Did I get your attention with the title?  Now for the question -  Who taught someone the Dead, Limp, Fish Handshake, and then allowed them to pass it onto millions more?  I only ask, because I received one yesterday when meeting my daughter's swim teacher for the first time.  It was wimpy and limp and didn't leave me with a lasting impression.

I was taught by my father, many years ago, a firm handshake speaks confidence, trustworthiness and honesty.  It affects first impressions for both men and women.  What are some good characteristics of a firm handshake:  strength, vigor, duration, eye contact and completeness of grip.

There is nothing worse than meeting someone for the first time, expecting to receive a firm handshake, only to get that wimpy, dead, floppy half of a shake.  I can understand when woman to woman, the shake is a little weak, but it bothers me when men shake my hand with this handshake.  It tells me that they don't think enough of me, that somehow I'm not worthy of their respect.

If you've forgotten how to shake hands properly, watch this video for a refresher course.  Please, oh please, can we ban these dead, limp fish handshakes!

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Posted by Citygal

Maybe he'd been spending too much time in the water with the fish! LOL
Here's a funny story - years ago when I was a teenager and visiting a friend in California I went out to her youth group one night and met the cute, funny, outgoing, single youthgroup leader, and decided to impress him with my 'ladylike' handshake. So I gave him my little white hand with pretended gentility and ladylikeness, and he combed me down straight away for giving him a weak handshake - so I've never done it again. I learned my lesson that time. LOL!
Rachel from NZ

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Posted by gabbie427

LOL. Ok, the title definately got my attention, and yes I agree.....my parents told me the importance of a firm handshake as well. It is something that I think hasn't been passed on by all parents though. It is sorta sad isn't it, that the old traditions we were taught (such as this one, and a guy opening a door for a girl, or taking off your hat inside, etc.) have fallen to the way side over the years.

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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