Why do people meet and shake hands?

Handshake first appeared in the era of "slash and burn" of mankind. At that time, people often held weapons such as stones or sticks in their hands. When you meet a stranger, if everyone is harmless, you should put down what you are holding and open your palm to let the other person touch your palm, indicating that there is no hidden weapons in your hand. This habit gradually evolved into today's "handshake" etiquette.

On many formal occasions, people shake hands when they meet and say goodbye, which is a symbol of friendship. This habit comes from the hunting behavior of the ancients.

Long ago, human ancestors lived by hunting, and this prey was sometimes even human. At that time, people often encountered attacks from others. Therefore, when meeting strangers, people will confront each other warily in the distance. If there is no hostility, they stretch out their right hand and open their palms forward, indicating that there are no stones or weapons in their hands. At this time, people get close to each other and touch each other's palms to show friendship. This friendly gesture continues, that is, people shake hands today.

The standard way to shake hands

Walk to a distance of 1 m from the handshake object, stand at attention with your legs, lean forward slightly, extend your right hand, put your fingers together, hold each other with your thumbs open, and shake it up and down slightly for 3 or 4 times, then release your hand and restore to its original state. Shake hands with people in a focused, warm, friendly and natural way, smile, look into each other's eyes and greet each other at the same time.

In order to show enthusiasm and friendliness when shaking hands, you should use a little force, but don't hurt the other person's hand. Don't shake hands too tightly between men and women. Westerners often just shake women's fingers, but old friends can be an exception.