Shaking hands with a woman?

Question

My understanding is you don't do this unless she offers her hand first. Is this true?

Answer 1

In business introductions, when done in person, by name, you shake hands with everybody. In social settings, it can be a little presumptuous to offer your hand to any escorted woman. If she offers her hand, accept it in the manner (pressure, exuberance, and time) she delivers.

When being introduced, by name, to a woman with no escort, (including when you are introducing yourself) it is perfectly acceptable to offer your hand, though you should be discreet in the manner you shake, making sure to match to her manner.

If an unescorted woman offers her hand, you most certainly accept warmly and comfortably, but you should, in general, be deferential in your manner: do not squeeze her or hang on to her (unless, of course, you are matching her manner!)

Remember that the handshake is a tradition that implies respect and non-aggression upon formal meeting. When trading names with a woman, you should be able to communicate this in your handshake.

Answer 2

Not true. In a group of people you always shake the women's hand first, then the man. Ladies first... like in many other situations, you open the door and let the women go in first or you fill her glass first, etc....

Answer 3

i think that may have been true years ago but not so much now. i know it wouldn't bother me if a man extended his hand before i did.