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!