Handshakes and First Impressions

I believe that first impressions can make or break a future relationship with whomever you meet; whether it be on a professional, friendship or relationship level. I met a girl the other day whom I assumed to be around her late twenties. At an age where most people come out of their shells and find confidence in themselves. At first glance she seemed like a confident person and very feminine; what with her perfectly manicured hair, nails and flowy skirt. Well I was introduced to her and her boyfriend and immediately and instinctively held my hand out to greet them. The boyfriend shook my hand first as he was standing closer to me. He grabbed my hand in a less than firm way. Definitely a weaker handshake than most men I know. Meh. SO his wasn't too impressive either but it didn't disappoint me as much as what was to come.

Naturally after having shook hands with him I offered my hand to her. And there my hand hung, in mid air, waiting. It felt like a really long time. I had time to look up and down her whole body. Observe that she was clutching onto her purse like it contained precious metals. Her feet together and her posture curled into herself like a frightened cat. I'd just like to add that all of this took place in less than 45 seconds. Now my parents raised me right. But I am still my own person. I let my poor hand hang and even walked into her a little bit. Now I wouldn't have done that had I thought that she was scared. I could tell she was just rude. She finally raised her little hand and did something I can only describe as pet my hand. WHAT!? Does my hand look like an animal that needs comforting? What the hell?! I was so horribly disappointed that I couldn't even talk to her let alone try to look her in the eye for the rest of the meal.

From that first impression on things just got worse and worse. I can honstly say that part of it was just me being annoyed and picking at her flaws but damn. Had she at least been a woman about the greeting I don;t think I would have been nearly this irritated. I have never seen her or her equally wimpy boyfriend since.