When I was little, my dad taught me how to shake hands. Firm but not tight. Looking into their eyes. Long enough for one or two shakes, but no more.

I'll add now... after attending a few events where I wasn't happy at all with some of the handshake quality... with clean, dry hands.

Though I love a good handshake, I hate a bad one. I actually feel bad for the person giving me the sweaty palm shake, or the weak attempt at a grip, or the over exuberant stranglehold.

Networking in person is alive and well once again.

It's nice to be back to "normal" where the elbow bump, the fist bump, or the friendly nod can be put aside. Greeting people with a handshake has made a comeback.

Yippee!

However, in Australia, more than in the United States, there is also the "air kiss."

The air kiss took a nosedive during Covid, but it's back again. Some people do one kiss. Some prefer one on either side. And some bring in cultures that have a crazy notion that you need three. Makes me dizzy.

Here's the thing... I will do the air kiss, but I've never really liked it.

I don't feel it's appropriate for business or for people I've never met.

I like to kiss my husband, my close family, and sometimes my besties, but I don't believe the air kiss belongs in networking.

I prefer the good handshake. A lot.

What's your greeting preference? Friendly nod, fist bump, handshake, or air kiss? Do you think you have a good handshake? How do you know?