Why do we shake hands?

Why do we shake hands? It's something we do almost automatically. Meeting someone new? Shake hands. Closing a deal? Shake hands. Congratulations? Another handshake. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we grab another person's hand and move it up and down? Did the tradition really begin as a way to prove you weren't carrying a weapon? Why do we use our right hands? And who decided that a firm handshake was a sign of good character? In this episode of Wait… Why Do We Do That?, Steve explores the surprising history of the handshake, from ancient Greece and Rome to the Quakers, modern business etiquette, and the rather awkward alternatives we adopted during the pandemic. Along the way, we uncover some popular myths, explore the psychology behind this everyday ritual, and discover why something as simple as shaking hands can communicate trust, respect, and connection. Plus, we'll tackle the important questions: How firm is too firm? How long should you hold on? And why does everyone seem to know someone who shakes hands like they're trying to crush a walnut? Because apparently, there's a reason for almost everything. Even if it isn't a particularly good one. Send us Fan Mail