Like it Firm or Limp??

I know the title sounds interesting to people to read. It definitely sound misleading, yes you are right! I'm talking none other than a good tough, firm and strong HANDSHAKE! Haha!

Recently i have this encounter with a close friend. We happen to out one night and later some of her friends called her to join them for a durian feast. Initially she declined because it is already quite late, close to midnight. Usually with us she will pester to go back early as she had to work the next next as it it is a weekday night. After a few calls from them she gave in, so she asked me if it's ok to drop by her friend's place for a while, she said she would introduce some of her friends to me. So i thought, why not? Free durian, new friends..Alright!

Actually, i don't really eat durians, i'm doing this because i know my friend loves durians. I know i can't get along with her friends, so i just took her there out of courtesy. One of her friends is in his early 40s, one in his early 30s and one in his early 20s and his girlfriend. The guys in their early 40s and 20s gave a good handshake, it show that they are sincere which is proper, it's also leave a good first impression on me. Can you read people's character with just a mere handshake. I'm sure you can, because you can really tell their personality generally with the way they shake hands. A few surveys say that too.

The guy in his early 30s, gave me a very limp handshake, it's like a lifeless flesh that i just hold on to it for a while and i let go. No grip, no shake, no nothing. Practically that should not even be considered as a handshake. It's just like, i just let out my hand and you just touch it la. I personally find it very offensive and i initially thought he is not been brought up or been thought well by family or his friends around him. I was just searching online and found this interesting piece talking about the 5 of the most general handshakes people give. This is the type of handshake that the guy in his 30s gave, called the Dead Fish Handshaker.

Dead Fish Handshaker
This type of person, who places a limp, lifeless hand in yours, is sending a negative message. While the knuckle cruncher hurts you, at least there is a desire to express a real feeling. You are left with the impression of this person having a lackluster personality.

The dead fish is the cold, clammy and indifferent handshake of someone who is passive or apathetic.
(My God, i think i did hold on to a dead fish that night)

The other 4 types of Handshake

Knuckle Cruncher
This type of person is earnest but nervous. While meaning to convey warmth through a tight grip of your hand, the person only causes you pain. The impression created is definitely that of a person who lacks sensitivity.

Pumper
This handshake is overly eager but also insecure. This person doesn’t know when to quit, almost as if stalling because of not knowing what to do next. They keep on vigorously pumping your hand up and down—and with it your entire arm. You may not feel pain but you certainly feel foolish.

Sanitary Handshaker
This person will barely put three or four fingers in your hand—and then withdraw them quickly, almost as if afraid of catching a dread disease. They appear timid and sheepish.

Condolence Handshaker
This is the person who comes across as too familiar, clasping your right arm or hand, and perhaps attempting to hug you. This behavior may be appreciated at a funeral, but it comes across as condescending and inappropriate.

This is the proper way of handshaking

Proper Handshaking
The protocol for handshaking is simple to learn. Here is what you should do: Walk up to the person you want to meet. Look into their eyes, smile, and extend you hand. Offer a warm, firm, palm-to-palm handshake.

When you proffer your hand to a stranger or a distant acquaintance, simultaneously say, “My name is......( use both first and last names ). This way you eliminate the awkward moment of the forgotten name. The person being greeted is often relieved at being reminded, and will usually respond with their full name, which will in turn relieve you.

Both men and women should rise to shake hands. Rising is a compliment; it shows energy and eagerness to connect.

Initiating a proper handshake will make an incredibly positive impression. You will be perceived as a person who is knowledgeable, possesses excellent social skills, and has leadership capabilities.

An excellent handshake shows your charm and self-confidence. It becomes an integral part of your style.

“Any person who has charm and some confidence can move in and through societies ranging from the most privileged to the most needy. Style allows the person to appear neither inferior in one location nor superior in the other.”

—Maya Angelou... (noted poet, educator, and best-selling author)

I bet everyone had encounter with some people with terrible handshakes, i had my experience with a few dead fish handshakes, it is definitely not a good feeling. The most shocking news is that i later found out that the guy with the limp handshake, is actually an assistant manager. How can that be? An assistant manager with such weak handshake. My friend also says that he is a quiet person and he never talks even if it's only 2 person in a car, it will be dead quiet even if you ask him a question and come to think of it, it's really is creepy.

I can proudly say i give proper handshaking :) What do you think about your handshake?