The way a person's handshakes reveal their nature, according to research

Shaking hands or handshakes are the most common forms of expression of greeting, both in the western and eastern parts of the world. However, actually everyone from every culture has a unique way of shaking hands. What makes each person's handshake different? Is it true that someone's style of handshake can show his personality? To answer this, consider the following observations by psychologists and social researchers.

For what, humans shake hands?

According to Jesse Bering, a communications scientist from the University of Otago New Zealand in Scientific American, notes on handshakes have appeared around the 12th century BC. Historical evidence has also proven that handshakes have occurred in Africa, Indians, Guatemala, and Central Asia since ancient times.

In the past, shaking hands had several meanings. First, it shows the intention to make peace. Why so? The person holding out his hand to shake hands wants to show that he is empty-handed and does not carry any weapons and does not have any contagious disease. Then, the up and down movement is defined as the process of disposing of weapons such as knives that could be hidden in the sleeves of someone who is shaking hands.

In addition, another meaning of shaking hands is a symbol of high trust in the agreement or promise that has been made.

Although not exactly the same, it turns out that the shape of the handshake also occurs in animals such as chimpanzees. However, there are quite subtle differences between the way humans and chimpanzees shake.

The handshake performed by chimpanzees is done to show dominance or power. So, a chimpanzee who reaches out his hand first means that he is more powerful than a chimpanzee who is invited to shake hands.

The way someone's handshake can show their personality

It turns out that a handshake can also show the personality or intent of the person doing it. This can be seen from the grip, how long it takes, to your body language when you are shaking hands.

A strong and firm handshake

This type of shaking is very loud and the two people who do it both have the intention of dominating. Lillian Glass, Ph.D., a body language expert from the United States (US) in Reader's Digest, argues that this type of handshake is like a battle to show who is the most powerful.

A study by psychologists from the University of Alabama in the US also revealed a similar fact. A shake with a firm grip, eye contact, and a long duration indicates an extrovert nature and is more open to new experiences.

People with this nature generally have a greater tendency to become dominant or powerful.

Weak shakes

Still in research from the University of Alabama, people who shake hands very slowly and limply tend to show a personality that is more prone to anxiety, nervousness, or stress. This mental condition is known as neurosis.

However, according to Lillian Glass, a limp handshake can also indicate that you are not overly interested or appreciative of the person you are shaking hands with. All you have in mind is to quickly finish the small talk or say hello.

Shake without eye contact

There are some people who feel awkward when they make eye contact with other people. Especially with foreigners. Therefore, if you frequently shake hands without making eye contact with other people, it could be that you are a person who is simply uncomfortable in social situations or even has social phobia.

However, once again this method of greeting can also mean different things. Suppose you are actually lazy or not interested in shaking hands with other people. So you don't necessarily have social phobia, you're just not in the mood for socializing with people shaking hands with you.

Greetings over time

If a non-eye-catching handshake shows awkwardness, a prolonged hand-to-eye shake can indicate aggressiveness. Likewise if you shake someone's hand too long.

According to body language experts, a proper shake doesn't last more than two seconds. Therefore, if you don't want to appear too aggressive, there's no need to shake too long.