Comments for Do the gentleman or the lady extend their hand for a handshake first?

Comments for
Do the gentleman or the lady extend their hand for a handshake first?

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Oct 25, 2010
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Women first
by: Anonymous

I agree that it should be the woman who extends her hand first.

It is almost like you are giving permission. If a woman is uncomfortable with a man then she might not want that physical contact.

However in a business situation, it might be different.

I also agree that most people probably don't know this and you should not take offense if a man extends his hand.

I did not know anything about this... but common sense tells me women first.

Aug 16, 2010
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It goes both ways, I suppose.
by: Cassandra

I have had several men extend their hands to shake mine, mostly in social interactions where business is involved. While I feel that it is polite to adhere to this rule, not many people are aware of it and I'm sure no offense is meant by men who extend their hands first. I've found that men who extend their hands to me are preferable to the ones who will only shake the hands of other men in a group and refer to me as "honey" or the more condescending "little lady".

Aug 13, 2010
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Totally Agree
by: Eileen

I was always told that a woman always extends her hand first if she wants to shake the mans hand. That a man never assumes that a woman wants to shake his hand an offers his hand that it is ALWAYS up to the woman.

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