i don't quite know how to overcome this. it certainly frustrates me, and at times is very painful.




everytime i shake a man's hand, which happens alot through work etc. they always nearly fucken break my hand. what is it with this? are men more masculine and powerful the more crushing their handshake is? one time my barber shook my hand and a ligimant snapped, i've never recovered from that and every other handshake triggers it off. i'm getting to a point where i want to tell men not to shake my hand so hard, or don't shake it at all.

i have been told by one guy after we met and after a few beers that he thought my handshake was quite weak, therefore he was judging me on that. he must have been thinking is this person actually a 'man', the handshake indicates something non-masculine about this person. to be honest since then i tried to become more aware of my handshake and i think this is the only thing that i stress about in terms of me passing. it is really ridiculous.

i mean i don't shake hands that hard because i don't really care about the tradition. i still kiss guys on the cheek if i get the chance. i prefer to give a hug and a kiss. the handshake is so uptight and it bores me. if you know the person well then it is fine because there is no fight for dominance through a tough handshake.

i took my problem to the net and askmen.com had this to say........ i guess i come under the softie banner, but when a sofite meets a crusher..... they are doomed.


Make sure your handshake is firm and dry; this will allow you to make a good first impression. I have shaken a lot of hands in my career and can now group them into five categories based on different characteristics. Insights will be given on what handshakes project confidence and which ones don't for each of these categories.

the wet one

There are many repulsive handshakes, the wet one probably being the worst handshake around, so try to keep your palms dry. People get nervous, especially before an interview, so just remember to keep your hands dry and wipe your sweaty palms.

Here are two tips in order to keep your hands dry.

1. Wash your hands before going to the interview and keep your palms open until the time comes to shake hands with the employer. Make sure not to close your fists, because that's what generates the heat and sweat.

2. Wipe your hands before the handshake. Carry a Kleenex to wipe your hands, as this will help you absorb the excess moisture and allow you to give a dry handshake.

the softie

A soft handshake demonstrates weakness, lack of confidence, lack of interest, and lack of masculinity. These are obviously the opposites of power and strength, important attributes in respected and successful people. I would suggest that if you do have a weak handshake, firm it up. This will definitely leave a better impression every time you shake hands. Pay attention to how much pressure is applied by the receiver and notice if your handshake is firm enough, then adjust yours accordingly.

the four-fingerer

I am sure this happened to you before. Someone takes your four fingers, not allowing you to really lock your hand with theirs, and then squeezes your hand hard. That is really frustrating and should be avoided. This can happen easily when rushed or simply by accident. My advice to you is to apologize and ask the person for a second handshake. It might sound awkward, but people actually remember this and will appreciate the respect derived from a real quality handshake.
the crusher

This type of handshake is classic. You know how guys and their egos are; they have to be the strongest male around. Some guys really like to squeeze your hand as if it was a lemon. Don't get me wrong, I like a sturdy handshake, but it has to be comfortable to the receiver to some degree. Just save your testosterone for the gym and moderate your grip.

the oddball

These days, people need a manual to decode some of those weird handshakes. I see kids twiddling, slapping, clicking, and dancing with their fingers, and they actually consider these handshakes. Please grow up and be men. No more hocus pocus; a simple, firm handshake, will do fine.

A handshake is a very simple gesture, but can be a determining factor in interviews and social gatherings. Just make sure you firmly shake the person's hand and look at them straight in the eye. This is a simple, yet effective tip which will hopefully allow you to make a great first impression.


WHATEVER FUCKERS!!!!