Although Angelina Jolie was seen quite affectionate with her partner Brad Pitt at the Directors Guild of America Awards, others have different opinions. Handwriting expert Sheila Lowe has suggested that the "Salt" actress could be under a lot of stress after studying the Hollywood beauty's autograph given to a fan on Saturday night, January 30.

Lowe told Us Magazine that the long extended final stroke of Jolie's last name "can add up to feeling pressured, with a need to protect oneself." Stating that the actress is known for her "extremely simplified signature", the handwriting expert noted her recent autograph is even more simplified. She stated, "It's like shorthand."

"It could be a result of stress, the need to keep things on the surface and simple," Lowe further explained possible reason behind the simplification of Jolie's signature. She added, "The extremely long, rightward ending stroke is symbolic of holding others at bay. Think of an outstretched arm: Stand back!"

In addition to Lowe's description, another expert has come forward to decipher the "Changeling" actress' signature. Bart Baggett, creator of Handwriting Wizard, pointed out that the 34-year-old actress has "large beginning letters". He explained that those letters indicate "confidence and a healthy ego."

From what he observed from comparing Jolie's autograph toward the beginning of her relationship with the "Inglourious Basterds" actor and her recent signature, Baggett added the new autograph indicates that "she has learned the art of compromise and has more humility than before". The expert quickly credited it as "more of a mother trait than a demise in the relationship."

Angelina Jolie met Brad Pitt on the set of "Mr and Mrs Smith" in 2004. The couple, who have six children together, three of whom were adopted, have been hit with break-up reports as of recently. Though so, the "Wanted (2008)" actress and the "Burn After Reading" actor remained mum on the swirling speculation before turning up together at the DGA Awards.