"What the length of your index finger says about you"

[lapis]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1335155/What-length-index-finger-says-you.html

The idea that the shape of your hands indicates something profound about your sexual proclivities, the films you like, your athletic ability and your prowess on the stock market seems bizarre.

And yet for many decades now, scientists have noticed an extraordinary link between the ratio of two digits on the hand — the ring and index fingers, known in scientists’ jargon as 2D and 4D — and a whole host of seemingly unrelated traits.

Evidence is growing that this ‘digit ratio’, especially when applied to the right hand, is a fundamental indicator of sexuality, aggression and *diseases suffered by men.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/02/article-1335155-0C53D032000005DC-118_468x460.jpg

This week, for example, strong evidence has emerged of a link between the ‘2D:4D finger ratio’ and a man’s likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Specifically, men whose index fingers are longer than their ring fingers are significantly less likely to develop the disease, according to scientists at the Institute Of Cancer Research.

Working out your digit ratio is not simply a matter of looking at your hand and comparing the position of the tips of the fingers. You must measure the distance from the midpoint of the lowest crease at the base of the finger, on the palm side, to the very end of the fleshy tip (obviously the fingernail does not count!).

A long index finger also correlates strongly with a lower risk of early heart disease and, in women, a higher risk of breast cancer and greater fertility.

People with relatively long index fingers are also more likely to suffer from schizophrenia, allergies, eczema and hay fever.

Young boys are more likely to be clingy and anxious than their low-ratio peers but also, ultimately, less attention-seeking and better behaved in school.

While a long index finger is considered a more feminine hand — men who have them are more likely to be homosexual — a short index finger relative to the ring finger is a more masculine hand.

It correlates with higher male fertility and sperm counts, higher levels of aggression and increased aptitude for both sport and music.

Women who have this masculine finger pattern are more likely to be lesbians than those who don’t, and display higher levels of aggression — as well as enjoy greater professional success.

The extraordinary thing is that these assertions are based on serious scientific evidence. It was as long ago as the late 1700s that people noticed that a greater proportion of men have shorter index fingers than do women.

But it was not until the 1980s that scientists began to wonder if the digit ratio could be linked to more than simply being male or female.

The first such study was conducted on women, and found a link between a short index finger — or more ‘masculine’ ratio — and female assertiveness. Since then, the floodgates have opened, showing links between the digit ratio and more than 100 psychological traits and propensities to *various illnesses.

So what is going on? Can finger length really determine your behaviour and vulnerability to certain *diseases? The truth is that it is not finger-length per se that is having all these profound and dramatic effects.

According to developmental biologist Dr John Manning, who has been analysing digit ratios for more than 20 years, this subtle difference in finger lengths is linked to a foetus’s exposure in the womb to sex hormones, notably the ‘masculine’ hormone testosterone.

Put simply, more testosterone equals a greater chance of a more ‘masculine’ hand, i.e. one with a *relatively short index finger.

And it is this exposure to testosterone in the womb that has very profound effects on our behaviour and susceptibility to diseases.

Studies have found that foetuses which have had a high exposure to testosterone — and have short index fingers — tend to be associated with an extroverted personality, a willingness to take risks, higher levels of aggression, stronger muscles and, interestingly (because musical ability is not commonly identified as particularly ‘masculine’), a much greater likelihood of playing an instrument well.

Of course, the rules are not hard and fast, but people of both sexes with relatively short index fingers tend to be more sexually adventurous. They are more likely to experiment with drugs; they like watching violent movies and become addicted to alcohol more easily.

People with short index fingers make better soldiers, engineers, speculators and chess players, and are better at solving problems such as crosswords. They are also more likely to be left handed.

But short index fingers have also been linked to a higher chance of ending up in prison, being murdered, going mad — and in children higher rates of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.

People with short index fingers may be poorer and find it harder to hold down a job. They suffer more infectious diseases and probably, on average, do not live as long.

What is a mystery is why this relationship between testosterone levels in the womb and finger length evolved.

What Professor Manning and others have noticed is that there may be an element of ‘sex selection’ going on with hands as well. Women often remark on ‘masculine’ hands and Manning speculates that this might be a subconscious assessment of the digit ratio.

It may be, as Manning says, that a long index finger in men evolved for purely functional reasons. Many evolutionary anthropologists have speculated that, along with our ability to manipulate fire, one of the key reasons why humans became so successful was our ability to project our strength from a distance by using weapons such as the spear, slingshot and the bow-and-arrow.

Scientists have found that a longer wedding ring finger can help increase accuracy when throwing objects. And men who could throw well killed more animals, ate better and thus made better mates. So they would have been preferred as partners by the available females, thus ensuring that the masculinity-long ring finger link was passed on.
A nail-biting test of your health

Doctors can tell a great deal about how healthy we are by looking at our fingernails. In particular, sudden changes in the shape, thickness or colour of our nails are usually a sign that something is amiss.

A whitening nail bed is often a sign of anaemia. White nails in general could signify that something is wrong with your liver, spotting on the nails could be due to calcium deficiency and horizontal grooves can be a sign of diabetes, circulatory disease or malnutrition.

[Bullion_Bob]

I have a long middle finger. From my research, I've discovered I have a much higher ratio of effectively flipping people off in traffic.

[StackerKen]

my hand doesn't look like either of those hands in the drawing. My middle finger is longer than the other two and my index is shortest :-\

ETA; But wait!! On my left hand the index and ring finger are the same length :o

Im deformed!! :P

[solid]

Im deformed!! :P


That is really wild, my hands are the same way Ken. I guess I'm deformed too!!

The left they are the same, but the right index is shorter by a little.

They shouldn't come up with studies like this, it just fucks with our heads. ;D

[Joe King]

my hand doesn't look like either of those hands in the drawing. My middle finger is longer than the other two and my index is shortest :-\


Is that measuring them, or by looking at them?
When I look at mine, I see the same as you're describing and my index finger tips fall short of my ring fingers by about 3/8"
But when I measure them per the OP, both my index fingers are less than 1/16" shorter than my ring fingers.
Without measuring, I'd have bet they were shorter than that.

I guess it's all in the layout.

[solid]

Another thing your hands may say about you, guys, watch out for sneaky women who play with your hands. They are trying to figure out your penis size.

Years ago, I was getting friendly with a gal and she was playing with my hands. She finally told me what she was up to, and insisted that she was correct. Yup, she proved it was accurate.

[ShortJohnSilver]

Another thing your hands may say about you, guys, watch out for sneaky women who play with your hands. They are trying to figure out your penis size.

Years ago, I was getting friendly with a gal and she was playing with my hands. She finally told me what she was up to, and insisted that she was correct. Yup, she proved it was accurate.


OK, what is the method then for determining this (I want to check it against myself)? Total overall surface area (bigger "palmprint") or something else?

My then-gf had a friend who had been with 50+ guys but was now married.

We met up for bowling and the uh, "experienced" girl took my gf aside and told her I was "built", and that she knew because she had been with lots of guys and could spot the type... note I am not bragging, as I think I am merely average.

[MNeagle]

Too
Much
Information
!

[solid]

OK, what is the method then for determining this (I want to check it against myself)? Total overall surface area (bigger "palmprint") or something else?


The method this gal used really makes no sense, from a scientific standpoint. I was very surprised she was right..I am also curious if it was by luck chance she was right.

Basically, open up the palm of your hand, fingers out-stretched, comfortably, not forced. This is what she did, and measure the distance from the center of the tip of you little finger to the center of the tip your thumb.

Since that gal, I've come across several women who like to play with hands. They were stretching fingers, etc. I always think these crafty women are thinking about penises. Ever notice how women like to pay attention to your hands? I think this is why. They are sneaky about it.

[BrewTech]

Basically, open up the palm of your hand, fingers out-stretched, comfortably, not forced. This is what she did, and measure the distance from the center of the tip of you little finger to the center of the tip your thumb.


Holy crap... it's dead on accurate. :o

[Cebu_4_2]

Most women checked my hands after and then were surprised.

[ximmy]

Another thing your hands may say about you, guys, watch out for sneaky women who play with your hands. They are trying to figure out your penis size.

Years ago, I was getting friendly with a gal and she was playing with my hands. She finally told me what she was up to, and insisted that she was correct. Yup, she proved it was accurate.


OK, what is the method then for determining this (I want to check it against myself)? Total overall surface area (bigger "palmprint") or something else?

My then-gf had a friend who had been with 50+ guys but was now married.

We met up for bowling and the uh, "experienced" girl took my gf aside and told her I was "built", and that she knew because she had been with lots of guys and could spot the type... note I am not bragging, as I think I am merely average.


...a low ratio means more material where most needed...

[Buddha]

You know what they say small hands =


















small gloves

[Ash_Williams]

Basically, open up the palm of your hand, fingers out-stretched, comfortably, not forced. This is what she did, and measure the distance from the center of the tip of you little finger to the center of the tip your thumb.

Since that gal, I've come across several women who like to play with hands. They were stretching fingers, etc. I always think these crafty women are thinking about penises. Ever notice how women like to pay attention to your hands? I think this is why. They are sneaky about it.

Within about 1/4" accurate.

As for the other thing, my ring finger is at least 1/2" longer than the index finger. I am bit of a competitive bastard, and tend to stay in shape even when too busy to stay in shape. I have a huge lung capacity and also weigh a lot more than anyone else who looks to have the same build. I have zero interest in crossword puzzles though.

And yeah, I could see me being more likely to go mad, end up in jail, or get murdered. But that's true of everyone here...

[solid]

Within about 1/4" accurate.

As for the other thing, my ring finger is at least 1/2" longer than the index finger. I am bit of a competitive bastard, and tend to stay in shape even when too busy to stay in shape. I have a huge lung capacity and also weigh a lot more than anyone else who looks to have the same build. I have zero interest in crossword puzzles though.

And yeah, I could see me being more likely to go mad, end up in jail, or get murdered. But that's true of everyone here...


It's crazy to think that the hand test is accurate, because it really doesn't make any sense. It has less to do with hand size, but also on how your hand naturally opens up. I'd suppose some folks naturally open up a bit bigger than others.

I appreciated you guys removing my username when quoting me in this thread. :) Very tactful, as this topic is borderline too much info.

Also, regarding finger length and personality types. The flaw in this study, is that most of those personality types are directly linked to testosterone levels in men. I know from past experience, you put a man in a dangerous violent environment...his personality is going to change, his testosterone levels will soar.

The body has an amazing way of adapting to it's environment. Same with heavy weightlifting, that will cause your test levels to go up. However finger size stays the same. So, I think this study is flawed in that way.

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

This (finger length determined by hormones) is only based off hormone exposure during a certain period in the womb. While it is a generally true rule, it doesn't indicate anything about your hormone levels today.

[solid]

This (finger length determined by hormones) is only based off hormone exposure during a certain period in the womb. While it is a generally true rule, it doesn't indicate anything about your hormone levels today.


That is interesting, I find this thread fascinating.

I've always thought each one of us had our own genetic max, so to speak. Take two guys who train equally as hard, they will achieve different strength levels, if trained naturally. I wonder if this direct relates to index finger size.

[Joe King]

Within about 1/4" accurate.

As for the other thing, my ring finger is at least 1/2" longer than the index finger. I am bit of a competitive bastard, and tend to stay in shape even when too busy to stay in shape. I have a huge lung capacity and also weigh a lot more than anyone else who looks to have the same build. I have zero interest in crossword puzzles though.

And yeah, I could see me being more likely to go mad, end up in jail, or get murdered. But that's true of everyone here...


It's crazy to think that the hand test is accurate, because it really doesn't make any sense. It has less to do with hand size, but also on how your hand naturally opens up. I'd suppose some folks naturally open up a bit bigger than others.

Why is it crazy?

There's lots of different ways that works.

For example, bend your forearm and measure from the inside of your elbow to where your hand meets your wrist and it'll likely be the same length as your foot.
...and there are others.

It's called, being in proportion.

[Book]

http://www.horror-movies.ca/AdvHTML_Upload/mad-scientist-movie.jpg

Specifically, men whose index fingers are longer than their ring fingers are significantly less likely to develop the disease, according to scientists at the Institute Of Cancer Research.

Probably our tax money given to these clowns. They have no incentive to actually CURE cancer. They would then lose their annual government grant money.

:oo-->

[skid]

I measured myself and my three kids (two boys one girl). We are all shorter index fingers. My kids and I are all athletic and very competitive. I do like crosswords as well. We are all somewhat introverted though...

[Joe King]

This (finger length determined by hormones) is only based off hormone exposure during a certain period in the womb. While it is a generally true rule, it doesn't indicate anything about your hormone levels today.


That is interesting, I find this thread fascinating.

I've always thought each one of us had our own genetic max, so to speak. Take two guys who train equally as hard, they will achieve different strength levels, if trained naturally. I wonder if this direct relates to index finger size.

Everyone does has a maximum genetic potential.
Whether that maximum potential is met or not, is another question.


Now, if it's hormones you're interested in, ponder this.
Their levels can change greatly over the course of a lifetime.

Ex: by the time we reach the age of 60, woman tend to have more testosterone than men, and men tend to have higher oestrogen levels than women.
...and if you notice, you can see the results of this in society.

[solid]

Now, if it's hormones you're interested in, ponder this.
Their levels can change greatly over the course of a lifetime.

Ex: by the time we reach the age of 60, woman tend to have more testosterone than men, and men tend to have higher oestrogen levels than women.
...and if you notice, you can see the results of this in society.



That is something to ponder...makes you wonder if it's by "design". We have such an anti-testosterone based society...take Sylvester Stallone.

He's 60 years old when this movie was filmed. Yes, it's a movie, but you can clearly see he's in fantastic shape. He had help though, I think he was taking HGH, which is illegal. Everyone bashed him about it. But who could argue against his health? The proof is right there.

Heavy weights increase testosterone, naturally. That's how you get to your genetic max, imo. That's how you can slow down the effects of aging.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GzIPiPbKSs&

[Neuro]

Now, if it's hormones you're interested in, ponder this.
Their levels can change greatly over the course of a lifetime.

Ex: by the time we reach the age of 60, woman tend to have more testosterone than men, and men tend to have higher oestrogen levels than women.
...and if you notice, you can see the results of this in society.



That is something to ponder...makes you wonder if it's by "design". We have such an anti-testosterone based society...take Sylvester Stallone.

He's 60 years old when this movie was filmed. Yes, it's a movie, but you can clearly see he's in fantastic shape. He had help though, I think he was taking HGH, which is illegal. Everyone bashed him about it. But who could argue against his health? The proof is right there.

Heavy weights increase testosterone, naturally. That's how you get to your genetic max, imo. That's how you can slow down the effects of aging.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GzIPiPbKSs&
Yes growth hormone has anti-aging properties. You can get high levels of it naturally by fasting regularly...

[BrewTech]

Yes growth hormone has anti-aging properties. You can get high levels of it naturally by fasting regularly...


Please provide support for this statement... I would be interested in more info.

[solid]

Yes growth hormone has anti-aging properties. You can get high levels of it naturally by fasting regularly...


Please provide support for this statement... I would be interested in more info.


That really piqued my curiosity as well, would definitely be interested in more info. It actually goes against what I've read. I read a study somewhere, where older folks introduced to heavy weight training actually produced more natural HGH. They made great gains, and felt younger, to boot.

This seems to be the opposite of fasting for higher levels of HGH.

[solid]

Folks, I think Stallone here may prove this hand theory wrong..

Check out his hands. His index finger seems to be longer than even his middle finger. This is him in his early 60's. If anyone should have a small index finger, I'd say it would be him.

Perhaps, there's exceptions to the rule.

[cthulu]

What's my middle finger telling you?

http://www.darrelplant.com/images/bush_middle_finger.jpg

[Ash_Williams]

It's crazy to think that the hand test is accurate, because it really doesn't make any sense. It has less to do with hand size, but also on how your hand naturally opens up. I'd suppose some folks naturally open up a bit bigger than others.

I agree that it makes no sense. I was surprised to find how accurate it was in my case, especially given how quickly the number changes if you open your hand up or close it just a bit more than normal.

From now on when a woman is fiddling with my hand in some way, I'll make sure it falls open a bit wider.

[solid]

I agree that it makes no sense. I was surprised to find how accurate it was in my case, especially given how quickly the number changes if you open your hand up or close it just a bit more than normal.

From now on when a woman is fiddling with my hand in some way, I'll make sure it falls open a bit wider.


:ROFL: I will do the same. ;D

[Horn]

Did someone already say that married men are more likely?

A tight ring can cause the ring finger to become abnormally elongated.

[Glass]

OK, what is the method then for determining this (I want to check it against myself)? Total overall surface area (bigger "palmprint") or something else?


The method this gal used really makes no sense, from a scientific standpoint. I was very surprised she was right..I am also curious if it was by luck chance she was right.

Basically, open up the palm of your hand, fingers out-stretched, comfortably, not forced. This is what she did, and measure the distance from the center of the tip of you little finger to the center of the tip your thumb.

Since that gal, I've come across several women who like to play with hands. They were stretching fingers, etc. I always think these crafty women are thinking about penises. Ever notice how women like to pay attention to your hands? I think this is why. They are sneaky about it.


ok, so we're talking length here yeah?

[SLV^GLD]

There is a fascinating BBC documentary called The truth about female desire. It touches on this topic in an interesting way. In this case they had a pool of women they were studying and they selected a pool of men that the women were never allowed to see. Amongst other things like dancing as a sillouhette, the women were allowed to "fondle" each mans hands through a curtain. The women were then instructed to privately rate each man, by his number, according to the degree of "attractiveness" they experienced. The results were unanimous. Dancing and finger length attractiveness were all detected precisely the same by each female. The documentary then proceeded to explain the intricacies of the finger thing. I found it most interesting that females were able to all come to the same conclusion with no prior knowledge of the finger thing. It is hardwired in their brain and is something they can and will notice from a distance subconsciously.

[Joe King]

Now, if it's hormones you're interested in, ponder this.
Their levels can change greatly over the course of a lifetime.

Ex: by the time we reach the age of 60, woman tend to have more testosterone than men, and men tend to have higher oestrogen levels than women.
...and if you notice, you can see the results of this in society.



That is something to ponder...makes you wonder if it's by "design". We have such an anti-testosterone based society...take Sylvester Stallone.

He's 60 years old when this movie was filmed. Yes, it's a movie, but you can clearly see he's in fantastic shape. He had help though, I think he was taking HGH, which is illegal. Everyone bashed him about it. But who could argue against his health? The proof is right there.

Heavy weights increase testosterone, naturally. That's how you get to your genetic max, imo. That's how you can slow down the effects of aging.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GzIPiPbKSs&
Have you ever tried DHEA? That's supposedly a precurser to T that's cheap and avaliable at nearly every grocery store in town.
It might help you get to your max so you too might be able to do double your body weight. You know, like those girls in the vids in that other thresd? :D ;) :)

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

Yes growth hormone has anti-aging properties. You can get high levels of it naturally by fasting regularly...


Please provide support for this statement... I would be interested in more info.


The human body produces a lot of HGH naturally when you train your legs heavily.

[Kali]

Some chick gave me a high five at the gym a little while ago so I made sure my hand was wide open with thumb sticking out as far as possible.

She said "I'm impressed" as she walked away...

Wasn't sure if she was talking about my hand or the workout.

I'm going to see what happens next time.

I wish I knew this years ago....I could have faked out a ton of chicks.

[solid]

The human body produces a lot of HGH naturally when you train your legs heavily.


This is why doing heavy squats in the gym is a good idea. Squats not only train your legs, but your whole body actually. Great point.

[k-os]

You guys put WAY too much emphasis on size! Ugh. It's sad. You all should focus more on romance, seduction and technique, and you wouldn't have to think about size at all. Seriously.

And I just like hands! When I like a guy, I like to play with his hands. I don't care about how big they are, or whether his thumb is far from his pinkie or whatever . . . I like to look at them and feel them. I prefer soft hands, but I have a lot of respect for calluses. For me, it's old-fashioned romance. Not a lot of people hold hands - really hold hands anymore.

[Horn]

You guys put WAY too much emphasis on size! Ugh. It's sad. You all should focus more on romance, seduction and technique, and you wouldn't have to think about size at all. Seriously.

And I just like hands! When I like a guy, I like to play with his hands. I don't care about how big they are, or whether his thumb is far from his pinkie or whatever . . . I like to look at them and feel them. I prefer soft hands, but I have a lot of respect for calluses. For me, it's old-fashioned romance. Not a lot of people hold hands - really hold hands anymore.


I tried to seduce this girl once, until I saw she had this one toe that was humping all her other toes . :o

I'm sorry, the game was over then.

Well I guess it was that added with fact that I wanted to kiss, and she wanted to order a pizza.

The pizza was definitely the capper though, I could have proceeded with the "Horn Seduction", had it not been for that. ;D

[DMac]

I'm calling bullshit on this "scientific study".

People with short index fingers make better soldiers, engineers, speculators and chess players, and are better at solving problems such as crosswords. They are also more likely to be left handed.

But short index fingers have also been linked to a higher chance of ending up in prison, being murdered, going mad — and in children higher rates of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.

:lies: