Do you shake a hand that's offered?

Question

Germaphobia? I've got a mild case but still I shake an offered hand, wishing I hadn't.
Also, how would you rank the firmness of your handshake?
I've had so many boneless, bloodless "ghost" shakes I can't count them all.

Answer 1

As a woman in the 21 century I believe it is customary to shake any hand. I have never rejected a hand shake. What is weird is only a few years ago it was in very bad taste for a man to extend a hand to a woman that wasn't his wife! If a woman first extended her hand to a man it would be palm down and the gent would grasp it tenderly. If it was during a courtship maybe a kiss to the back of the hand.
Germaphobe? Carry a few anti-bacterial wet wipes in your jacket pocket like Jay Leno probably does and after the hand shaking he puts his hands in the pocket and rubs around ta-da germ free! Don't do that dumb knuckle thing like Howie Mandel! Please!

Answer 2

I didnt see the start of the communicate yet i'm useful McCain and Obama exchanged greetings of a few type already so because of the fact it replaced into the top of the communicate and it is in certainty that is in trouble-free terms the polite element to do to have your spouse shake hands with the different guy or woman working for President, no count what their differences are. in basic terms my opinion although:)

Answer 3

My right hand was broken 3 yrs ago so it sucks when I get a real firm handshake...its quite embarrassing to me, but I do it anyways. I try to give a firm handshake, I HATE when some coksucker wants to squeeze the **** out of your hand like he is some big tough guy. F U man! Just cause you choke your chicken that way don't mean you gotta treat my hand the same way. As for germs, I dont worry unless its from someone that looks dirty or sleazy, then I think about it, but I still give the shake. Oh, and greazy hands too! Wash em people!

Answer 4

I remember that happened to me , I reclined.
I am not customed to that, and a don't see a guy offering a girl a hand shake.
If it was a lady of the house, in some cultures they introduce you and she offers you a hand shake, I reclined again, bad mistake. Shows your upbringing, and women don't shake a hand at all.
Reflects back on you.

Answer 5

when shaking someones hand just make sure and get your fingertips around their hand so you can use your thumb to control the amount of pressure. watch out for the camo hand crushers, they seem to get a kick out of over griping you first. I think they are jerks, but they think they are cool. As for the germs...just suck it up shake the offered hand, then wash as soon as you can.
Also... reguler etiquette states, A gentleman never offers his hand to a lady first. It could be different in the business world, I don't know

Answer 6

If you are a male, it is always proper to offer your hand to be shaken if someone else offers you theirs first. If the person you meet is a female, you wait until she offers her hand. However, if she does not, do not offer yours. Simply greet her. The only time you would not offer your hand is if there is a medical reason for you not to do so. A simple, "I'm sorry but I am unable to shake hands", is sufficient.

Answer 7

I always shake a hand that is offered. I can always wash my hands later. My firmness of handshake is fine - not too hard, not too limp.

Answer 8

Always. My grip is firm without being crushing. If you're concerned about germs, keep a little bottle of that hand sanitizer stuff in your purse or pocket.

Answer 9

I always give a good, firm shake when offered a hand, and like you, sometimes wish I hadn't...........

Answer 10

usually if someone rejects someone's offer to shake a hand, it is considered an offensive slight (sp?)....
it is very rude to not take someone's hand. it shows u dont respect the person.