Finally, you can look at compatibility by looking at specific traits and attributes that you look for in a friend or that make people friendly, and to see what their hands say about them. Characteristics to look for in general relationships should include the following:

• Friendliness: A wide life line shows a friendly spirit, and a life line that is far from the thumb shows an outgoing nature, while one close to the thumb shows introversion. An arching thumb that curves backward is the sign of a friendly person, but that friendship may be superficial and may not stand the test of time.

• Shyness: If you have a short Mercury finger, you may be part of the 12 to 18 percent of the population who are shy. This is not necessarily a bad trait — many shy people are sensitive and make good friends. In fact, shyness is a positive asset in cultures that value group identification and are less impressed with assertiveness.

• Sensitivity: This trait, which indicates a caring nature, is displayed by the ring of Solomon, which appears beneath the Jupiter finger, as well as by the bow of intuition.

• Trust and honesty: A wide angle of the thumb shows a trusting nature, while a narrow angle shows a suspicious mind. A crooked Mercury finger means the person “bends” communications to serve his needs, while a thumb habitually tucked inside the fist shows something to hide.

• Tact and diplomacy: All relationships benefit from these traits, which are signaled by the small pads on the insides of the fingertips.

• Loyalty: If your head and heart lines are balanced and similar in color and depth, it's likely that you are a loyal friend and business associate.

• Ability to listen: Look for a long Mercury finger to find a good and outgoing communicator, one who realizes that communication is a two-way street.

• Leadership: A long Jupiter finger is good in a business partner, as the leadership indicated by a long finger means the person is interested in hearing what others have to say.

• Tolerance: A wide arch between the thumb and Jupiter finger shows acceptance of others' differences, as can a healthy heart line. A wide area between the heart and head line shows that a person is nonjudgmental.

• Patience: If the first joint or phalange of the thumb is shorter than the second, the person is patient; the longer the first thumb joint is than the second, the greater the temper.

• Sense of humor: Humor can be seen on the upper part of the percussion with a slight bulge. But if you have a naughty streak to your comic side, look for a wide arch between the thumb and Jupiter finger.

• Independence or need for freedom: “Give me my space,” says your friend when he feels you are crowding him. A wide gap between the Apollo and Mercury fingers shows that the person may be stifled by too close a relationship.