Handshakes: questions and Band 8 answers

I think it was just last week, actually, when I went for a job interview at a local marketing agency. As soon as I walked into the room, the interviewer stood up and offered his hand. It felt quite natural and set a professional tone straight away.

Not on a daily basis with friends or family, to be honest. We tend to reserve handshakes for formal settings, like business meetings or when you're being introduced to someone for the very first time. With close mates, a casual nod or a quick hug is far more common.

It really depends on the situation. In the workplace, I definitely prefer a firm handshake because it comes across as polite and confident. But outside of work, I find it a bit stiff, so I usually just wave or say a cheerful hello.

Yes, my dad made a point of teaching me when I was around ten. He used to say that a weak grip makes a bad first impression, so he would practise with me before family gatherings until I got it right.

I reckon so, yes. Even though people became a bit cautious about physical contact for a while, handshakes are so deeply rooted in professional etiquette that it is hard to imagine them disappearing altogether. They're still a universal sign of trust.