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The New Science-Approved
Palm Reading: Read My Fingers


April 9, 2013 | Julia Dawidowicz

Here’s a fun little game that’s backed by SCIENCE! Recent studies suggest that certain aspects of your personality and future health can be predicted by your finger length — the “digit ratio” of your ring and index fingers, specifically. While doctors aren’t making diagnosis’ based on finger length just yet, scientists have found some fairly consistent links between digit ratios and behavior-affecting hormone levels.

Look at your hand. Is your ring finger longer than your pointer? Other way around?

It all goes back to your mother’s womb. According to neuroscientist Pete Hurd, “during fetal development there’s a surge in testosterone in the middle of the second trimester.” A major indicator of this prenatal hormonal burst is having a ring finger that’s much longer than your index finger, resulting in certain so-called “masculine” characteristics.

In layman’s terms: If your ring finger is significantly longer than your index finger, you’re likely to have…

Increased verbal aggression. Ever see Simon Cowell’s ring finger? It’s ENORMOUS.
Improved athletic ability. Nothing screams “varsity athlete” like a stubby pointer.
Better sense of direction. Sorry, ladies, unless you have a “masculine” hand shape, science still considers you spatially inept.
More physical aggression. You mad bro?
More risk-taking. Apparently this one only applies to men.
Knee osteoporosis. Can’t win ’em all…

If, however, your index finger is the longer one:

– Chances are, you’ll get oral cancer. This is especially true if your digits are the same length.
– But HEY, if you’re a man, you have a 33% reduced risk of prostate cancer. It all evens out!