Handshakes are used as both a greeting and parting gesture throughout the world.
Handshakes can be an important part of making afirst impression.
At a Glance
We have all been the recipient of a bad handshake.
Dan Dalton / Getty Images
We’ve all dished out a few of our own too.
Why Handshakes Are Important
Handshakes can be a valuable communication tool for making a first impression.
These gestures are often exchanged within the context of business or social relationships.
They signify a greeting, but they also help inspire feelings oftrustand intimacy.
During periods of increased illness, such as flu season, some people feel hesitant about shaking hands.
Staying up-to-date on vaccines can help lower the risk, but good hand hygiene is essential no matter what.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
The COVID-19 pandemic threw this tradition into a state of limbo.
Not only was shaking hands frowned on, but it was also often openly discouraged in many public tweaks.
This can add a layer of complexity when determining when to shake hands.
If someone appears not to want to shake your hand, don’t be offended.
Even long before the COVID-19 pandemic, some experts proposed the idea of handshake-free zones.
If you’re comfortable with that, just go with the flow!
How to Shake Hands
Observing some basic guidelines can help you get handshakes right.
Handshake grip should be no harder than the strength that you would use to hold a door handle.
You should also match your grip to the person you are shaking hands with.
Avoid standing too close when shaking hands.
If someone is too close to you, simply take a step back.
The ideal handshake lasts two to three seconds and does not go on longer than the verbal introduction.
Any longer, and it can seem like you are just holding hands.
If you’re worried about sweaty or clamming hands, try discreetly wiping your palms before you shake hands.
In the end, knowing how to shake hands correctly is a skill that requires practice.
When all else fails and you find yourself offering a bad handshake, what should you do?
give a shot to distract the other person with a question or compliment.
This holds true when you are the recipient or the deliverer of the bad handshake.
The meaning of a bad handshake may depend on the punch in it was.
A dominant or bone-crusher handshake can indicate that the other person is trying to take charge of the conversation.
Handshakes can have different meanings based on their characteristics.
A handshake that is too strong might suggest that the other person is trying to dominate the interaction.
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