No big deal...just interesting cultural differences.
What do we say here in the west?
*Never trust anyone who shakes with both hands. It means they're being too nice, and therefore intend to take advantage of you. (although maybe that's more of a local thing than a western thing)
and
*Always look someone in the eye to show respect.
Both these behaviors can be considered insults throughout much of Asia, Lol
Gates, 57, might have not realized it Monday, but a one-hand shake in Korean culture - and also in Asia - is notably casual, done only when the other party is a good friend, of the same or younger age. Using one hand with the other tucked in the pants pocket is considered rude here, done when one is expressing superiority to the other.
Koreans Slap Bill Gates for 'Rude' Handshake | ABC News - Yahoo!
A high school teacher told me a story of a girl who had lived much of her life in Asia, who was in his class. She got in trouble somehow, so he asked to speak with her. She tried to show respect by looking down, which made him more and more irritated, which made her continue to look down, in a sort of perpetually destructive cycle...
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