The Value of a Handshake

I was 15 years old when I learned a proper handshake.

Mr. Bartkus - our English teacher and a local politician - had us line up in front of the class and shake his hand, one at a time.

He offered feedback and guidance as we perfected our technique:

“A little less firm,” as you might be mistaken as overly aggressive.

“Not enough pressure,” as you might be considered weak.

“Too short,” as you might appear eager.

And, for goodness' sake, it’s a “handshake,” not a “fingershake.”

Like so many things in life, the perfect handshake is hard to describe.

But you know it when you see it.

I’ve shaken a lot of hands in the years that have followed, introducing myself to potential bosses, boyfriends, and clients with confidence.

With so many other things to consider in those potentially emotion-filled circumstances, my handshake wasn’t one to fret about.

Were you taught the proper handshake, or did you figure it out as you went? Tell me your story in the comments below!

I'm A Hugger. Are You?

My ex-grandfather-in-law - I’ll give you a second to picture that limb on my family tree - gave the best hugs.

They were strong, just like him, and they lasted just a moment longer than I’d expect.

He seemed to hug with his whole self and I’d leave his embrace feeling so cared for and so supported.

Of all the memories I carry with me of him, it’s his hugs that I remember best.

Of course a hug given in a professional setting could leave an unintended impression - and even be construed as inappropriate and crossing boundaries.

Hugs, after all, are something we give, rather than take, and those boundaries are the ones we, as the receiver of the hug, set.

It feels organic to end many of my business meetings with a hug, and I’m working on being better about asking for permission before I lean in.

“I’m a hugger. Are you?”

I’d love to know your thoughts below!