Furthermore, it was Jung who invented the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” which are so popularly used to describe the way in which we relate to other people and indeed the world around us.

While introverts relate to their environment in a private and inner directed way, extroverts direct their attention more to the outside world.

Our need for company or otherwise and our ability to relate to people either in small groups or in large get-togethers explains a lot about us.

But there’s more!

The Four functions

Jung further explained that we make use of an additional “four functions.”

The functions are: thinking, feeling, sensation and intuition.

When these functions are used in combination with the two attitudes of introversion or extroversion they give us important insights into personality.

This is a simplified explanation of Jung’s theory of types but by way of interest,  Jung’s wrote a very detailed and erudite explanation of his typological theory in his book “Psychological Types.”

Jung’s description of personality types is particularly useful when it is applied to handwriting

We know that in handwriting movements towards the right indicate a movement towards people, while leftward movements are a retreat – a moving away from others.

We know that when a handwriting slants to the right it is one of the signs of an outgoing or extroverted personality. On the other hand, we note that leftward movements can point to introverted tendencies.

Upright handwriting relates to a person who keeps to himself. He has a rather impersonal and detached attitude towards other people.

The Introvert in handwriting

Introverts are private people who tend to keep low profiles and generally avoid crowds. They are happy with their own company, find comfort in solitude and are content to have only one or two good friends.

They mostly find renewal by looking inwardly. When tired or depressed they are better able to re-charge their batteries and become re-energized by connecting to a quiet place within themselves.

When faced with problems, they prefer to think up their own solutions rather than discuss their concerns.

In a relationship, an introvert would willingly listen to the problems of his partner, but would not be very willing to share his own confidences.

This is an illustration of an introverted male handwriting:

It is quite obvious that this man has a need for privacy and does not like to be crowded. He would feel uncomfortable socializing in large groups and would undoubtedly prefer to associate with only one or two people at a time.

Notice the small size of the letters and the tight, constrained appearance of the handwriting. Within the words, the letters are squeezed together as if the writer is afraid to let go or to make any sort of statement. He would prefer to keep a low profile.

There are indication of tension and inhibition and together with the mostly upright slant of detachment it shows an inability to relate to others. His extreme reserve is in fact increased by his feeling of interpersonal distancing which is something that we can see from the wide spaces between the lines.

The Extrovert in handwriting

Extroverts have a much stronger need for emotional and social involvement. They love being with all kinds of people and enjoy social interaction. As they relate easily to everyone they are not restrictive in their choice of friends.

They feel energized in company, enjoy being the centre of attention at parties and love being in the limelight.

Expansive, relaxed and socially at ease, extroverts tend to be enthusiastic and exuberant and love to have fun. They are usually good communicators.

Here is a sample of an extroverted type of handwriting. (Female.) You will easily see the difference in approach between the two samples.

Notice the large size and easy sweep of the writing as a whole. There is no squeezing or constriction of the letters. The capital letters are large and stand out clearly against the body of the writing. The spacing is generous, but not too spaced out.

Notice also how the left margin increases towards the bottom of the handwriting sample. This is a gesture that indicates a reaching out towards people.

The lines slope upwards and the t-bars slant upwards with enthusiasm and there is a firm, confident quality to the strokes. This is the bold, outgoing and optimistic handwriting of a typical extrovert.

Now take a look at your own handwriting. Do you fall into any of these categories?

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