Missed Handshake! -

Missed handshake!

We’ve all been there. You extend your hand for a handshake, but the other person doesn’t notice. It’s a moment of awkwardness that can leave you feeling confused, embarrassed, and even a little bit rejected.

It’s almost the same thing like when you raise your hand to wave at someone and at that moment, they look away, as can be seen in the post – Hello, Oh No!

But don’t worry, you’re not alone because it happens to the best of us!

So, what do you do when someone doesn’t notice your offer for a handshake? Here are a few tips:

Don’t make a big deal out of it. It’s easy to get flustered in this situation, but the best thing to do is to take it in stride. Just retract your hand and move on.
Don’t take it personally. It’s likely that the other person simply wasn’t paying attention. They may have been thinking about something else. It’s also possible that they have a cultural background where handshaking is not as common.
Try again later. If you still want to shake the person’s hand, try again later when they are less distracted.

If you find yourself having a missed handshake moment on a regular basis, it may be helpful to practice your handshaking skills. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Make eye contact. This will show the other person that you’re paying attention and that you might have the intention shaking their hand.
Smile. A smile will make you appear more friendly and approachable.
Offer a firm handshake. Don’t shake the other person’s hand too hard or too weakly.
Release the handshake after a few seconds. Don’t hold on for too long, because this can make you to appear aggressive.

A missed handshake can be a small thing, but it can leave both parties feeling awkward.

In the scenario you’re the one who missed the handshake intended for you, the best course of action often depends on the situation. If it’s a close colleague, a friendly “Sorry, got caught off guard there!” with a smile can smooth things over. In a more formal setting, a quick “Pleasure to meet you” can acknowledge the intended greeting. Remember, a simple apology or explanation goes a long way.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a handshake expert. And even if someone does happen to miss your offer for a handshake, don’t worry. It’s just an awkward moment. It’s not THAT bad!