognize that adult bullying is a real thing too. Emotional harassment and abuse occur in both intimate and platonic relationships.

What is emotional bullying?

Emotional bullying is emotional abuse, period. And emotional abuse encompasses many potential behaviors: ridicule, cruel speech, humiliation, exclusion, and manipulation among others.

The effects of emotional bullying can be devastating. The victim may suffer from anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and – in the worst cast scenario – threaten or commit suicide.

Emotional bullying and intimacy

Abby Rodman, a Licensed Social Worker, in a piece for Huffington Post, states:

“…You may already be familiar with some (emotional bullying) signs, which may include withdrawal of affection, name-calling, and control. But if you suspect you’re in an abusive emotional relationship, you may be so immersed in it that you can’t read the very destructive handwriting on the wall. Emotional abuse becomes, in a sense, your blurred normal.”

Emotional Bullying and “Friendship”

To demonstrate just how indiscriminate a bully’s mindset is, consider the fact that they’ll bully friends (even family).

Maya Gittelman, a writer for the website the body is not an apology, states:

“Any relationship that you have with another person can be healthy: a source of positivity and mutual empowerment. Any relationship can also then be unhealthy…it can someone be harder to recognize emotional abuse when it comes from friends rather than family or partners.”

Unfortunately, emotional bullying can occur in any type of relationship.

Common Signs of Being Emotionally Bullied

1. Exclusion

Just as child bullies exclude a youngster from participating in social settings, so do adults.

You may experience this in the workplace, where a bullying coworker tries to dissuade you from staying with the company or team. This exclusionary behavior often involves trying to convince others to segregate you from social engagement.

2. Threats

Bullies try to instill fear and uncertainty in the minds of their victims. To accomplish this, the bully will often issue threats.

For example, a workplace bully – understanding that bullying and harassment are unacceptable in the workplace – may issue an underhanded threat like “I know people here. They’ve got my back.”

A bully’s threats are usually empty – and are used solely to satisfy a bully’s need to feel in control and are probably untrue.

3. Humiliation

Humiliation does three (real or perceived) things for the bully: (1) makes the victim more insecure, (2) boosts their (already sizable) ego, and (3) puts them on center stage, which is what they want.

It’s not surprising, then, that humiliating someone is one of the bully’s favorite tools. Bullies will humiliate their victim in front of others or covertly.

emotional eating

4. Blaming

As bullies don’t like to take responsibility for anything, it comes as no surprise that they pass their faults onto others. Psychologically, bullies are similar to narcissists in this way. The two conditions, by the way, are often mutually inclusive.

Even when they’re not “blaming” others, they’re shunning responsibilities, creating chaos, and looking for someone to target for their recklessness.

5. Slandering

As mentioned, bullies frequently operate “behind the scenes.” It should come as no surprise if you’re the target of behind the back insults.

Just don’t expect to talk some sense into the person. Bullies aren’t usually the most upfront characters.

Speaking of which…

6. Conflict avoidance

This is kind of ‘shocking,’ right? Bullies are supposed to be tough, after all. About that.

It probably comes as little surprise that most bullies are cowards. Speaking of which, we’re going to discuss a few proven ways of handling these characters.

Dealing with bullies

Any healthy relationship is built on admiration, balance, empathy, personal responsibility, respect, and support.

Oppressive bullies don’t see relationships through the same scope. Heck, they don’t even respect the social contract of basic manners. (Remember that whole bully/narcissist thing?)

What to do, then about being bullied?

1. Stand up for yourself

This first tip is crucial.

Standing up to a bully is a tried and true technique, as it gives the person some unexpected (read: shocking) pushback.

The emotional bully may not completely change, but the odds of them backing off are in your favor.

2. Ignore them

If this is your first go-round with the jerk, consider the simple (yet powerful) silent treatment.

If they keep it up, consider one of the other tips.

3. Report it

The majority of workplaces and schools do not tolerate bullying, especially given the recent public awareness campaigns. Companies and other civic organizations are being forced to reevaluate and revamp their internal policies.

5 Ways To Deal With Passive Aggressive Behavior Without Losing Your Mind

Passive aggressive behavior is the indirect expression of hostility, such as through procrastination, controlling, stubbornness, sullen behavior, or deliberate or repeated failure to accomplish request tasks for while one is (often explicitly) responsible.  – Wikipedia

“That’s really annoying…”

Passive-aggressive individuals hear these three words often.

Why? Let us count the ways…

  1. They’re unreasonable to deal with.
  2. They’re uncomfortable to be in the presence of.
  3. They don’t express their problems with others directly.
  4. They repeat, repeat, and repeat. They often do not change their conniving behaviors.

There are plenty of other reasons, but these are the four behaviors most commonly displayed by passive aggressives.

“Why do you act like that?”

passive-aggressive behavior

Not so long ago, Passive-aggressive personality disorder was a diagnosable condition. Though psychiatrists and psychologists no longer consider it an “official” diagnosis, it’s symptoms are problematic for many.

Perhaps the most bothersome aspect of the behavior is that the individual manifests their anger by stoking the anger of others. As they cannot express their anger constructively, they vicariously do so through others.

The workplace is one area where passive aggressive people have a load of problems. They’ll delay work, escalate issues, and act inefficiently to demonstrate their displeasure. They despise responsibility and will shun commitment whenever possible.

We don’t know for sure the causes of P-A behavior, but experts believe that it’s caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Child abuse, neglect, and harsh punishment may be contributory influences.

Substance abuse and low self-esteem are common in P-A’s.

Regarding treatment, talk therapy has proven to be helpful.

Handling passive-aggressive behavior

Relating to a passive-aggressive person can be a frustrating and challenging experience, with moments of anger and despair aplenty.

The question is, how can we get a good handle on the situation and maintain our emotional and mental equanimity?

Preston Ni, M.S.B.A., the author of How to Successfully Handle Passive-Aggressive People, provides the following five tips.

5 Ways To Deal With Passive Aggressiveness

1. Notice the behavior early

It goes without saying, but the earlier that we discover potential signs of passive-aggression, the better. It’s vitally important that we not excuse the behavior, especially if it’s a person were dating or meeting socially.

Ni recommends the following: “Notice whether the person instigates additional passive-aggressive behavior towards you…Once you identify a clear pattern of passive-aggressive behavior, its time to determine what type of relationship you want to have…if you desire (any) relationship at all…”

2. Avoid being the trigger

In close and intimate relationships, many passive-aggressives choose a partner with whom he or she can re-enact power struggles – and often do so unconsciously.

Ni advises the following: “Crucially, ask yourself: ‘Am I unknowingly giving into, encouraging, or eliciting my partner’s passive-aggressive behavior?”

He gives an example: unwittingly inviting your partner to re-engage in their past battles, by acting in a domineering fashion. We’ll get into why this is counterproductive later on.

3. Set boundaries and repercussions

Passive-aggressive individuals are quite covert about their thoughts and behaviors. When you notice a pattern of passive aggressiveness and confront the individual about these observations, you can expect denial, excuse making, and deflection of blame.

But that doesn’t mean you should tolerate it.

“The ability to identify and assert consequence is one of the most powerful skills we can use to ‘stand down’ a passive aggressive person,” Ni says. Setting boundaries and the consequences of violating those limits may compel the individual to act more cooperatively.

4. Give the person a chance to solve the problem

Some passive aggressive people believe they do not have a voice and that their input is ignored. If the situation is appropriate, it may be helpful to invite the person to discuss decisions of consequence.

Soliciting the person’s input may be all that they need. If the dialogue is amicable and leads to constructive changes, you may have just found the panacea.

On the flip side, if the person refuses to lower their guard and continues to act up, do not take the behavior personally. Politely disengage from the conversation and move on.

passive aggressive

5. Act with poise and composure

As mentioned, passive-aggressive people (mistakenly) see themselves as victims. As a result of this perceived maltreatment, the person will interpret any display of anger, discontentment, or frustration as an affront.

The best thing to do is act with poise and composure. Difficult though it may be, taking your emotions out of the situation may be the best solution.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of a person’s shortcomings, it is always our recommendation to first recognize him or has as a human being.

On an individual level, it is essential that we do two things: (1) never mistreat anyone else, and (2) never allow ourselves to be mistreated. Compassion and respect is a must, as is setting boundaries and consequences.

Unfortunately, our world is full of individuals who seem to test our sanity – and the sooner we acknowledge this fact, the easier it will be to acquire and maintain a peace of mind. We should make every attempt to do just that.

7 Early Warning Signs Of Inflammation In Your Body

Inflammation is both good and bad

To, answer Ms. Hobson’s (rhetorical) question, the inflammatory response can be either good or bad.

Firstly, normal inflammation – that is, inflammation of the non-chronic variety – helps to protect us against infection and injury. When you strain or sprain a muscle, or cut yourself, for example, a healthy immune system stimulates a defense mechanism permitting the injury to heal.

But overactive and chronic inflammation can cause havoc on the body. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a good illustration of this. RA is a painful condition resulting from continuous inflammation of the joints, skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Besides arthritis, abnormal inflammation is responsible for all other ‘-itis’ conditions, such as bursitis (inflammation of the elbow, knee or shoulder) and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver.)

In this article, we’re going to focus on chronic inflammation. We’ll also suggest ways to reduce – and in some cases, eliminate – the chronic inflammation response.

Here are 7 Signs of Chronic Inflammation

“Chronic, low-level inflammation seems to play a role in a host of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer and even depression… (when the immune inflammation response) is constantly triggered, over time it can damage the body instead of healing it.” ~ Katherine Hobson: “Is Inflammation Bad For You Or Good For You?”

1. Chronic fatigue

Some neuroscientists such as Mary Harrington, director of the neuroscience program at Smith College in Massachusetts, believe that chronic inflammation is directly linked to chronic fatigue.

These scientists have discovered a biological connection between the immune system’s inflammatory response and activity within the brain and spinal cord. This relationship enables chronic inflammation to interfere with the brain’s circadian rhythm, which controls sleep/wake cycles.

2. Red or itchy skin

High stress levels produce a disproportionally large amount of inflammatory chemicals. Of course, these can affect skin health. People with chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may see their symptoms exacerbate.

It’s also possible for chronic inflammation to incite episodic acne or swelling and itchiness of the skin.

3. Excess belly fat

Excess belly fat may be a driver of inflammatory processes, according to researchers at Washington University. The research team also discovered that environmental toxins are linked to the degree of inflammatory response.

With findings such as these, it’s beneficial for us to monitor our weight and consider shedding a few pounds if need be.

4. Digestive problems

There’s an intricate link between the body’s levels of inflammation and digestive health. Frequent bouts of bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea or vomiting, are potential signs of an elevated inflammatory response.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that tummy problems are no big deal, and they may not be. However, if these problems are constant, it’s not normal – and may be an indication of an underlying health condition.

5. Food Intolerances

Sensitivity to certain foods is a prevalent issue and one that kicks the immune system into overdrive. When this happens, inflammatory chemicals are dispersed to ward off the food’s byproducts and protect the person.

Dairy, gluten, eggs, grains, sugar, and corn are some of the big culprits of food intolerance. Fortunately, merely avoiding these foods will stabilize both the immune system and levels of inflammation.

6. Headaches or migraines

Persistent headaches are potential signs of higher inflammation levels. Similar to digestive problems, headaches may also come from toxins in the environment that cause inflammation.

In a study conducted by the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, researchers found a positive correlation (relationship) between migraine diagnosis cases and inflammatory markers within the body.

7. Depression or depressive symptoms

Depression and depressive symptoms are complicated, as many factors contribute to the conditions. Counterintuitive as it may seem, chronic inflammation may indeed be one such factor.

Many physicians have reached this conclusion by citing the frequency wherein patients diagnosed with depression register high levels of inflammation. Further, these individuals are likelier to suffer from an inflammation-related health condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Treating chronic inflammation

pain

There are ways of counteracting and preventing health issues caused by chronic inflammation. Here are the three big ones:

  • Exercise: Fat cells produce excessive amounts of inflammatory chemicals. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity at least three times per week. To make exercise a bit easier, try doing some physical activity you enjoy or break the 30 minutes down into 10 or 15-minute increments.
  • Get your Omega-3:  Omega-3s contain potent anti-inflammatory properties. Some foods rich in this fatty acid include chia seeds, fish, fish oil, flaxseeds, lean meats, seafood, soybeans, spinach, and walnuts.
  • Reduce refined carbs: To reduce the effects of inflammation and inflammation-related medical conditions, it decrease or eliminate the amount of flour and sugar from your diet.

Some of the more common sources of refined carbs include bread, cereal, cookies, crackers, pasta, and soft drinks.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/home/ovc-20197388

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/07/21/538377221/is-inflammation-bad-for-you-or-good-for-you
http://www.who.int/features/qa/76/en/
https://americanheadachesociety.org/news/migraine-and-inflammation-linked-in-young-adults/
https://healthpositiveinfo.com/9-signs-your-body-is-inflamed.html

5 Ways To Positively Deal With Negative People In Your Life

If you’re like anyone else, you probably have come across negative people in your daily life. Maybe these people are co-workers, friends, or even family. It can be frustrating to be surrounded by negativity in your life when all you want to do is move forward.

As Israelmore Ayivor rightly pointed out, “Save your skin from the corrosive acids from the mouths of toxic people. Someone who just helped you to speak evil about another person can later help another person to speak evil about you.”

Finding the right way to deal with negative people is the best way to get yourself on the right track to living a more positive life and being surrounded by more positive people. It sucks to feel like you have to cut people out of your life because their negativity is adversely affecting your own – thankfully, that’s not the only way to deal with negativity and the people who are plagued by it.

Here Are 5 Positive Ways To Deal With Negative People

“Whatever negative things people think and say about you is enough to bring you down provided you believe that it carries a weight that can push you hard. Don’t agree to accept what critics say; be prepared to silence them by doing what they think you can’t do!” – Israelmore Ayivor

1. Try to empathize, even when you don’t understand

Even if you can’t understand how they’re feeling, it’s good to practice empathy with people who feel negative most of the time. Motivation and marketing trainer Brendon Burchard states:

That’s how we tap into our own humanity and compassion, and those things become a flood of good energy that washes away the negativity. Compassion wins.”

Sometimes, negative people just need to be understood rather than fixed. You never know what major life changes or crises they’re going through. Instead of trying to cheer them up, simply be a sounding board, and empathize with their struggles. Sometimes, people just need to be told, “Man, that sucks!” Just having someone to listen may be just the thing they need to feel better and more positive.

2. Don’t try to give advice unless its required

Unless they’re coming to you specifically for your advice, try to forgo telling them how to fix their problems. Sometimes, people with a lot of negativity just don’t have anyone to share it with or anywhere to let off steam. If they need to complain, you can engage them in conversation and talk them through it. But, unless they ask, try not to offer unsolicited advice.

But does this mean you’re abandoning them?

This doesn’t mean you abandon anyone. It simply means you watch, track their progress, keep quiet, and then be ready to answer their questions in a positive, inspiring way,” says author and speaker Phil Cooke.

If you’re unsure, you can even confirm with them: “Do you want my advice, or do you just need to vent?” Usually, they’ll just need to vent – after all, they probably have countless people offering them more advice than they know what to do with!

3. Figure out what makes them happy

Negative people aren’t negative all the time – even if that tends to be the only side of them that you see. But they have things that make them happy like you or anyone else! When you figure out what that is, you can engage them on that topic or even surprise them with something that will cheer them up.

The issue isn’t that negative people have nothing that they love. It’s simply that they’re so overwhelmed with other things that they may not have the time to focus on them right now. Engaging them on a topic that makes them happy can give them an emotional respite from the negativity, making you both feel better.

4. Read between the lines

It might not be everyone’s strong suit, but it’s essential to listen to the things that a negative person isn’t saying just as much as it is to listen to what they are saying. Sometimes, negative people use dark humor as a coping mechanism, but it can speak volumes about what they’re going through.

They may feel more stressed, depressed, and alone than you realize. Being able to notice the things that aren’t being overtly said will help you better figure out how to help them feel more positive in your day-to-day interactions.

5. Have fun as that may be a solution

Sometimes all a negative person needs are to have a little fun. Life can be stressful, and some people have to do it alone. Instead of cutting a negative person out of your life, try to engage them and bring out a side of them that you haven’t seen before. Maybe, all they need is a friend to listen and help them release their stress and worries.

Author Peter Economy states, “They just want someone else to take charge and to let go, since they feel so out of control of and disenchanted with their own lives. Be that person, and you both will be happier.” You may find that your relationship strengthens the more you engage with them. In the end, their entire attitude could be completely turned around!

Negativity isn’t fun to deal with – for you or the people feeling that way! When it comes to dealing with negativity, there are more choices than simply shutting those people out of your life. After all, it’s not always plausible. Instead, learn how to deal with those feelings without absorbing them. Indeed, that knowledge can mean that you’re helping people become more positive while keeping your positive outlook on life. Before you know it, you’ll surround yourself with positive energy.

References:
http://brendon.com/blog/deal-negative-people/
http://www.philcooke.com/stop-giving-advice-to-people-who-dont-ask-for-it/
https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/5-ways-to-deal-with-the-really-negative-people-in-your-life.html

8 Traits of The Most Trustworthy People

What makes you trustworthy in the eyes of those around you?

The truth is we cannot “get” trust any more than we can “get” respect. Trust, like respect, is something that must be earned and – just as importantly – kept.

Simply put, trust is built over a period of time and by acting with integrity throughout that time.

While it may be difficult to ascertain everyone who you can trust, honest individuals typically display a set of common traits.

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be given trust with important matters.” ~ Albert Einstein

Let’s take a look at eight traits of trustworthy people:

1. Availability

Trustworthy people consider “being there” for others an utmost priority. In all likelihood, they’re willing to forgo their own comfort to assist someone in need.

In other words, you know someone is trustworthy when they say things like “I’m just a phone call away,” or “I’m here for you.” Honest people don’t take these words lightly, either. They’ll back up what they say with actions. If they don’t, you can bet they have a good reason.

2. Compassion

Unsurprisingly, some of the most trustworthy people are compassionate and empathetic. Keeping their word is important to them, yes, but they understand that to do anything else would be hurtful.

Empaths, for example, tend to be devoted friends, family members, and partners; it’s almost unheard of for people in the group to disregard their commitments to someone else. Not surprisingly, empaths – among other selfless types – are the ones that often reignite our faith in humanity.

3. Consistency

Relating to the previous quality on our list, trustworthy people are consistent in their behaviors. They’re responsible individuals at work, at home, and in relationships.

The odds are that if someone displays habitual consistency, they’re worthy of trust.

trustworthy

4. Humility

Andrew Carnegie, one of history’s greatest industrialists and philanthropists, said, “As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.” Actions always speak louder than words; which leads to the next point: trustworthy people are humble.

They’re humble because they don’t feel the need to prove anything. Boastfulness is the mirror opposite of humility and can be a big red flag. Honest people don’t go around saying “I’m honest.” They’re too humble for such nonsense. Instead, they turn their thoughts to actions – which, in turn, do all the talking.

5. Honor

The ancient Greek poet Sophocles said, “I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating.”  Sophocles, by all historical accounts, was an honorable man greatly revered in ancient Greece.

Trustworthy people also value honor, both from themselves and others. Whether it’s fulfilling a commitment or making a verbal agreement, honest people do the right thing.

6. Kindness

Not everyone who shows kindness is trustworthy, whether by design or poor judgment. That said, most trustworthy people are kind to others. They’re polite, civil and conscientious.

If a person you know is almost always kind and courteous – and backs up what they say with action – they are probably someone you can trust.

7. Authenticity

The seventh trait on our list is a well-timed follow up to the sixth. Authenticity is defined as “not false or copied; genuine; real.”

Fake people, by their very nature (and well-deserved title), can not be authentic. Thus, they’re more likely to deceive and disrupt intentionally. A truthful individual will say what needs to be said, as they know their words are spoken with meaning.

trustworthy

8. Selflessness

Think about five people who you wholeheartedly admire. It can be a historical figure or someone in your family. Just for illustration, some many might list on their “top five” are Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Theresa.

Notice that everyone on this list was wholeheartedly selfless. Furthermore, all were known for redirecting the spotlight back onto people who looked up to them.

In short, the most trustworthy people are often the most selfless – and they all dedicated their lives to something greater than themselves.

Researchers Explain What Your Handwriting Says About You

Did you know that graphology – the study of handwriting – has been around since the great philosopher Aristotle? That’s right; people have studied one another’s handwriting for over 2,500 years.

Today, graphology is used for a variety of purposes, including psychological testing, employee selection, and even criminal investigations. How a person writes, according to the British Institute of Graphologists (BIG), can be used in “any area of human activity,” such as personality profiling, forensic analysis, and career guidance.

“When you get to know a person’s handwriting well enough, you recognize what script it is, just as if it were a well-known painting or photograph. Graphology is based on the principle that every individual’s handwriting has a character of its own, and this is entirely due to the uniqueness of the writer’s personality.” ~ The British Institute of Graphologists

“What’s the rationale for graphology?”

On the surface, handwriting analysis may seem a bit quirky. However, considering that we all write differently, it’s fair to say that something – our genetics, personality traits, habits, frame of mind – is also different.

BIG makes a couple of noteworthy observations:

“We were all taught to write in a specific way when we were children … but it is evident (that) everyone’s handwriting looks different. In fact, as soon as someone can write, he or she gradually alters the shapes and sizes of letters in accordance with (likes) and dislikes.”

Ultimately, the central principle of graphological practice is summed up as follows: “… handwriting is the pattern of our psychology expressed in symbols on the page, and these symbols are as unique as our own DNA.”

“A blend of art and science.”

The written word comprises three elements: movement, spacing and form. Graphologists place particular emphasis on form when analyzing how one writes. When observing form, graphologists focus on angles, slants, and spacing.

The above is the scientific aspect of graphology – but there is an “art” to the science. That is, experts also consider individual circumstances (setting, situation) in the analysis. So, graphology is somewhat of an “abstract science.”

Graphology and personality traits

Anyone else thinking of the scene when Sherlock Holmes analyzed Professor Moriarty’s signature in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows? Ha-ha. Awesome scene… anyways, it is relevant to this section.

One area where graphology has been widely utilized is in the study of personality traits. According to master graphologist Kathi Knight, “Just from analyzing your handwriting, experts can find over 5,000 (traits.)”

What does your handwriting reveal?

Ok, do you have paper and pen ready? You’ll need one for this next part.

Let’s go!

Please write the following sentence in cursive: “The quick fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

Got it? Awesome. Now let’s see what a graphologist would say based on nine criteria.

Size

– If your letters are large, you’re probably more extraverted (outgoing.) Like many other people-oriented individuals, you may also love attention.

– If your letters are small, you’re likely to be quieter or shy – two behaviors strongly associated with introverts. You may also possess the stronger-than-average focus and concentration skills.

Slant

– If your writing slants to the right, you’re impulsive, gregarious, sentimental, and good-hearted. You also place the utmost importance on relationships with friends and family.

– If your writing is centered (no visible slant), you’re probably very logical and precise in thought. You may value logic over emotions. For you, pragmatism rules the day.

– If your writing slants to the left, you may be a more reserved person. When it comes to working, you’d rather focus more on things than people. In other words, you may want to avoid retail.

Pressure

– If your writing resembles a bold font, you may strongly feel emotions. You may also be a bit more reactionary in nature.

– If your writing is lighter-toned, you may be more relaxed in disposition. You tend to manage your energy wisely.

Upper zone (the ‘l’ and ‘t’ in your writing sample)

– If your ‘l’ loops widely, you may have big dreams and goals.

– If your ‘l’ is tighter in form, you may feel disheartened by not yet reaching your aspirations.

– When your ‘t’ is looped, you may take criticism harshly. You may also be somewhat of a suspicious person.

– If your ‘t’ is linear, you’re well-disciplined, a diligent worker, and self-controlled.

Lower zone (the ‘y’ in your sample)

– A tight ‘y’ (little to no loop) may indicate you keep a small circle of friends.

– A broad ‘y’ means you have a larger social circle.

– A long ‘y’ may signify that you love traveling.

– A short ‘y’ means you’re more of a homebody.

Letter connection

– If your cursive diligently connects each letter, you’re likely more methodical and logical.

– If your cursive disconnects at certain points, you’re probably intelligent and intuitive.

Crossed ‘t’s’

– If most of your ‘t’s’ are crossed higher (near the top of the letter), you are both goal oriented and self confident.

– If you crossed your ‘t’s’ lower, you may feel insecure and lacking in direction.

Spacing

– If your words are closely spaced, you may need better time management skills.

– If your wording is evenly spaced, you are respectful of individual boundaries (including your own!)

How did you do? What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you!

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