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why do people shake hands?

Mixolydian

Mixolydian

Lifer
ok so theres this guy at work who is much higher up than i , althoguh not technically my boss. whenever i see him or he walks by, he always shakes me hand. this has caused me to think. why exactly do people shake hands? i know its the standard formm of greeting in many westrn countries. and dont get me wrong - i have NO problems shaking peoples hands - in fact, i'm ususally the one to initiate the handshake.

but what the hell is the significance of shaking someones hand? what is it about that kind of physical contact that makes it a greeting?

when i meet someone for the first time, i shake their hand. after that, when i see them i nod my head as a way of saying "hello".

ITT we discuss handshaking.

i prefer a "two-pump" handshake with a nice, firm grip.
 
liam-mcintyre-manu-bennett-spartacus-vengeance-05-1024x576.png
 
GagHalfrunt said:
While that's the likely explanation, nobody knows. Shaking hands predates the written word, there's no record of how, when, where or why it began.
Click to expand...


Body language doesn't need written word. It is partly a greeting, which are present in basically every culture. It is also partly a dominance/submission gesture. Firm handshake + eye contact suggests confidence and strength, an attribute possessed by Alpha males.

Almost everything we do when we first encounter another human involves placing them in their societal rung. From judging clothes, vernacular, posture, etc, to how they shake your hand.
 
GagHalfrunt said:
While that's the likely explanation, nobody knows. Shaking hands predates the written word, there's no record of how, when, where or why it began.
Click to expand...

Very few if any customs origins are known but, it doesn't matter. What does matter is knowledge of the applicable custom to ensure peaceful coexistence and facilitate society.
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
Raising the visor on your helmet.
Click to expand...

Bzzzzt. Wrong, that's another old wives tale the same as the handshake origin being to check for weapons. The salute predates visored helms. It could be something as simple as travelers shielding their eyes from the sun to recognize strangers on the road from a greater distance.
 
On a side note, I find most people don't know how to shake hands worth a shit. Grip too soon, too hard, too soft, limp wrist, holding on too long...who raised these people?

Web to web
firm (not crushing)
two pumps
end

Whats so hard about that?
 
GagHalfrunt said:
Bzzzzt. Wrong, that's another old wives tale the same as the handshake origin being to check for weapons. The salute predates visored helms. It could be something as simple as travelers shielding their eyes from the sun to recognize strangers on the road from a greater distance.
Click to expand...

You're taking a bigger leap than I. You can perhaps make a connection to tugging a forelock but, shielding from the sun? Puhleeze. 🙂
 
I Saw OJ said:
On a side note, I find most people don't know how to shake hands worth a shit. Grip too soon, too hard, too soft, limp wrist, holding on too long...who raised these people?

Web to web
firm (not crushing)
two pumps
end

Whats so hard about that?
Click to expand...

Thank you, Hank Hill.
 
When a woman reaches out to shake my hand, I grasp her fingertips and pull her hand towards me as if I'm going to kiss it. It's a habit of being an incessant flirt.
 
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