Mastering the Art of Shaking Hands: When to Stand and Walk Behind the Table

Well now, you know, there’s this thing about shakin’ hands, and it don’t matter if you’re a big city person or just someone like me from the old country. When you meet someone, the first thing you do is offer that hand. But there’s a little more to it than just stickin’ your hand out. When you’re sittin’ down and someone’s comin’ to say hello, some folks might wonder, “Do I stand up or do I stay sittin’?” I’ll tell you what I know, and it’s all about respect, really.

Now, back in the day, it used to be that women stayed sittin’ when they shook hands, and the men would get up. But that was before people started payin’ attention to how things are done in the modern world. Nowadays, it’s common for folks to stand up when they shake hands. If you’re sittin’ down and someone’s already standin’, it’s polite to stand up. Simple as that. It shows you’re payin’ attention and you care ‘bout the other person. If both of you are sittin’, though, no need to worry ‘bout standin’. You can just stay put and still make a good impression.

But let’s talk about the handshake itself. You know, the grip. Some people, they shake your hand like they’re about to break your bones, and that don’t feel too nice. On the other hand, there’s the limp handshake, where the other person’s hand feels like a wet noodle. Neither one’s good, and you gotta find that balance. When you shake hands, you should go in strong, but not too strong. You just want a good, firm grip, one that lets the other person know you’re confident, but not showin’ off. You gotta shake from the elbow, not the wrist. Two smooth pumps, and then you let go. Don’t be holdin’ on too long either.

Now, sometimes folks shake hands in different ways, like that special kind of handshake you see between important people, like politicians. They call it the “Glove Handshake,” where one person holds the other person’s hand with both of theirs. It’s a sign of respect and trust, and it’s meant to show the person you’re greeting that you’re honest and open. Now, that’s somethin’ you don’t see every day, but it sure does make an impression.

And you know, back when I was younger, handshakes weren’t the only way to greet folks. There were nods, and sometimes a little bow, depending on where you were. But nowadays, most people just go for the handshake. It’s become this universal thing. And when you do it right, you’re tellin’ that person, “I see you. I respect you.” And that’s real important, whether you’re meetin’ someone for the first time or just sayin’ goodbye after a visit.

One thing I always noticed is how people carry themselves when they greet you. Body language says a lot about a person. When they offer that hand, and when they stand up to greet you, it tells you they’re not too busy to notice you. They’re not so caught up in themselves that they can’t give you a moment of their time. If you’re at a table and someone stands up to shake your hand, that’s a sign they’re giving you their full attention. They’re not just sittin’ there distracted. And when you get up to greet them, you show them the same respect. It’s a little thing, but it means a lot.

Now, there’s somethin’ else too. If you’re at a table and someone’s standin’ and walkin’ ‘round, you don’t need to get up every time they get up. That’s just too much! But if they come to your side of the table to shake hands or say somethin’, you sure better stand up then. It’s all ‘bout manners, y’know? And if they’ve been sittin’ too long and you’re in a situation where you’re standin’, well, you might just be the one to offer a seat. That’s how things work when people respect each other.

Lastly, when you’re standin’ to shake someone’s hand, you want to make sure you’re not just usin’ your hand. Your whole body’s gotta be in it. Don’t be slouchin’ over or lookin’ down. Stand up straight, make eye contact, and show that you’re ready to meet that person, really meet ‘em. A handshake’s not just a formality—it’s a way of showin’ that you’re present in the moment. That you’re willin’ to be open and share a bit of yourself.

So, in the end, it’s real simple. If you’re sittin’, stand up when someone comes to shake your hand. Make it firm, make it respectful, and make it with the right attitude. Whether you’re just sayin’ hi or dealin’ with business, that handshake says more than words can. And when you do it right, you leave a good impression, one that lasts long after the handshake’s over.

Tags：[Handshakes, Etiquette, Body Language, Standing Up, Greeting, Social Manners, Respectful Gestures, First Impressions]