I believe in a firm handshake. Yes, I know some people say that handshakes are unsanitary and spread germs, but I still feel that a good, firm handshake is a great way to communicate trust and sincerity. A former boyfriend first brought this to my attention. The boyfriend is long gone but the belief in this simple gesture has stayed with me.
There is nothing worse than shaking a cold, wet noodle. Yuck! This an instant sign of weakness and distrust. The lack of grip and coldness makes me yank my hand away faster than you can say cold pasta! Yes, I know the temperature of someone’s hand is uncontrollable, but put a little confidence in that shake with a firm grip.
However, too firm of a hand shake can also be a big no no. A former pastor of mine would give a bone-cracking shake. I would avoid going through the line to greet the pastor at the end of the church service just to avoid his steel grip. It really hurt!
Ok, so it’s kind of like Goldilocks-not too hard and not too soft. There is one more aspect to a perfect shake. Don’t go crazy with the up and down movement of the joined hands. Some people go too big and it seems that you are scraping an icy window. Some people go too many times and you look like idiots just standing there holding hands. This gets awkward.
So, a good hand shake should be as follows:
1) Outstretch your right hand. I don’t care if you are a lefty, most of the world are righties so this is a must.
2) Clasp the other person’s right hand with a firm grip.
3) Move the jointed hands up and down about two times.
4) Maintain eye contact.
Yes, I know I didn’t mention the eye thing but this finalizes the trust aspect of the shake and greeting. There’s nothing worse than a shifty-eyed person who can’t look you in the eye. What are they hiding? What don’t they want me to see?
I definitely agree in a firm handshake. It represents trust and confidence and familiarity and it’s just the right thing to do!
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