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ORIGINAL: PeonForHer

Is this really old fashioned? I find that, irrespective of age (though below, say, fifty), some people consider it really formal and chortle at it, whereas some find it completely natural.

I say 'people', but I don't know any women who do it. Fair enough: I admit that when I meet male friends I want to express fondness physically in some minimal way and the only widely-accepted way to do this is by shaking hands. I know quite a few men who've reacted quite badly to hugs - indeed anything beyond handshakes. (I won't ever hug a northern bloke again. God, I did it once and it was traumatic.)

Do you shake hands with friends when you meet? If so, does it feel 'formal' or 'natural'? Do you shake hands with people of the opposite sex or does this feel 'wrong' in some way?

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ORIGINAL: dcnovice

FR

Forgot the main time I shake hands these days: passing the peace at church.

Medical appointments are a close second.

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The only thing thats awkward is when someone tries to shake with their left hand, I don't pull them up on it because I appreciate the effort but I feel embarrassed for them haha.
I probably should pull them up...