Introducing yourself, hand shake?

[Ali89]

Is handshake social awkward to a girl you just met? How would you introduce your self after breaking the ice with a girl? Would you just say "Btw, my name is Ali. If you don't mind telling me, what's your name?" with just a smile or would you stick out your hand and say "My name is Ali." to see if they will reach out, shake your hand, and then tell you their name. I believe that a hand shake is really powerful tool. It breaks the physical touch barrier - to a degree. Also, depending on the way you shake the girl's/guy's hand, it shows confidence and leadership. If you don't use any of these methods, what would you do inform the girl about your name in the conversation?

[bluntkrayon]

I've always thought the same thing. Me personally, I normally just wave, and introduce myself. Sometimes when I try to play it super casual, I do a half ass salute, with two fingers tapping away from my eyebrow.

You could breach the line, and go in for the kiss on the cheek, but that doesn't always go down well with females you've just met. Especially, if it's just the one female you're kissing on the cheek, in a group of females.

I always think that handshakes portray a sense of professionalism, and should only be used in those circumstances.

[TexPlayboy]

Humor is a good ice breaker. The hand shake should be saved for work related situations, unless you are being introduced by a third person.

Find a fun ice breaker that is funny, not threatening, nor offensive. Something like "can I keep you company until your boyfriend shows up?" Say it with a smile, and her response will tell you all you need to know.

Good Luck,

James

[Ali89]

Hey James, I am not using the handshake as a icebreaker but rather a way to introduce my self instead of an awkward 3 feet wave with "Hi, my name is..." I always do humor as an icebreaker.

[TexPlayboy]

Sounds good.. half of the battle is making contact. If she is "into" you, then you can't go wrong.

[kaylajaar10]

A hand shake is proper etiquette if she offers her hand first. With men, either can offer, with a woman you don't know, it is considered disrespectful. But if you are going for correct etiquette, it is also disrespectful to introduce yourself unless a situation or emergency calls for it. Someone else who already knows the person should introduce you. So, as you can see, proper etiquette is hardly used in this society. I think it is safe to say that you should do whatever makes you feel comfortable, or comes naturally.

[queenb2000]

from a female's perspective, I've never gotten a handshake from a guy that was interested in me. if a guy were to do so, I'd honestly think it was out of the ordinary. but if you're very pleasant and approachable/personable with the handshake, it shouldn't be all too bad.

[Cassie_09]

I don't think I've ever gotten a hand shake from a guy in this type of situation, but if I did, I think I would find it to be kind of cute. Also shows he's a gentleman. :)

[chiefnavarro]

give them a hand shake but not like you shake a mans hand.

[Ali89]

I forgot to add that I know the methods of shaking hands depending on the situation. e.g. the difference between a lady/men's business handshake, a social men's handshake, and shaking a lady's hand, casually.

[chiefnavarro]

Yeah its more of a finger thing little palm contact on their part

[haleyb]

Nope! Hand shakes seem more mature, for whatever reason, at least for me. Just say Hey, my name's _____, shake their hand, and they'll probably introduce themselves.

[mitsy]

A handshake is completely okay. Just hold out your hand and say, "Hey my name is Ali." and wait for a reply lol

[Anonymous]

I don't really handshake but I've had guys do that to me and it's not weird or awkward

[Anonymous]

i would respect you more if you did that I think you can tell a lot by someones grip in a handshake.