Comparing the mangle to a glove filled with porridge
Handshakes fascinate me. I think mine is ok, but then I would. Some offer just the fingers, or the vrot (rotting) banana. Some seize a hand as if ringing in the new year.I'm never sure whether to adjust my handshake to the other person. If I'm offered a glove filled with porridge, for instance, there's that second when I have to decide whether I still squeeze. (And will their eyes pop if I do
). If they're mangling, do we turn it into a version of the arm-wrestle until one of us is forced to his or her knees ... And did you ever shake hands with either of your parents and realize to your surprise they favour a different style? THAT was weird
I looked on Google and there are dozens of variations, who knew. There's the handshake that asserts, the one that shows total lack of interest, the con-artist (over-long and seeking to dominate) and the passive personality. A hand offered palm up seeks domination, a hand offered palm down seeks to dominate.
Two things I never thought about - the 'senior' person must always offer their hand first - don't force a handshake on a potential employer (I don't think I ever have
) and one social guideline insisted the handshake is maintained - and pumping - all the time you are exchanging names. I know I tend to be a quick-drop, not a lingerer. (Unless I suddenly realize I have to go through the entire complicated 'dancing' handshake of Africa.) Obviously we all think our own handshake is right, wondered though what you assume about the person offering a 'different' shake
(Apart of course from the palm tickle 
) Now I live in kissy-kissy land and have learned not to stick my hand out or I find myself poking someone in their stomach as they swoop in for the airkiss on either cheek. That's an issue in itself. Kiss air, touch skin, plant a smacker ...
Comments (67)
.... and with parents? - Gee!
That is odd.
How about this Elegs
But I dislike the watery limp ones. They put me off the person instantly.
I'm quite happy with the Spanish kisses. I guess I am used to them.
Here it would be common to hug a person if you know them. Handshakes are only for new meetings or formal occasions.
And of course for Mimi it has to be a
When I hug, I mean it. It is the most massive compliment, it says ooh you nice person me like very much. So polite hugs are very confusing.
And yes meeting you lot was fun, didn't mind THOSE hugs
Here we kiss or hug EVERYBODY!
Your neighbours...someone at the office...your solicitor...doctor etc...
Even for first time meetings when introduced to someone new.
It suits me fine and I soon got used to this kind of affectionate display and informality.
Some people do give great bearhugs though
The African handshake is way more fun.
So un-English, except that the UK is also now infested. I like to imagine Harb weighing in with his gobbo instead.
For my close friends I use hugging and kissing as greeting and parting.
In France once you've passed the stage of handshakes and formalities. .
It's THREE kisses! And not 2!
Right?
I DID find it very odd when my lawyer took my hand then leaned in to kiss my cheek anyway. I counted my ears afterwards. Lawyers being lawyers.
After all they do say if you shake hands with a British lawyer or politician you should count your fingers afterwards.
As for the double or sometimes treble kiss here, I'm all for it, I get to taste womens cheeks
Ok, where were we?
Biff, we can try out the Inuit kiss or the Maori’s Hongi
Molly
Harbaaaaaal
I think a handshake is a way of saying hello and of showing respect.
Years ago there was many deals made with just a handshake. It was a done deal and honored.
What a witness to someone's character.
I am often amused when other women shake hands with you in the business world and they feel the need to crush your hand... I thought dominance was mostly men, but it seems it runs on both sides.