Dear Elders, I can’t stand it when people give limp handshakes. It seems to say something about their character. Is this a fair thing to judge someone on?
– Firm handshake
Steve Leavenworth
Dear Firm:
It’s probably not a good way to judge a person, but I do anyway. One thing I have always wanted to do is to grip the other hand like a vise, squeeze as hard as you can, see if you can break a few knuckles or fingers. They won’t get the message, but it would be interesting to see how they shake the next person’s hand!
Casper Kranenburg
Dear Gripper:
Yes, it is a fair thing to judge someone by the way they give a handshake. I for one do not like limp handshakes and have a habit of giving firm handshakes. Sometimes a bit too firm, but that keeps the orthopedic surgeons in business. So be true to your name. Give a firm handshake and be proud of it!
Jan Stickler
Dear Firm Handshake:
My mother used to describe a limp handshake as shaking hands with a dead fish. I never quite understood how she came up with this simile, but it did create an aversion to limp handshakes, my own and others.
It is probably unfair to judge someone on this characteristic. They could be arthritic or suffer from any number of tactile impairments. Unfortunately, there is a connotation to a strong handshake, of resoluteness, honesty and purposefulness that is lacking in a “weak” handshake. Maybe, that is how high-five got started.
Bill Twibill
Dear Limp Is In:
In Asian countries, the Middle East and parts of Europe, it is the tradition to soften the grasps of a handshake. In the U.S., I’ve had my hand practically broken by some jocks who think that is the way to impress. Please shake easy. Some of us have older bones that are fragile! I admit that I do not really care for the limpy handshake, but at the same time, I do not relate that to the person’s character. Handshakes are a form of friendship and acceptance. Don’t be so judgmental. Firm or limpy, shake it, baby, and move on.
Roioli Schweiker
Dear Handy:
People judge others by various standards: Looks, body build, clothes, voice – both timbre and content – financial status, family, ancestors, accomplishments, etc. Take your pick.
