September 3, 2009

Perpetual Ebbing

Right or left? What sort of question is that! Any good old fellow would know proper etiquette is right, Mr. Jameson, you shake hands with your right hand.

A simple little English custom such as this is one that quite intrigues me. You can tell a good deal about a person from the quality of their handshake; first impressions do make lasting impressions, after all. From how fully they grip your hand to the firmness of the shake itself, there is a lot to be read about a person's sociability. A confident, well rounded bloke would firmly hold your hand and give it a few solid shakes before concluding the greeting; A more timid person might only briefly clasp the tips of your fingers in a weak mannered sort of way. I myself prefer a good hearty hand shake when introducing myself to a new person, to show I have confidence in the potential of a future acquaintance or friendship with them.

Oh old English customs, how you dwindle in today's contemporary society!

Woefully yours,
~Chiko.

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