You can hurt someone by giving that person a firm hand shake or hug. You don't know what another person's weak spots are. My hand is often sore because of the work that I do. If I receive a firm hand shake, my hand hurts even more. Maybe the other person's shoulder, arm, or back hurts. The person could have sun burn or an operation scar, for example.

It's a no-brainer. It's the very first impression we receive of another person whether casual or business. And the limp hand-shake is so undignified. It doesn't have to be crushing... just firm and warm. Limp and squishy is the death knell for me. Goes equally for men and women!

I'm pretty sure the OP is not talking bone-crushing hugs or handshakes. Firm does not mean hard. And usually people who can't take more "firm" handshakes or hugs will say so - either by saying so or gesturing.

Loved your confession. Well-written, succinct. Couldn't agree more. And don't get me started on the 'grey man', the man with marginal 'presence' in a room. You're a man, for Christ sake. Take up some space and let's hear what ya got.

there are too many (devious) people putting premium as a deliberate conscious manipulative strategy on too many superficial level non-sensical things like firm handshakes, looking at the person eye etc. Plenty of scoundrels and manipulative people will have firm handshakes and look directly in your eye to gain your confidence.

What matter is what you find the other persons inner intention which will always show eventually. You cannot judge book by the cover.

The true first impression (unless a person is visually challenged impaired or wtf ever it's called now) is visual. Hate to break it to you, but when we were just little girls, the last friggin' piece of etiquette we were taught was how to give a firm, macho handshake. Dumbass.

Everyone has missed the point of the confession... the OP said they'd rather receive a kiss than a limp handshake.

Moreover I think you guys are over analyzing; the dictionary defines a handshake as "a gripping and shaking of right hands by two individuals, as to symbolize greeting, congratulation, agreement, or farewell." If you're able to read this my guess is you know what grip means or can look it up. Lol.

-Ms

Nothing worse than a limp handshake. And what about those guys who offer their hands flatwise, like a lady? Fucking off-putting.

A limp handshake shows a lack of confidence, a lack of poise, a lack of the appropriate attitude toward life. You cannot trust anyone with a limp handshake.

Everything about your post is offensive, much like you in person i suspect!

- challenged, impaired or wtf ever it's called now (nice)
- the last friggin' piece of etiquette (do you see the irony in this statement? Probably not)
- give a firm, macho handshake. (firm handshake = macho !??)
- Dumbass. (mmm a charmer)

And in the end, you miss the point entirely.

You must be one of those awful women that have that limp handshake. And yes, I am very dismissive of someone that cannot deliver eye contact and a firm handshake. Man or woman.