He's a good person...
he just makes bad decisions...

Dear Handwriting Doctor:

I was sitting here reading the paper and came across your column.

Usually I just glance through and read my horoscope and the comics. But this
time your column really piqued my interest. I am 20 years old and am currently incarcerated.

I have good morals and great ideas, but continually go back to drugs and alcohol and keep getting into trouble. Like my father says, I'm a good person ... I just make bad decisions. I don't know, maybe you can find something no one else can. I've enclosed a sample of my poetry. Hope you like.

Moo In NW Indiana

This prisoner’s lowercase “i” personal pronoun says: “i don’t want to grow up… Not me!”

Dear Moo:

Some decisions are bound to cause problems ... like jumping over a
well in two jumps!

You chose to write your personal pronoun "I" in lower case. This small, baby "i" signifies someone who sees himself as small and is not willing to accept the decisions and responsibilities that come with growing up. Maturity sometimes means resisting immediate gratification and striving for long-term dreams and goals.

Once upon a time, there were two men. They both had the chicken pox and were extremely itchy.

The first man said, "I found a solution for the itch. Use your fingernails and scratch."

The second man said, "No, in the long run, that's not the best solution.”

The first man decided to go for quick relief and scratched his face. The second man thought about it and resisted. Two weeks later, the chicken pox passed. The man who'd taken the temporary solution was scarred for life. The man who'd waited was completely healed, without scars.

So whether it's taking drugs, making easy money, or taking unreasonable risks for a momentary rush, the quick and easy choice may not always benefit you in the long run. Remember, if you know where you're going you're more likely to get there.

Here's my advice:

1. From now on, think about the consequences of your actions before you act on them.
2. Before you're released from jail, write down your goals. And when you're free, take specific steps to achieve them.
3. Get the skills and knowledge you need to reach your goals.
4. Find a mentor. Ask someone you admire and trust for advice.
5. Start capitalizing your “i's” and you'll find yourself achieving a new sense of maturity.

Michelle Dresbold is a nationally known handwriting expert and personality profiler. Are you a doodler? Have a personal question or problem? Mail your doodles and handwritten letters to: The Handwriting Doctor, P.O. Box 1161, Monroeville, PA 15146.