handshake etiquette

[nickyboy]

This really troubles me. In the old days, there was the conventional handshake, and that was about it.

But now when I watch sport, or yoof tv, the "handshake" of choice seems to be one where you lock thumbs with the hand held quite high (I don't even know if it has a name). And heaven forfend, the "fist pump"

Now in my social circles we are 100% conventional handshake. But I worry of the time I will be called upon to shake hands with some youth, footballer, media type, rapper....and I go conventional, and they go all "lock thumbs" on me. Or horror of horrors, I meet the bank manager, headmaster etc and they give me the fist pump

What do modern manners say as regards how to deal with this?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Don't do it at all, it's certainly not done DONALD TRUMP any harm.

 

[Accy cyclist]

It's all a bit too macho for me,especially when they squeeze your hand as they're doing it! I tend to find it done to me in pubs,probably after they've been to the toilet without washing their hands as well!

 

[MontyVeda]

... they go all "lock thumbs" on me. Or horror of horrors ... the fist pump

What do modern manners say as regards how to deal with this?

I'm tempted to head-butt those who go all freestyle with handshakes, but being of the pacifist persuasion... just calmly teach them how to do it properly, preferably as patronisingly as possible

 

[ComedyPilot]

Enroll in a Ju Jitsu class/club - people soon learn NOT to put the vice-like grip on you.

Firm/conventional is my style, with an easing off for the laydeez.

 

[TissoT]

Would you be offended if they rubbed noses with you like the Eskimos greet each other !
I know I would be !

 

[nickyboy]

I can confirm that rugby and cricket are still very much "conventional" handshake sports. Tennis is definitely down the "unconventional" road. Footy seems a bit of a mish mash (watching Spurs v Everton, the players do unconventional to each other, but conventional to the ref and the mascots).

How confusing. What's the form in other sports?

 

[nickyboy]

Would you be offended if they rubbed noses with you like the Eskimos greet each other !
I know I would be !

If it was the bank manager I would take it as a sign my loan application would probably be approved

 

[Crackle]

Your bank manager is unlikely to fist pump you unless he's standing at the bottom of the slope having watched you do a reverse 320 off a goofy stance and held the landing after a squirelly entry.

 

[ScotiaLass]

I don't like shaking hands.
I do it because social convention dictates, nothing else.

 

[MontyVeda]

being left handed, shaking hands is pointless as i can still slit their throat with my 'sword' hand.

 

[Ganymede]

I like shaking hands. I do think we should teach all kids how to do it properly - I taught a bunch of 6th-formers a drama class last week and went round each one improving their handshake at the end. There were some right wet fish! And the class alpha male was predictably overdoing it, which I nipped in the bud.

I've also taught my nephew how to do social cheek-kissing. I'd noticed that his way of dealing with it was to duck his head down and present his ear (bashful 16). I told him I thought kissing his ear was a bit too intimate and showed him how to do it properly by demonstrating on his dad.

 

[Dangermouse]

Handshakes are ok so long as the left or right trouser leg isn't rolled up

 

[ColinJ]

[QUOTE 2919964, member: 259"]Never mind handshakes, beware the rise of the manly kiss on the cheeks. Especially if they haven't shaved. [/quote]
Or, even worse, the 'air kiss', accompanied by ostentatious 'mwahhhh' sound!

 

[MontyVeda]

I like shaking hands. I do think we should teach all kids how to do it properly - I taught a bunch of 6th-formers a drama class last week and went round each one improving their handshake at the end. There were some right wet fish! And the class alpha male was predictably overdoing it, which I nipped in the bud.

I've also taught my nephew how to do social cheek-kissing. I'd noticed that his way of dealing with it was to duck his head down and present his ear (bashful 16). I told him I thought kissing his ear was a bit too intimate and showed him how to do it properly by demonstrating on his dad.

I hope you didn't forget to teach them the comedy palm tickle using the ring finger!