2006-06-23 23:58:52 · 24 answers · asked by pettiforjohn 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
Shaking hands dates back to medieval times. When two men met they extended their open palms towards each other to show that they were not concealing weapons in their hands. The handshake has developed from this practice.
Although it is an acquired trait, the way you shake hands could indicate your natural temperament, or the way you feel at a point in time. Placing your own hand on top by turning the other person's palm upside down indicates extreme assertiveness. Holding back even as you start to extend your hand towards a person conveys feelings of suspicion, or an unwillingness to associate with the person. Gripping too hard and grinding people's knuckles is a sure sign of aggression. If you tend towards it, do not be surprised if you're soon deserted. But the worst turn-off is what behaviourists call the 'cold fish' grip. This refers to the cold, lifeless hand-shake which denotes a total lack of conviction or genuine feeling.
In Japan they do not shake hands, they bow their heads, so i taught this to my Japanese students before why we do shake our hands...
2006-06-24 06:52:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It can have many reassons bu I beleave-
That its a sign of trust, while a hug is a sign of friendship male/female. I could be a thank you hand shake it depends on the reason.
2006-06-24 07:34:37 · answer #2 · answered by Michael Daniel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trust. you shake with your fighting hand as a rule
2006-06-24 12:02:07 · answer #3 · answered by thecharleslloyd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the Innuit don't, they rub foreheads.
I suppose it is a formal acknowledgement - a comfortable distance but showing some contact.
I guess we could have shaken feet instead, but we would probably fall over.
2006-06-24 07:50:00 · answer #4 · answered by Suzita 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have OCD and i can't shake hands with people.
2006-06-25 12:42:55 · answer #5 · answered by corleonelover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It started in ancient times as a way of two people/soldiers proving to each other that they didn't have concealed daggers, etc.
2006-06-24 07:03:04 · answer #6 · answered by dj_cliffhanger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To show you are unarmed. but of course the other person may be left handed, so be careful.
2006-06-24 07:17:31 · answer #7 · answered by robert c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an open gesture that makes it clear that you do not have a weapon of any kind in your hand.
2006-06-24 07:06:54 · answer #8 · answered by The Lone Gunman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bcoz in india it is a saying
jahan bhi jayiye dost banate rahiye
dil mile na mile haath miate rahiye
Regards,
Vikas Kumar,
hi_lovegirls@yahoo.com
2006-06-24 07:09:14 · answer #9 · answered by nicefriendvikas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the socially accepted form of greeting and acknowledging of another individual(s)
2006-06-29 16:20:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋