DollWelch Posted November 10, 2008 Posted November 10, 2008 What does it mean when a guy and girl have been friends for a while, and one day he sees her at a certain location in town, and he extends his hand out to shake hands with her and greet, while looking nervous and stuttering? Why do that? They're friends, so hand shakes aren't really required. Rather, it's awkward. Is this done out of respect? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
Ocean-Blue Posted November 10, 2008 Posted November 10, 2008 It could be any number of things. Without any context, it's pointless to play the "maybe" game.
Author DollWelch Posted November 10, 2008 Author Posted November 10, 2008 I am talking in terms of whether or not he has any romantic interest in her. Are there flirty undertones to this gesture? Or, is this purely a normal thing to do? I am asking this, because this guy is giving mixed signals to the girl. What other signs should the girl look for to know if he's interested in her? Seeing how they've only been friends for a short period of time, it would be nice to know where the girl stands.
Geishawhelk Posted November 10, 2008 Posted November 10, 2008 Let's not be silly here. Is there a (third person) girl - or are you talking about you?
Author DollWelch Posted November 11, 2008 Author Posted November 11, 2008 Is there a (third person) girl - or are you talking about you? Yes. I'm the girl in this situation.
JohnnyBlaze Posted November 11, 2008 Posted November 11, 2008 There might be romantic interest (see The Ladder Theory), but I don't think this handshake was part of it. Unless your name is followed by the phrase "...Duchess of ____", a handshake is a little too formal for most people to express romantic interest in this day and age. Of course, you could always perform the experiment and know for sure. Get a little flirtier with him than normal and see how he reacts. That'll give you a definite answer. Of course, only do this if you want something to come of it; otherwise, you'll be labeled a d___ tease.
Trialbyfire Posted November 11, 2008 Posted November 11, 2008 How old are both of you and are the two of you business contacts?
Author DollWelch Posted November 13, 2008 Author Posted November 13, 2008 There might be romantic interest (TLT), but I don't think this handshake was part of it. . . .a handshake is a little too formal for most people to express romantic interest in this day and age. I thought the exact same thing too. But, I don't know what to think. I don't know how to put my finger on it. I have known him as a friend, for at least a couple of months now, and he has never done the hand shake. When he and I bump into each other, we just interact with each other as friends, sans hand shake. The last time I saw him, he had a big smile on his face, and approached me to shake hands, with some small talk, then he had to leave. I noticed his behavior was different (changed). I'm uncertain as to why he'd want to start shaking hands with me, and I also feel like he's been avoiding me. Because quite frankly, he's been unfriendly to me in the past. I just want to know if he's interested or plainly sees me as an acquaintance. Plus, he's rich, so it is intimidating to say the least.
prettybaby Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 He's putting a social barrier. Unless it's in a strictly professional environment, shaking somebody's hand is basically saying: I'm at a higher rank than you are, and I want things to stay this way. It's quite condescending, really. He may find you friendly and get along with you, but he's clearly putting limits. So instead of assuming he'd like to get closer to you, I'd actually think it's the opposite.
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