Are people afraid to give firm handshakes?

[C. Lee]

Seriously, is it just me or do young people these days give weaker handshakes? First week of school and I got like two dozen dead fish handed to me. This isn't the first time I've noticed it either.

I remember when I met a bunch of World War II vets, when they shook your hand, it stayed shook.

What is up with these weak *** handshakes?

I have severe arthritis in my hands...depending on the day, even a light handshake can give me great pain...after many guys tried to prove how tough and manly they were by breaking my fingers, I now tell people that I can't shake hands.

 

[coffeebreath]

It's one of those disconnected gestures that has lost meaning. For me it feels really intimate and that makes me feel uncomfortable. That and I'm a girl so I have this conflicting feeling that I should be curtseying instead. In fact, I think I'd rather curtsey. I don't have to touch anyone that way.

 

[Octoberist]

When I shake hands, I add a little tickle...

 

[Enriquespy]

My handshakes brings all the boys to the yard.

Damn right it's better than yours.

 

[Thundercrack85]

I don't know what constitutes a good/firm handshake. Besides, does anyone ever remember a person's handshake after the first meeting? I think the only handshakes people remember are truly bad ones such as squeezing too hard or having a cold, sweaty hand.

First impression, yeah that does sort of stick with you. Or me and a few other people anyway.

Not to say I haven't met people who gave me a weak handshake who I ended up friends with, but still.

I assume these people aren't intentionally giving dead fish.

 

[Ant-manic]

Oh I welcome a nice, form hand squeeze. Limp handshakes seem to indicate to me like I said that the person lacks conviction or their a neurotic germaphobe.

i'm a neurotic germaphobe. and i give firm handshakes. i just do it with gloves on.

 

[Piper Maru]

Thought this was pretty funny!

[YT]nRFfMAvnTpc[/YT]

 

[Spidey-Bat]

It's not the actual handshake we're remembering, it's the first impression as a result of the handshake that we remember.

First impression, yeah that does sort of stick with you. Or me and a few other people anyway.

Not to say I haven't met people who gave me a weak handshake who I ended up friends with, but still.

I assume these people aren't intentionally giving dead fish.

I just can't think of anyone's handshake that I remember. The first impression is more about what they say, how they're dressed, and their demeanor.

 

[Ms. Marvel]

Yes, in case their hand shatters into pieces due to my overwhelming strength.

 

[Breogan]

The worst ....strong grip, late release and pull you in for the to close conversation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFUEerAJXRM

Seriously, is it just me or do young people these days give weaker handshakes? First week of school and I got like two dozen dead fish handed to me. This isn't the first time I've noticed it either.

I remember when I met a bunch of World War II vets, when they shook your hand, it stayed shook.*

What is up with these weak *** handshakes?

Not everyone is physical the same way, some people put way to much emphasis on this moment like it's going to define their whole identity and as proof overcompensate for their insecure self, others could give a damn and are like whatever I don't really want to hold on to your creepy clammy potentially sweaty hand and won't give a firm grab back, which ends up even weirder.
Hands are different sizes too, a bigger one putting slight pressure will by nature tend to collapse even a firm but smaller hand, leading to awkward for both.

I prefer the solid forward fist bump, quick (no clammy) contact, then you can put whatever character defining finger show you want on the end of it, as you pull away. Or just stay solid.

 

[jaqua99]

Oh you never get a weak handshake from me! The limp fish handshake usually implies a lak of conviction and willpower. Not so with my handshake! I try not to crush people's hands though.

 

[redhawk23]

Seriously, is it just me or do young people these days give weaker handshakes? First week of school and I got like two dozen dead fish handed to me. This isn't the first time I've noticed it either.

I remember when I met a bunch of World War II vets, when they shook your hand, it stayed shook.

What is up with these weak *** handshakes?

In general I'd say hand shaking is far less common than it used to be.

 

[Lantern Venom]

There's a difference between a firm handshake and a crushing handshake. People who are afraid to give a firm handshake for fear of hurting someone (LOL, by the way) just need to practice and to learn the difference.
.

No thanks. I've stopped giving high fives for the same reason I avoid handshakes. I'd much rather have the rep of being a weak handshaker than go to court for snapping someone's index finger.

I look at it this way: if I met someone like Mark Henry, I'd hope he'd show some restraint if he shook my hand.

 

[Doctor Evo]

No thanks. I've stopped giving high fives for the same reason I avoid handshakes. I'd much rather have the rep of being a weak handshaker than go to court for snapping someone's index finger.

I look at it this way: if I met someone like Mark Henry, I'd hope he'd show some restraint if he shook my hand.

Still can't wrap my head around how people don't know the difference between a firm and a crushing handshake. Do you guys really lack that much physical awareness?

 

[Kryptonian Warrior]

'nuff said....

 

[Monsieur Xavier]

As a small hands owner I prefer firm handshakes ( firm not fingers crushing ).
What I really don't like is weak AND sweaty hands, it's like shaking hands with an octopus.

 

[Monsieur Xavier]

Still can't wrap my head around how people don't know the difference between a firm and a crushing handshake. Do you guys really lack that much physical awareness?

He also doesn't give greeting kiss in fear of head bonking women.

 

[O_B_Juan]

There are two people in my office who won't shake hands at all. They won't touch the incoming mail either because they're afraid of germs.

 

[chamber-music]

My handshakes brings all the boys to the yard.

Damn right it's better than yours.

I would ask you to teach me but I'm afraid you would charge

 

[NickNitro]

A firm handshake shows confidence in ones self. I believe wholeheartedly that a firm handshake is the best way to introduce yourself.

 

[Lantern Venom]

Still can't wrap my head around how people don't know the difference between a firm and a crushing handshake. Do you guys really lack that much physical awareness?

It wasn't something which with I was concerned when I was younger, but now most of the people I know are middle-aged or older. As C. Lee pointed out, the person I choose to shake with might have arthritis or brittle bones. A hand that wears XXL gloves might inflict pain, even unintentionally.

He also doesn't give greeting kiss in fear of head bonking women.

That actually isn't too far from the truth. I won't enter a crowded area like a hallway, especially if the traffic is fast-moving. I've had people run into me and say they saw stars. Being an NFL-lineman sized guy in a world of aging bodies isn't something to take lightly.

 

[Thundercrack85]

As a small hands owner I prefer firm handshakes ( firm not fingers crushing ).
What I really don't like is weak AND sweaty hands, it's like shaking hands with an octopus.

Actually having once had my hand grabbed by an octopus, it's surprisingly firm. I can see sweaty though.

I've also shook hands with a chimp. That was cool.

 

[Maximus One]

When I was younger I had one of the weakest handshakes ever. As I've grown older I've realized how much a handshake makes an impression and have forced myself to make sure that any time I shake somebody's hand I grab and squeeze the **** out of it. Makes people respect you a lot quicker and take you more seriously

 

[Maximus One]

People do take notice of firm handshakes. At least where I'm from. I don't think it's really even on a conscious level. As NickNitro said it shows confidence in one's self. And it's different with females, you don't just grab a woman's hand and squeeze the hell out of it.

 

[Doctor Evo]

It wasn't something which with I was concerned when I was younger, but now most of the people I know are middle-aged or older. As C. Lee pointed out, the person I choose to shake with might have arthritis or brittle bones. A hand that wears XXL gloves might inflict pain, even unintentionally.



That actually isn't too far from the truth. I won't enter a crowded area like a hallway, especially if the traffic is fast-moving. I've had people run into me and say they saw stars. Being an NFL-lineman sized guy in a world of aging bodies isn't something to take lightly.

I don't think the issue is that you're big. It seems more like the problem is that you're clumsy.