when is it appropriate to shake hands???

Question

i never know when its appropriate to shake hands with someone.. when im introduced to someone i never know whether to shake hands with them or not. i think shaking hands is quite formal when im introduced to a friend of a friend, but its kinda nice at the same time.. what do you think??

Answer 1

I love shaking hands with people. When you meet someone for the first time, extending a hand to shake is an easy way to show people that you're friendly, that you really are pleased to meet them (actions speak louder than words), and that you have confidence in yourself. It really doesn't have to be some big formal event any more. These days, it's considered fairly casual just to stick your hand out, give a big smile, and say "Hey, I'm ______. Nice to meet ya!"

Just my thought. Oh, and if you're going to shake hands, make sure you have a good shake. As a woman, I hate it when men shake my hand as if they'll break me. Grip their hand firmly and show that you're really engaged in the situation.

Answer 2

like... if it's at a business type o thing... a formal thing,.... you should definitely shake hands...

And if your like being introduced by a freind to another freind in a casual setting... thats fine too... but it's more a gentle hand "slap" than a shake...

And if your meeting a latino or a latina... please don't feel shy if they insist on hugging you and kissing your cheek... cuz thats what they do...

I felt so wierd about that... but yeah..
just do what the other party is trying to do... the point is not to stick out your hand while their looking the other way... and equally not to make them feel like leaving the country by leaving them out cold...

I hope this helps you...

Take care

Answer 3

When you first meet them; especially if you have been formally introduced. You would also shake hands when you meet them on subsequent days.
However, there may come a time when you come to regard each other as friends and then handshaking can be dispensed with in favour of an embrace.
Incidentally, if the one shaking your hand says, "How do you do?" the correct answer is to repeat, "How do you do", not someting like, "Very well, and you?"

Answer 4

There's never a wrong time to shake hands, it's just that people don't really do it anymore so it doesn't seem appropriate all the time. I personally don't shake hands, but when someone shakes hands with me I think it's kinda cool coz nobody does it anymore. So, go mad, shake everyones hand! :)

Answer 5

It is polite to extend your hand when you are introduced to someone and in a business atmosphere after completing your business. In a friend situation, you do whatever is called for. Maybe it's a polite nod or a hug depending on how well you know them. It gets easier as you get older to note the appropriate gesture for the situation.

Answer 6

I usually shake hands with someone when I am introduced to them, even in an informal setting.

Answer 7

when you're being introduced to someone, shake their hands.
when you introduce yourself to a pretty chick, you either put your hand on your chest to make you look sincere, and if she extended her arm to shake yours, do it.
I don't think shaking hands is always formal. It can also be friendly in a casual situation.

Answer 8

According to the proper etiquette when introduced to a women you are to wait until she puts out her hand to shake yours first..A women with confidence will do this and have a somewhat firm hand shake..With a man on man you are to shake his hand firmly not like a dead fish to show you have confidence..and also look them in the eye when shaking a persons hand..This shows them that you have confidence in yourself and i can assure you that they will notice..good luck

Answer 9

I don't like shaking hands at all.
The only people who seem to want to shake hands are salesmen.
And thats because they want something.

Answer 10

Well after you've washed them and there is no towel provided.

For goodness sake do the hippie hippie shakes. I can't stand still