"I know you didn't forbid her to do anything. I know this because you can't do it period. At the end of the day people have the right to make their own decisions. For me, I've been both the friend and the boyfriend of the girl with the…"
When is it Appropriate To Not Shake a Man's hand.?
I am a lawyer in a family law case, where an ex husband's behavior is unworthy of him being labeled as a man in my opinion. His treatment both of his children and his former wife is completely despicable. He is backed by a new wife, who makes Cruella DeVille seem like Mother Teresa. I am not prone to hyperbole, so please believe me when I say this. I have tried many hundreds of case. This person and his wife are among the top two worse I have come across in my life.
So, we have a series of depositions coming up, with the the first being tomorrow. I am anticipating an outstretched hand from this cretin( which may be giving him too much credit). I will not be extending mine either as an offer or in return, because I do not see him behaving as a man ( or a human for that matter)
If I am asked why I wont shake his hand, I am willing to say that until he begins to behave like a man, I will not be shaking his hand. I think a hand shake acknowledges some recognition of another man's respect, and it it is not owed to each person one encounters.
Guys, do you have any opinions on this?
Stein
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Liam S. on -
When they have just coughed or sneezed into it (or you have). Or if your hands are quite full carrying something. In either instance, I apologize for not being able to.
Otherwise, few instances I can think of.
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Permalink Reply by Shane on -
When hands are wet.
When hands are filthy.
When hands are full.
I was going to say, "When there are no hands." But I remembered how many handshakes I've given to men with no hands. So, even when there are no hands, men still shake hands.
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Permalink Reply by Chuck Knight on -
Try standing with your hands clasped behind your back. It's fairly neutral, as body language goes, but it keeps your hands unavailable for a handshake. If he extends his hand, smile, maybe nod...
If asked, and *only* if you want to make a deal of it, try a comment like "A man's handshake conveys a certain level of respect. You've not yet earned that respect from me."
I've handled similar situations in this way, before...it usually shuts them up, and establishes a pecking order, which I suspect is your underlying goal. It also subtly informs him that his behavior will have to improve, if he wishes to earn that respect.
REVISION: Just realized this is during a deposition...an official meeting. Shake his hand. Grin and bear it, if you must.
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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on -
You are an officer of the court. If he offers to shake your hand shake it.
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Permalink Reply by Bob Giraldi on -
I agree, its protocol if nothing else. You have to show him respect even if his actions don't appear to warrant it. If it were simply mano a mano that would be one thing, but you're acting in an official capacity here. If he doesn't reciprocate it will be obvious, but you at least have to make the gesture or you're lowering yourself to his level, not appropriate.
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Permalink Reply by Tim on -
Agreed. You only know part of who he is, and it's courtesy to shake a man's hand. You don't have to like the guy at all, but respect he is a person, no matter how reprehensible he might seem. Not shaking his hand (and the obviousness of the gesture not to) only makes you look bad.
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Permalink Reply by Shane on
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This changes my thoughts. When I first saw the post, it was only the title question. I don't buy the "officer of the court" argument. If he extends his hand, look at it, back to his eyes, show no emotion. If he persists with the upheld hand, clasp yours, in front of you. Say nothing. Do nothing. Neutral stare.
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Permalink Reply by Liam S. on
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+1
I also didn't have the benefit of the full text, but I agree with Shane. You are not under any obligation to shake this man's hand. You are required to be civil to him, but not friendly.
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Permalink Reply by Matt Tantillo on -
I broadly define shaking hands as a sign of respect/trust/cooperation/professionalism. You do it when you want to make someone see you are open to them and confident in yourself. It's a first-impression mechanism.
I can obviously see you want to make a first impression of disdain and keeping your acquaintance very, very impersonal. In that case, hands behind the back and lack of emotion displayed (as those above have suggested) would do just that and set an un-relaxed tone for the visit.
However, I do want to state what I think the consequences of putting these people down from the start. You are quite more experienced in Law than I, but still want to point this out. Placing yourself above the couple will make the deposition feel more like an interrogation on their end, since no level of trust will exist between you. Also, irrational and despicable as these people may be, they aren't going to disappear from existence once your association with them is finished, and judging by who you say they are, this couple will gossip and gossip about "that terrible lawyer" they had for this case.
If you're fine with that, then I'd say put that boy in his place so he knows he is dealing with big consequences.
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Permalink Reply by Carl Monster on -
I don't even fully know what is expected of you at a deposition, but given the fact I trust you are earnest in your assessment of this pair, I side with the gentlemen telling you to not offer your hand. I see a handshake as a courtesy, not an absolute requirement.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff on
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I believe shaking a hand is a sign of respect toward that person. If you have no respect for the individual you are dealing with I wouldn't shake his hand. It has happened to me countless times in my line of work and I don't feel bad about not shaking.
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Permalink Reply by Justin Cook on
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are you thier lawyer or the exwifes.
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