why do people shake hands?

[Mixolydian]

ok so theres this guy at work who is much higher up than i , althoguh not technically my boss. whenever i see him or he walks by, he always shakes me hand. this has caused me to think. why exactly do people shake hands? i know its the standard formm of greeting in many westrn countries. and dont get me wrong - i have NO problems shaking peoples hands - in fact, i'm ususally the one to initiate the handshake.

but what the hell is the significance of shaking someones hand? what is it about that kind of physical contact that makes it a greeting?

when i meet someone for the first time, i shake their hand. after that, when i see them i nod my head as a way of saying "hello".

ITT we discuss handshaking.

i prefer a "two-pump" handshake with a nice, firm grip.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

To show you are not armed and willing to let someone enter your personal space.

 

[OCGuy]

Sociology 101

 

[Mixolydian]

Sociology 101

welll i have always kind of been interested in human behavior...hence why i am asking the question, i suppose.

 

[shortylickens]

Romans used to shake wrists to check if somebody had a dagger up their sleeve/bracer.

The tradition carried.

 

[shortylickens]

 

[BoomerD]

https://www.google.com/search?q=why...0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=2&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

 

[OCGuy]

welll i have always kind of been interested in human behavior...hence why i am asking the question, i suppose.

As am I. Fun thing to study. I would probably start elsewhere for serious answers.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

To show you are not armed and willing to let someone enter your personal space.

While that's the likely explanation, nobody knows. Shaking hands predates the written word, there's no record of how, when, where or why it began.

 

[OCGuy]

While that's the likely explanation, nobody knows. Shaking hands predates the written word, there's no record of how, when, where or why it began.

Body language doesn't need written word. It is partly a greeting, which are present in basically every culture. It is also partly a dominance/submission gesture. Firm handshake + eye contact suggests confidence and strength, an attribute possessed by Alpha males.

Almost everything we do when we first encounter another human involves placing them in their societal rung. From judging clothes, vernacular, posture, etc, to how they shake your hand.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

While that's the likely explanation, nobody knows. Shaking hands predates the written word, there's no record of how, when, where or why it began.

Very few if any customs origins are known but, it doesn't matter. What does matter is knowledge of the applicable custom to ensure peaceful coexistence and facilitate society.

 

[shortylickens]

Do you guys know where the salute came from?

Cuz I'll tell you.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Do you guys know where the salute came from?

Cuz I'll tell you.

Raising the visor on your helmet.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Raising the visor on your helmet.

Bzzzzt. Wrong, that's another old wives tale the same as the handshake origin being to check for weapons. The salute predates visored helms. It could be something as simple as travelers shielding their eyes from the sun to recognize strangers on the road from a greater distance.

 

[I Saw OJ]

On a side note, I find most people don't know how to shake hands worth a shit. Grip too soon, too hard, too soft, limp wrist, holding on too long...who raised these people?

Web to web
firm (not crushing)
two pumps
end

Whats so hard about that?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Bzzzzt. Wrong, that's another old wives tale the same as the handshake origin being to check for weapons. The salute predates visored helms. It could be something as simple as travelers shielding their eyes from the sun to recognize strangers on the road from a greater distance.

You're taking a bigger leap than I. You can perhaps make a connection to tugging a forelock but, shielding from the sun? Puhleeze.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

You're taking a bigger leap than I. You can perhaps make a connection to tugging a forelock but, shielding from the sun? Puhleeze.

No, my leap is plausible, logical and has not been successfully debunked. Yours is confirmed 100% grade A bullshit.

 

[Rakehellion]

Romans used to shake wrists to check if somebody had a dagger up their sleeve/bracer.

The tradition carried.

Also they wiped their asses with their hands.

 

[surfsatwerk]

It's to let guys with a flaccid grip know that I've got the bigger dick.

 

[Rakehellion]

On a side note, I find most people don't know how to shake hands worth a shit. Grip too soon, too hard, too soft, limp wrist, holding on too long...who raised these people?

Web to web
firm (not crushing)
two pumps
end

Whats so hard about that?

Thank you, Hank Hill.

 

[madoka]

While that's the likely explanation, nobody knows. Shaking hands predates the written word, there's no record of how, when, where or why it began.

Origin of writing = 3200 BC

First recorded handshake = 500 BC

 

[Rakehellion]

When a woman reaches out to shake my hand, I grasp her fingertips and pull her hand towards me as if I'm going to kiss it. It's a habit of being an incessant flirt.

 

[Mixolydian]

When a woman reaches out to shake my hand, I grasp her fingertips and pull her hand towards me as if I'm going to kiss it. It's a habit of being an incessant flirt.

in my experience most women suck at handshaking

 

[Rakehellion]

in my experience most women suck at handshaking

Yeah.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Origin of writing = 3200 BC

First recorded handshake = 500 BC

Do a little better research and get back to me. You're off by thousands of years.