When I was 5 years old, eye contact was the first thing my dad taught me along with a firm handshake.

"you look a man in the eye, whether he is bigger or smaller than you. Stick out your hand into their space before they do. When you grab each others hand, make sure you are the one with the dominant hold. Look him in the eye and introduce yourself loud and clear."

I can't remember how many times people complimented my dad and I when I was young. Noone expects a five year old to shake your hand better than some 40 year old men.

I'll go to a party (coming from TEXAS, yall) and shake someones hand and I can tell.....with just a handshake what you are all about. I have met guys at parties for the first time and shook their hand and felt like I was holding an 80 year old womans hand.

If its especially weak, I'll even call someone I don't even know out. "Cmon, my grandmother is 80 and has a better handshake than that."

I have great respect for someone who can get the dominant hold in a handshake against me. Thats immediate respect where I come from. I'll buy you a fuckin beer if you can do that.

Also, I don't give a damn if I am with my south texas small town white folks or smokin a blunt with my FUBU friends. Black/White/Hispanic/Whatever.....I shake your hand just the same. Like a man. Theres only one way to do it.
ValkyrieAg Reviewed by ValkyrieAg on . How important is a firm handshake? When I was 5 years old, eye contact was the first thing my dad taught me along with a firm handshake. "you look a man in the eye, whether he is bigger or smaller than you. Stick out your hand into their space before they do. When you grab each others hand, make sure you are the one with the dominant hold. Look him in the eye and introduce yourself loud and clear." I can't remember how many times people complimented my dad and I when I was young. Noone expects a five year old to shake your Rating: 5