I’m speaking of intentional infliction of pain. All a handshake is supposed to be is proof that neither party has weapons in their hands. There is nothing friendly about applying a death grip - it says “ I might have to shake your hand, you bastard, but I don’t have to like it!” And the other party might have arthritis or hand problems. If hurts them - for whatever reason - you’re doing it wrong. :)
Ah, okay! When I shake a hand, I usually go in on the firm side and adjust accordingly. I’ve had big bears of men death grip me, and I reciprocate, while I’ve had men with no confidence just offer a spaghetti noodle of a handshake.
Then there’s the overly-assertive businesswoman who slams her hand into yours and awkwardly overshakes with some sort of feigned enthusiasm.
That’s an interesting historical tidbit on the weapons. I’d never considered the historical side of the handshake. Off to Lexis Nexis to research it!
Define: pain