Hand shaking between a man and a woman. How is it done properly?

[otowi]

In some cultures, it is rude to try to shake a woman's hand. I think erring on the side of waiting for her to offer would be a good idea.

[Lieneke]

As a child, whenever we had company, I had to present myself (along with my siblings) and shake hands with those adults. All children should learn how to shake hands properly ... I also learned to curtsey. We learned quickly that the sooner we made ourselves scarce, the sooner we could stop behaving properly. I sure had old fashioned parents!

[ovi8]

Originally Posted by dmills

Never had a roblem with the handshake. What can be more awkward is whether to shake hands or to hug (obviouy someone you know) . I find that letting the woman take the lead workers best.

That hug thing with women is the most awkward thing because you're not always close. And so is the peck on the cheek. Just shake hands the first time and wave for the rest damnit! I see you nearly everyday, do we need to be that intimate?

[goodmockingbird]

I'm female with tiny hands. I'm always quick to extend my hand first in a business situation, so as to establish 'Yes, Lets shake hands'

Out of curiosity I've asked guys about this, and have been told that I have a good, firm 'clean' handshake that puts men at ease.

I insert my whole hand so that the palm and base of the thumb make full contact, exert moderate pressure (about like opening an 'easy' jar lid, just less than 'finger right ' on a screwdriver ) , hold the contact one full breath, shaking downward once, then release.

In a more casual, old friends type encounter, I briefly touch the back of the man's hand before disengaging.

A good handshake can earn a woman both respect and comfort interacting with men.

I would caution that the limp fingertips only type of handshake some women give... gives men the creeps. Or so I've been told.