Meeting New People and First Impressions

“Hello, nice to meet you.”

“Hajimemashite.”

“Je suis ravi de faire votre connaissance.”

The list goes on, but these are words traditionally spoken when meeting someone for the first time. Depending on where in the world you are, an accompanying handshake, bow, or something similar accompanies this statement.

Why am I writing about this? I believe that a first impression is everything. I mean, come on, have you ever been on the receiving end of the “limp/dead fish” handshake? The early grabber? The late squeezer? The man or woman that simply holds on for far too long? What about the ones that stares down at the ground or makes seemingly unbreakable eye contact with you? How did you feel afterwards about the person?