High-flying adventurer who can be prudish
By Emma Bache
Emma Bache samples the handwriting of Rod Eddington, chief executive of British Airways.
AT FIRST glance this handwriting portrays a large if somewhat irregular naivety of both stroke and movement. Despite the irregularities, the writer has skillfully managed to maintain a balance between the three zones, a healthy pressure and a vertical slant.
The middle zone is strong and legible. Self-assured with a mature detachment, he/she has an emotional stability which offers much dependability and composure. However, there are intermittent juddery strokes, particularly towards the end of the script, owing to nervous anxiety and tiredness.
The long and predominant lower zone adds the quality of restlessness and physical energy. The writer is driven by “gut” feelings but with the urge to carry out lengthy and complex projects. Material and financial gain is of more than average importance, as are most sensual and complex pleasures.
There are many thrusts into the upper zone, indicating not only a keen mind but one that actively uses his/her mental capabilities to the full. There is an innate need for an audience and appreciation, which is in danger of straying into the realms of conceit at times. Small hook-like strokes on letters also indicate that there could be a negative response to any form of interruption or irritation. There are other indications of a rather defensive or prickly personality, such as tied and retraced ovals as well as the frequent triangular shapes to “f”s . This is a sign of stubbornness but also a “dog in the manger” attitude.
More surprisingly, there is also a prudish element and a firm stand on all moral issues. In fact, the occasional distorted loop shows that he/she will often do the opposite of what is expected of them. This contrived rebelliousness is mainly a desire for attention. The wide spaces between the words and the letters themselves imply an extroverted and at times extravagant move towards society.
The variable letter sizes of the middle zone and extremely flexible baseline points to inconsistent responses and a moody nature. However, the points to the top of loops soften this otherwise difficult and tense character with a tremendous sense of humour and a bold sense of adventure.
The line spacing shows excellent organisational skills and constructive thinking. Discreet and rarely losing control of any situation, he/she seeks equilibrium, which is not always either easy or attainable owing to the innate lack of adaptability.
The vertical slant shows self-control and ability to work under pressure. Physical and mental stamina does not always keep pace with the frantic mental agility and aggression.
The angle lead in strokes, coupled with long and garlanded endings, displays a writer who, despite being hurt in the past and with a generally sceptical nature, is highly responsive to others and their needs.
He/she is somewhat of an acquired taste socially, because of a judgmental stand on issues, but the overall pastiness and long lower zone loops reveal a gifted ability to make the most of any situation and a pleasure-seeking freedom which is necessary with the stress and high pressure of a compulsive achiever.
The right-hand margin is particularly uneven. The writer alternates wildly between spontaneity and self-discipline and works hard to keep up enthusiasm for his/her own creative enterprises. A search for answers to inexplicable problems and a penchant for intrigue are woven closely into this complex character’s psyche.