Do you shake hands when you are greeting someone new?

@lpetges (3036)
United States
July 2, 2007 4:50pm CST
i always try and extend my hand as a warm welcome.
8 people like this
13 responses
@Corezz (1013)
• Netherlands Antilles
3 Jul 07
My dad said to me that to shake hands is a short ritual in which two people grasp their right or left hands, often accompanied by a brief shake of the grasped hands. It is commonly done upon meeting, departing, offering congratulations, or completing an agreement. Its purpose is to demonstrate good will, and possibly originated as a gesture showing that the hand holds no weapon. Among friends and family members, men are more likely to shake hands than women, however in business situations it is considered the standard greeting for both sexes.
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
3 Jul 07
good to know!
4 people like this
@jess368 (3368)
• United States
6 Jul 07
I always try to be friendly and shake hands when meeting someone new. And when seeing someone old I hug them.
4 people like this
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
20 Jul 07
yea, sometimes i hug them, if i know they can take it!
2 people like this
• India
5 Jul 07
I am from India and our tradition is different.We keep two hands close toghether in front of chest and say namasthe to welcome others.
4 people like this
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
5 Jul 07
that is really interesting, its fun to read about different traditions. i always learn something from mylot!
3 people like this
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
4 Jul 07
I can’t say that I always do- but most of the time if I remember- And of course if they extend their hand to me- then I always shake hands-
@coffeeshot (3783)
• Australia
5 Jul 07
I do like to shake hands, yes. But I usually only do it if they put their hand out first. I guess it's just a subconscious fear of rejection. I think that people who offer their hand to shake seem kind and genuine. This topic has got me thinking that I should be the one to initiate the handhsake.
4 people like this
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
5 Jul 07
good for you!
3 people like this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Handshake - Shaking hands
If the other person extends their hand I will shake hands but usually I greet people with a hug...if it's appropriate.
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
2 Jul 07
yeah i will hug if i know them, but if they are a stranger to me, and its a first time meeting them, then i try and shake their hand/
3 people like this
• Canada
20 Jul 07
Of course I offer my hand for a handshake. People shake hands as a gesture of friendship, and for someone not to accept that gesture would be an insult. I shake hands with the people at church all the time, and everyone else I meet.
2 people like this
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
20 Jul 07
it is so nice to see all of these responses, and that we are also knowlegeable of good manners.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
20 Jul 07
I on my part will always go for handshake, when somone offers a hand to me....even if I am in hurry and something like that. It is one of the best manner to greet each other.
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
20 Jul 07
i very much agree with you, thanks.
1 person likes this
@lifeluver (743)
• Canada
5 Jul 07
Oh, most definately. I always extend my hand and smile. Also, I try to look into the person's eyes. I want people to know that I am being sincere when I extend my hand in a gesture of warmth and welcoming. I read here that in India they put their hands close to their chests to welcome others. Well, on the TV, I saw a program which featured different ways in which cultures shake hands. In some African tribes, they just touch hands in a sort of "brushing palms" motion. Here, when people shake hands, there's usually three or so "shakes" whereas in other cultures they only do one and it is very distinct. Another thing I saw on the TV was this: While merchants and customers are making deals, they hold hands during the whole barganing process and with each offer, they shake twice. I think this tradition is done in India but I'm not sure. Anyway...there's a little more education for you today ;)
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
20 Jul 07
that very interesting! i always learn something new here on mylot!
1 person likes this
@mycharm88 (2288)
• Philippines
19 Jul 07
Hello Ipetges!!! As a matter of fact i do!lol i always accept anyones hand to welcome her/him to be my friend..Sometimes i initiate it myself. There were times that a newly introduced friend refused to accept my hand, it was really embarrasing specially if you're infront of friends but when times like this happen i would then just pretend to grab my hair and give them my sweetest smile.lol!!
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
20 Jul 07
fast thinking on your part!
1 person likes this
@yamskee (827)
• Philippines
27 Jul 07
its my habit that everytime i greet or meet someone new, i see to it that i extend my hand for handshakes. its my way of showing respect for the person.
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
28 Jul 07
it is a good habit.
@aesopm (306)
• Indonesia
13 Aug 07
Yes i doit to.
@SteveDan (23)
• Canada
13 Mar 08
I do shake hands, because it is the international way of greeting people