I'm not an expert, but I believe if you go back to the social etiquette rules of the 1940's/50's, it was considered "forward" for a man to invite a woman to shake his hand. In a social situation, the woman could choose to offer her hand, and then the man could take it. If the woman did not offer, then nothing happened and there was no awkwardness.
I agree that business etiquette of recent years differed from social etiquette of decades past. Now, with a lot of people gunshy in the workplace, we seem to be going back toward the "do nothing, unless she invites a handshake" mindset.
“Now, with a lot of people gunshy in the workplace, we seem to be going back toward the “do nothing, unless she invites a handshake” mindset. “
yes, a bit of a shame - fear of lawsuits, not being politically correct, etc.
I DO miss the “old days” of civility, manners and etiquette, however. You know, I think it was Emily Post who explained that manners and etiquette were not complicated, but just about considering the other person’s feelings, making them feel comfortable and at ease.
Makes sense, doesn’t it - how simple, like all truths are.
If this is true, in the business world, probably due to fear of harassment accusation, practice is returning to the traditional western etiquette...letting the woman choose whether or not to shake hands—in offering her hand, or not, and not treating her like “one of the boys...”
Personally I think it’s a good thing.
Now, if we can just bring back the practice of everyone wearing hats....