Do you shake hands when you are greeting someone new?

My dad said to me that to shake hands is a short ritual in which two people grasp their right or left hands, often accompanied by a brief shake of the grasped hands. It is commonly done upon meeting, departing, offering congratulations, or completing an agreement. Its purpose is to demonstrate good will, and possibly originated as a gesture showing that the hand holds no weapon. Among friends and family members, men are more likely to shake hands than women, however in business situations it is considered the standard greeting for both sexes.

I always try to be friendly and shake hands when meeting someone new. And when seeing someone old I hug them.

I am from India and our tradition is different.We keep two hands close toghether in front of chest and say namasthe to welcome others.

I can’t say that I always do- but most of the time if I remember- And of course if they extend their hand to me- then I always shake hands-

I do like to shake hands, yes. But I usually only do it if they put their hand out first. I guess it's just a subconscious fear of rejection. I think that people who offer their hand to shake seem kind and genuine. This topic has got me thinking that I should be the one to initiate the handhsake.

If the other person extends their hand I will shake hands but usually I greet people with a hug...if it's appropriate.

Of course I offer my hand for a handshake. People shake hands as a gesture of friendship, and for someone not to accept that gesture would be an insult. I shake hands with the people at church all the time, and everyone else I meet.

I on my part will always go for handshake, when somone offers a hand to me....even if I am in hurry and something like that. It is one of the best manner to greet each other.

Oh, most definately. I always extend my hand and smile. Also, I try to look into the person's eyes. I want people to know that I am being sincere when I extend my hand in a gesture of warmth and welcoming. I read here that in India they put their hands close to their chests to welcome others. Well, on the TV, I saw a program which featured different ways in which cultures shake hands. In some African tribes, they just touch hands in a sort of "brushing palms" motion. Here, when people shake hands, there's usually three or so "shakes" whereas in other cultures they only do one and it is very distinct. Another thing I saw on the TV was this: While merchants and customers are making deals, they hold hands during the whole barganing process and with each offer, they shake twice. I think this tradition is done in India but I'm not sure. Anyway...there's a little more education for you today ;)

Hello Ipetges!!! As a matter of fact i do!lol i always accept anyones hand to welcome her/him to be my friend..Sometimes i initiate it myself. There were times that a newly introduced friend refused to accept my hand, it was really embarrasing specially if you're infront of friends but when times like this happen i would then just pretend to grab my hair and give them my sweetest smile.lol!!

its my habit that everytime i greet or meet someone new, i see to it that i extend my hand for handshakes. its my way of showing respect for the person.

Yes i doit to.

I do shake hands, because it is the international way of greeting people