RateItAll: The Opinion Network

I'd rather get a wimpy handshake from a clean hand than a strong, gripping handshake from a sticky, gooey hand.

A weak handshake could be the sign of a very shy person or someone with some kind of arthritis or disability. Who knows?

I've gotten use to this custom over the years, but have to say I think it seems a little silly for the most part. I think that a simple, Hi, how are you, nice to meet you would actually do; I mean - what possible reason is there for grabbing that persons hand and shaking it? However, if you must, then I say at least do it right. To me that means you shoot for something center of an attempt to crush the finger bones and handing the person a dead fish. Too hard and you look like an agressive control freak; too limp and you come off weak or disinterested. A good handshake is quick, firm and confident and definately accompanied by a genuine smile and eye contact.

A limp handshake tells me this man might not have confidence or passion. It may or may not tell the whole picture. But when I meet someone with a limp handshake I'm somewhat repulsed by it, especially if they don't make eye contact. I wouldn't want to hire someone like this. It's hard for me to change my mind on this.

Just as a firm handshake projects assertiveness, a limp one projects weakness. When I shake a guy's hand and he has a puny grip it makes respect him a just a little less.