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This one really impresses older people. Knowing how to shake hands will make your parents look good—and you should never underestimate how great that can be for you. It also makes you look like someone your friends’ parents can trust.
If parents see that you know how to shake hands properly, they will assume that you are more grown-up. They will judge you positively if you know how to present yourself when meeting people or making introductions.
YOU DO
Wait for an older person to offer a handshake before you stick out your hand. (Almost everyone who is going to want to shake your hand is probably going to be older than you.)
YOU DON’T
Offer any type of handshake other than a simple, firm but painless grip with a couple of modest pumps.
Why
Most adults are not up on current eight-part handshakes. Stick with the basics with your elders.
YOU DO
Wait for a lady to extend her hand to you before you offer to shake her hand.
YOU DON’T
Try to break her hand by grasping her hand too tightly.
Why
There’s no telling what type of horrible chores you might have to do for an older woman whose hand you have crushed. You might have to wash her laundry, mow her lawn, or do other horrible things.
YOU DO
Explain to someone who offers his or her hand to you if there’s a reason you can’t shake hands. It is Okay to say, “I’ve been working on my bike and my hand is covered in grease.”
YOU DON’T
Shake someone’s hand and then apologize for making his or her palm as greasy as yours.
Why
Maybe this person was planning to write you a check or do something else nice for you, and now can’t, because you mucked up the person’s hand with axle grease.
A gentleman laughs when his grandfather pretends to double over in pain because the young gentleman’s handshake is so firm and strong—but only if his grandfather is just pretending.
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If his grandfather really is in pain, a gentleman doesn’t think it’s funny. He keeps in mind that he may need to take it easy when shaking hands with some older people.
A gentleman does not make any comments if another person’s handshake is weak or limp.
A gentleman tries to make sure that his own handshake is firm and friendly.
If a gentleman is wearing gloves outside and it is very cold, he does not have to remove them before shaking hands.