Could anyone explain why British women don't shake hands firmly when you meet them for the first time or at job interviews whilst men shake your hands nice and firmly.
Is it just one of those customs and I shouldn't take it personally?
I am a woman myself.
2007-03-13 22:32:08 · 15 answers · asked by truthofmatter 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Because it is not lady-like to have a firm handshake. We are supposed to be dainty and demure. Can't say as I do that but then I have never professed to being a true lady. Too boring. Good question!!
2007-03-13 22:40:58 · answer #1 · answered by roritr2005 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have done far too many interviews over the last few months and have found men are just as bad - maybe it is the job they are applying for, if it is a standard call centre job they have not had the level of employment required to understand the value of a good handshake!
I have a firmish handshake (not forgetting too firm is just as bad!)
I also learnt my handshake from my step-dad so know that if my husband doesn't pass this down to my son I certainly will!
2007-03-14 06:03:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always give a firm hand shake. Actually I usually find that it is the other way around & that men are afraid to shake my hand firmly. They seem to think they have to be gentle with me as I'm a female.
2007-03-14 07:00:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its a male thing, shaking hands go back to the time when men carried swords and weapons if you offered your hand to someone you could not draw you sword. As boys we are brought up to think a firm hand shake is a sign of a trustful person so work on giving a firm hand shake.
2007-03-14 05:41:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Good point made here;
Though I claim not to be a psychologist at all; I will tell you my theory I have on this issue.
First; British women are not; the only people that do this from the female gender point of view.
I personally have come to realize that when a woman does shake my hand properly; this woman is a self assured, confident individual.
Those that give the "dead" hand as I call it....always have proved to be timid not self secure individuals.
Then you have them; whom have been told a 'firm' handshake is only for men, and that if they do give a 'firm" handshake to a man, immediately he; will assume that she is sexually aroused by his presence.
This later one of course is "but pure rubbish theory" however; many of the female gender do suffer from this.
2007-03-14 05:43:20 · answer #5 · answered by dorianalways 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Because they are not use to being inviting and welcoming and they feel a little insecure when other women extend a hand of friendship. Basically, they only think it's right to be warm and welcoming to men.
2007-03-14 05:47:05 · answer #6 · answered by Afi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, as a British professional woman I am constantly amazed at how many impossibly limp and sweaty handshakes I get from my MALE associates and clients...
2007-03-14 06:07:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, i believe that is a part of their behaviour. another reason maybe that the women you shake hands with are not the active type. i know that if you like someone and you feel confident about yourself, then you shake your hands firmly!
2007-03-14 05:39:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
shaking hands disgusts me, why can't we just bow like the Chinese?
think of all the germs you get from shaking hands..
2007-03-14 07:44:01 · answer #9 · answered by thunor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a girly feminine thing, girls and soft and delicate, only men give hand crushing hand shakes.
2007-03-14 05:37:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋