The origins of a handshake
When you shake hands with anyone you should look them in the eye. Head up, with a firm grip and gaze. It shows them that you are confident, secure, and more importantly creates an emotional connection that compliments the physical palm-slap. Or so I’ve been told.
In many situations, a handshake is nothing more than an empty gesture; a variation of the rhetorical ‘how are you?’ greetings that punctuate the day. It’s usually meaningless.
The handshake tradition originated in a time of swords and duels, where it demonstrated that you wouldn’t draw your sabre against the other person – if you are right-handed your sword would be sheathed on your left. Gentlemen and brothers don’t need to pass such a test, which is why UK barristers and MP’s traditionally don’t do handshakes.
Remember that it’s your greeting so you can courtesy, touch fists or hug, it’s up to you. The origins of your actions should be your decisions. Unless of course you meet the Queen, in which case you should humbly bow and exit the room backwards.
My point is that what you do is not the same thing as why you do it. In day-to-day interactions you are taught to automatically jump through hoops, and it’s up to you to think for yourself.
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