hellyes!! wrote: And, all this strange business about not shaking a woman's hand...Where does this come from? Did I miss this "rule" somewhere in my 31 years on this planet?? If anything, I feel insulted if all the males around me are greeted with a handshake while I am ignored. It immediately makes me feel like I am of no importance or interest to you, which I think is completely rude.

This rule comes from our puritanical forefathers. Thou shalt not touch the hand of a woman. It make make the woman wanton.

hellyes!! wrote: As for a woman extending a handshake to another woman, why is this an issue? I feel it's only proper to extend the same respect to a woman as I would to a man.

IMO, This means you are one of the real people. There's less and less of us out here..

I think I probably put the wrong idea across about myself.

I don't mind your normal average hand shake, nothing wrong with it. I do mind the over the top "Brotherly" bullshit that a lot of people have replaced a handshake with.

I think if it's the first time you have met someone, or the person you are meeting is to do with your work or business, then a handshake is much needed. If it's someone you see regularly it's not really necessary and I think it's a pointless invation of space which makes you kinda seem more distant than it should.

My previous comments were tongue in cheek.

i HATE handshakes...they make me feel self-concious 'cuz of my wussy grip...

hellyes!! wrote:And, all this strange business about not shaking a woman's hand...Where does this come from? Did I miss this "rule" somewhere in my 31 years on this planet?? If anything, I feel insulted if all the males around me are greeted with a handshake while I am ignored. It immediately makes me feel like I am of no importance or interest to you, which I think is completely rude.

no, you're more important than men. physical contact is a delicate issue [as this discussion has proven] and i won't assume it's welcome unless you offer it. if that makes you feel left out, then put 'er there and let's shake hands.
take it as a sign of respect, not insult. ignoring someone means no eye contact, no introduction, and no interest at all. it doesn't mean no handshake.
that's how i've always interpreted the rule. i'll leave the freudian/victorian implications to someone else.

The Student wrote:Some guy was shaking my hand once, took his pointer finger and sort of "scratched" my palm with it!?

Ew.. what the hell is wrong with people?

I thought that was some kinda fucked up Masonic shit... You know, i might be pleased to meet you, are you one of the brethren?
Oh by the look you are giving me on receipt of that shake you are not!