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Why American Men Shake Hands

When males from Europe or the Middle East meet They plant two kisses on each other's cheeks American men are not so romantic Kissing cheeks might make them frantic

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 10/30/2019 9:41:00 AM

You have nailed a big fear in our culture.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 10/30/2019 11:23:00 AM

I like and appreciate your comment. You certainly nailed it. Smiles, Gershon

John Lawless

Date: 10/30/2019 8:22:00 AM

I believe that the origin of the handshake was to ensure that neither was carrying a weapon....the same is true of the hug/kiss....a quick pat down of a potential friend/adversary...

Gershon Wolf
Date: 10/30/2019 11:23:00 AM

Wow, John. I never knew that. Thank you so much for this information about the origins of handshakes and kisses. Hugs, I actually knew. (When they met, Laban hugged Jacob in the Bible to see if he could mug him. LOL---although it wasn't funny at all at the time). Cheers, Gershon

Brenda Chiri

Date: 10/30/2019 2:12:00 AM

See in my family we kiss cheeks too and all close friends but it's how I was raised by my Italian daddy and French mama! People at times thought I was fresh! Haha! Love this!;)

Gershon Wolf
Date: 10/30/2019 11:21:00 AM

Right. European (except for those Brits) and Middle-Easterners all kiss cheeks (often twice). By the way, Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jews do too. (They will shake hands though, if that's the convention. But kiss a woman other than their wife, God forbid!). Smiles, Brenda. ~ gw

Bobby May

Date: 10/29/2019 8:39:00 PM

LOL, GREAT ONE Gershon

Gershon Wolf
Date: 10/29/2019 8:40:00 PM

Let's shake on it, Bobby! Would you like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry (shake)? LOL. Thanks, my friend. ~ Gershon

Ronald D Thompson

Date: 10/29/2019 6:46:00 PM

Great poem Gershon! For the record though, we in England don't really go for the kissing on the cheek either!! At least not I. A handshake will suffice. Sincerely hope all is well...Ron

Gershon Wolf
Date: 10/29/2019 7:58:00 PM

Thanks for the info, Ron. Nina Parmenter (below), also from England, makes the same point... I probably needed to write Continent, instead of Europe, or something like that. Thanks again. All's well and hope equally so by you. Take care, Gershon

Panagiota Romios

Date: 10/29/2019 3:49:00 PM

Best poem, I read all day. No more leaf poems.)))))) I have overdosed on them. Thanks for a change of pace Panagiota

Gershon Wolf
Date: 10/29/2019 4:13:00 PM

You're right. It's time to leave those leaf poems. :) And thanks for the enthusiasm about this little ditty. Let's shake hands on it! Smiles, Gershon