What's in a Handshake ?

Kronk and L.D. got me to thinking ( dangerous, I know) about certain situations where people shake hands using their non- dominant hand.

Here's a few things about handshakes that I looked up.......

The Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts use the left handed technique as a signal of respect, companionship/ friendship. This seems like a great way to sell cookies and other Scout related items to fund their activities because the adults will become distracted by wondering what these kids are up to and feel they should donate to o the Scouts so they won't hold a Jamboree in their front yard.

Here are some tips from " Psychology Today " regarding handshakes in our society that seems helpful.

"In the span of a few seconds, we lay the foundation for how other perceive and feel about us — and we about them. In an instant really, we are seeing, sensing, observing, and feeling another person."

Hmmm, I hope that I don't bump into with Captain Hook at the next Home Owners Association meet and greet,

"Dominant Handshaking: Sometime in the 1980s, someone wrote that to establish dominance in a relationship, your hand had to be the one on top when shaking hands. Twisting the other person’s hand so that yours is superior or playing hand jujitsu to let the other person know you are in charge is just rubbish. Don’t do it and if someone does it to you just say, “Let’s do it properly without the theatrics this time.”

Yeah, I prefer the art of Thumb Wrestling when I want to dominate my adversary.

"Probing Handshake". The probing handshake is where the other person probes you with their index finger pressed against the inside of your wrist. It leaves the most negative of feelings and I have had managers, CEOs, and HR personnel tell me that for them it is the most dreaded handshake. Some have told me they were “revolted” by it and that is a strong word. So, gentlemen (usually done by men) if you erroneously learned this on your own or it is a part of some sort of secret society ritual, either way, knock it off. It is unctuous and no one appreciates it.

And while we're on that subject, prostate exams aren't that great either.

Politician’s Handshake: Lastly, never ever, unless it is for your grandmother or grandfather, give a politician’s handshake. That is where you use two hands to cover or cup the other person’s hands. No one likes it. It is too personal, and you have to earn the right to do it. Politicians do it thinking you will like them more — you won’t. If you feel you need to touch more, shake the hand normally and with the other touch the forearm.

Stick to kissing babies, they're cute and too young to understand politics .

So How do you shake hands?

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