What are your thoughts on shaking hands when you meet someone?

Answer 1

I am obligated to shake hands out of courtesy, but as soon as I have an opportunity, I am anxious to wash my hands because of germs.

Answer 2

In a business situation it is most common and expected when meeting a new person whether male or female. If however you are meeting a family member for the first time you would probably give them a hug. A strong firm but not crushing hand shake is preferable in the business situation and demonstrates confidence and a positive attitude, showing that you are ready to engage in your working relationship. A limp hand shake is just the opposite in the same situation and is frowned upon by the go getter type of personality person.

Answer 3

Shaking hands is an appropriate thing to do. But if you shake hands with someone, make sure you have a solid grip. There's nothing worse than shaking hands with someone who has a limp handshake. It gives the impression that they don't have a lot of confidence or self-esteem. A good solid handshake with direct eye contact is the way to go.

Answer 4

I always shake hands and look directly into a persons eyes when being introduced to strangers. I also shake hands with other people that are in power that I don't see regularly. Generally tho, people I see on a regular basis I don't shake with. I have noticed that older women don't normally offer their hands. I have a firm handshake and can't say I care much for wimpy hands shakes.

Answer 5

I almost always do so. It's the most polite and accepted way of meeting someone. Even if I'm out with friends, and a new person is introduced, I always think it's best to shake hands, smile, and say "Nice to meet you."

Answer 6

My thoughts on handshaking are these:

If the person who offers the hand is someone I immediately like, respect, and can give me a pay raise, then, by all means, I will shake his or her hand.

If the person who offers the hand has not bathed in several days, has any weird growths or rashes on or near the hand, he/she seems unlikely to wash his/her hands after using the restroom, or if I dislike the person, a "Hi, howareya?" is enough!

Answer 7

I think it's the socially acceptable thing to do! This society was supposed to have taught manners.

However, I always keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with me b/c I have shaken dirty hands before. Yes, this is gross, but if you want to conduct proper manners, you need to shake hands!

Your other two options are:

Having the person come up to you and laying a big ol' kiss on your face somewhere?

Isn't that better than sniffing a person's butt, like a dog would do??? LOL LOL

Answer 8

80% of the messages that go to the mind are from our eyes. 70% of our communication is non-verbal. Shaking hands is the non-verbal formal "hello." It reinforces the moment to you so you know a person is there and can meet you on a specific communicative level in the middle of existence (which seems random and comes about by an unknown means.)

Answer 9

I sometimes tell people "I dont know where your hands have been lately" "go away!'. I dont touch my food or touch my face after shaking hands with people. I wash my hands often in a day. I am a electrical contractor ; everyday I go to peoples homes, and see how they live. sometimes I'm shocked at how some people live like pigs

Answer 10

When I shake hands with someone, it lets me know a little about them right away. A firm handshake lets me know that I should take this person seriously. Like the person is 'into' dealing with me. A slack handshake let's me know I don't need to take this person seriously! What is up with that?! A firm handshake shows confidence when dealing with another person.

I'm all for handshakes, it's a form of professionalism!