Etiquette: What your handshake with a lady means

The purpose of a handshake is to convey a message to another person. We’ve learnt that many folks do not completely understand the art of shaking hands especially for business purposes.

These are a few messages you may be passing across when you’re shaking hands with a lady at a networking event.

1. Trust and equality

A lady will be the first to give out her hands before you do. But when she does, shake her hands calmly and firmly but not to hard. It a symbol that means you want to be trusted and you find her equal. 

2. Love advances

Squeezing her hands softly or rubbing your fingers against her palm means you’re attracted to her and you want something else. If that’s not the message you want to pass across, go with number 1.

3. Bossy

Roughly shaking her hand and squeezing hard may come across as rude, rough or dominant. Here equality is the last thing on her mind.

4. Dirty

Sweaty palms is not a good sign at any social event. Shaking with soiled fingers comes across as dirty and ugly. A proper lady will not shake hands in this situation.

5. Friendly

Stand up straight, give the lady some space, extend your hands and shake firmly, This is a friendly signal that expresses confidence.

If you make mistakes while shaking hands, you can easily cover them up by using other communicative gestures like using words to compliment her or smiling.

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