Why should the female be the one to offer a hand during the hand shake?

Answer 1

• If she does not want to be kissed or give a kiss then she should politely extend her hand first; it is common practice in business. In personal relationships the man must wait for the reaction he will receive from the woman and if she extends her hands it's a friendship basis to start with. The hand shake is a "secure" way to make acquaintances and presentations; involves touching to show affability; maintains distance to avoid proximity; firm to state acknowledgment.

• It was not until approximately the 1960's on that it was acceptable for a woman to give a good firm handshake to a man. Centuries ago when a man met a woman and she extended her hand he would take her hand and kiss the top of her hand as a gentle gesture of greeting (the longer he held her hand or if he made eye contact with her) was a signal that he was truly interested in seeing more of her. The 1930's up women did not extend their hand in most cases nor did a man extend his. A smile or cupping the woman's elbow to escort her somewhere was more acceptable at the time as far as etiquette. Once women began to strive towards careers out in the business world is when it was acceptable for women to extend their hand for a handshake and it was used as a greeting to sealing a business deal.