You can tell a lot about someone by how they shake your hand. A strong handshake shows they are engaged in meeting or reconciling with you. A loose one shows the lack thereof. Eyes darting can implement the ideation that they have more important things to worry about or that there is some unimportance to meeting you. When I was growing up, there was always an upheld expectation of respect, and the start of that was shaking someone’s hand and shaking it well. When asking Howard Runyon to elaborate on this, he states, “I do not like that sort of limp handshake, a dead fish as to say. However, on the other end of that, someone who comes on with too much intensity has been raised to impress. Right in the middle seems correct to me, genuine, not forced.”
The mark of an intense handshake resembles force, whether that be physical or mental. A different feeling comes with someone who has a firm but well-intentioned handshake and comfort in their maturity, the elegance that proceeds with eye contact. It shows respect, and there is nothing more justifiable than feeling respected the first time you meet someone. Lily Pratt says, “I have met many people throughout my life, but when being approached with a firm handshake, I feel as though the person I am meeting intends to know something about me.” Along with Lily’s opinion, Autumn Kelly follows a similar one, stating, “There have been many instances where I have found myself in situations to meet new people, coming to Northwood being an example of that. When being able to shake someone’s hand, which was meaningful, I felt more welcome, thinking they found themselves wanting me there.”
Now, this being an opinion piece, the answers will continue to vary no matter who you ask. However, this is a theme, at least on the Northwood campus. A firm, well-intentioned handshake is a meaningful one. Make every introduction or goodbye meaningful.