Yesterday during or crew transition period [fancy hospital term for shift change] we had an opportunity to meet out new Hospital Administrator a rather good looking elderly man with tons of kudos behind his name  as he was making his rounds shaking hands he reached for mine he says "nice to meet you Ms. Smith" he presents his hand and I almost grabbed a hold and gave him a solid manly handshake, my arm brushed against my breast and at the last possible second I gave him the limp wrist feminine hand shake, I used my other hand to lightly touch his arm with big grin, as he turned to shake the next hand he glanced back with a comment " I see you have compassion " I grinned again. Afterwards I was thinking wow that was close.

I always return a firm handshake.  But I always use both hands.  The other hand on the arm is also good.  But never, never give a bold thrusting handshake with a tight bouncing grip!

Cindi

A firm handshake by a man or a woman shows confidence.  Just don't try and crush bones or move really fast and you should be fine.

Melissa

I kow plent of GG that give a good sold hand shake, nothing to be to worried about there. 

but well saved any way.

Personally, I like a good firm handshake, aswell. From anyone. I mean.. A limp fingertip shake..
Well, it reminds me most of all of the kind of woman you meet at family birthdays and such; the kind that greet one another with fake kisses on the cheeks.. You know; the kind that allways fail to hit a cheek. With a loud mwah! mwah! sound.
The pressure of a handshake is not only a show of conviction, but also a kind of intimacy. Physical contact. With a limp hand, you might give the impression that you do not wish this contact, perhaps even secretly loathe it. So personally, when someone gives me a handshake like that, be it male or female, because it has become popular with males aswell, I've noticed, I tend to get off their backs and leave them alone.

Very interesting comments, things I had not considered I suppose a some what firm handshake with the compassionate arm touch would work for me. As a man I rarely if ever shook the hand of a woman even while being introduced it must be a southern thing so I had no real idea as to how a woman shook hands.

Quote from: Dryad on February 22, 2007, 01:31:26 PM
With a limp hand, you might give the impression that you do not wish this contact, perhaps even secretly loathe it.

I totally agree. I HATE it when a woman does that with me, I feel like an idiot, like why did I even bother? It's like she's "enduring" the horror of it, showing the minimal response possible so I'll just take the hint and go away. There's NO interaction, it's all one-sided, and I end up feeling like I did something wrong, forced myself where I wasn't wanted.

Hmmm... not that this touched a nerve or anything with me...

Kate

Don't really know if it's a southern thing.. It's not like I'm even from an English speaking country.

Since I have an adversion to being touched and touching others (although I am not as bad with other women) I usually try to just say a polite hello and a smile.  Those who know me understand why and just return the smile and greeting.

When someone does offer their hand, I will be polite and give a very light handshake, but it is hard for me.  I have yet to encounter a man who was upset about this handshake with them.

Sarah L.

Back to males and limp wrist, owww what a turn off, I hate it when people do that to me espeshily males. To be compleatlly honest I havent met any females that have been that limp wristed that it seems like they dont want to touch you,  may be thats just me. I know what you mean about a hello and a cute smile, that works for me a lot of the time too but saying that ive not gone femm yet. 

I time will come 

Lucy

A limp handshake always feels to me like someone's handing me a dead fish.

Dennis

lol i know what u mean

When a woman gives me a limp handshake, I feel like she really doesn't want to be doing this.  Now I detest the other end of the spectrum, the bone-crushing macho BS.  But the double handed shake is a good idea.
Kristi

A firm handshake isn't squeezing the other's hand. Rather, it is firmly locking your own hand around that of the other. Not squeezing, but merely tensing the muscles.
And yes, a double shake is warmest. I like to combine firm with double, if I like someone. If I really like someone, it's a hug.

With you 100% A big hug for all my friends.


BIG HUG to you all to

 I will usually give a one shake and a hug and look into their eyes. >

Deb

I always do the limp handshake.  I even did it when I thought I was a man (more evidence to the contrary).  I just enjoy being dainty in selective ways, and that's one of them.  However, I don't really like the concept of handshaking in general. 

Do you know what men do with their hands?

~ Blair