Funny, how a word prompt will remind you of something. A long time ago, when I was fourteen, the pastor leading our confirmation class, talked about shaking hands. He said, “Shake hands as if you mean it. Who wants to shake a limp fish?” We called him P.F. and, for many reasons, he was one of the best individual’s I’d ever met.
For some reason, his unexpected comments about shaking hands stuck with me. Shake firm. Show your strength. Show your character.
So, I began shaking with confidence even if I didn’t feel any. That’s when I noticed the different kinds of handshakes on my receiving end. The limp fish. The Lukewarm I-don’t-really-want-to-meet you kind; the one’s with, egads, two fingers.
Decades later, I realize I have formed my own version of a handshake. The main difference is that I don’t do the pump up and down. I grab hold, look in the person’s eyes as if they are worthy, and don’t let go until I feel as if I’ve truly “met” them. Sometimes, I will put my other hand on top for good “measure.”
How do you shake hands? (Or do you just fist-bump? 🙂 )
Carolyn Dennis-Willingham 
I do the same thing. Look them in the eye and give a firm handshake. And try to memorize their name. Some people just get the fist bump. I know where their hands have been.
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You said it, girl!
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Always firm; I mean it after all. 🙂 And I do look at the person whose hand I’m shaking. Strangely though, there are some culture that doesn’t do the look in the eye thing. And I found the South African Indians, unless senior management and higher have the limp fish. And some Africans give half the hand. Filipinos are no better with hand shakes. We do hugs now so hand shakes are left for business. 🙂
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That’s really interesting, Anne!
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THESE DAYS…I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL HOW HARD I SQUEEZE. A LOT OF DOCTORS HAVE LIMP HANDSHAKES!
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
SQUEEZE GENTLY IF YOU MUST!
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Thank you, Jonathan! 🙂
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The STRONGEST handshake I ever received among normal people (take however you wish), was a retired pastor friend of mine doing work as a Methodist fundraiser. He clamped on my hand so hard I got a deep imprint of the sides of my college class ring on the fingers on either side!===AND IT HURT!!!
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I remember many years ago, my mother-in-law absolutely hated shaking hands, because she had severe arthritis and some of the more exuberant hand-shakers caused her great pain. So, while I use a firm handshake, I always remember Clara and try for firm, yet gentle.
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Perfect!!!
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Hmm, intriguing post. I usually try to shake hands as firmly as I can, but I always feel like the grip of the other person is stronger because I have weak arms. Oh well, I guess I tried! XD
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I don’t think it is necessary to squeeze so hard you make their veins pop out. 🙂 A handshake with meaning is far better!
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