Deciphering the Many "Man-Shakes"

When it comes to greeting one another, men do so in an entirely different way than women. For us women we may hug, kiss, compliment each other's appearance--or whatever other way we're comfortable with. However, these options seldom, if ever work for men. When men touch it seems to be nothing more than a reinforcement of them acknowledging each other in the brotherhood of being a man. Even when greeting an old friend, there's no road map for how to do so. Should you shake hands or should you hug? If so how long should you hug? Should you be the one to take the initiative or wait for him to make the first move? You can't just stand there forever in such an awkward state of greeting confusion so a decision has to be made. For those guys who just aren't sure of what to do, here are some "man-shakes" that may be suitable to you:

Ward Cleaver Shake. This type of handshake is the good old-fashioned method. Your right hand is extended straight, a few inches above your waist. When you shake hands, it has to be a firm shake. This handshake is used in formal situations, especially with people you don't know. It's easy to execute and it's over with rather quickly. Just extend, shake, and you're done.

Fist Bump. This type of greeting is informal. It can be used comfortably with people who you do or do not know too well. It can also be used if you're in a hurry but you still want to acknowledge someone. It's really simple to do. Basically you just put your fist out in front of you horizontally and bump knuckles with the other guy.

Soul Shake. This handshake was popular in the '70s and some guys still use it today. All it is is a palm to palm handshake where your palms touch and your fingers grip the back of each other's hand. Rather than extending your arm straight out, your arm is bent at around a 45-degree angle. This is an informal handshake, usually used with close friends or family.

Fist Pound. The fist pound is almost like the simple "gimme five," except your fist are closed and held out vertically. This type of greeting is usually used with guys who know each other a little bit better than the Fist Bumpers. It doesn't matter who pounds who's fist first. Just pound each other and you're done. Some guys who use the Fist Pound greeting also add a Fist Bump at the end.

Pull Half-Hug. This type of greeting is popular among men who are pretty close. It can also be used by people who just pretend that they're close. (You know the celebrities who're in the public eye and they're just "cool" with everyone). You come in with the same 45-degree angle as the Soul Shake and then you pull the other guy in for a half-hug shoulder bump with the option of giving your friend a couple of pats on the back. Some believe that it's necessary to give the guy two firm pats on the back to let him know that you aren't attracted to him in any way. I guess that's just part of being a guy.

Full Man Hug. This type of greeting is reserved for a guy's very close friends or relatives. Be sure to make your intentions know early by spreading your arms wide so that you're not left hanging and feeling very awkward. Make sure you make it obvious what side you're going to so you don't God forbid, accidently touch cheeks or give an outsider the impression that you're kissing. Not that there's anything tragic about that but I'm sure most men wouldn't want to give that impression.

Head Nod. If none of the above options are suitable for you, there's something even simpler you can do. A simple head nod to acknowledge the other guy will do just fine. You can even add a "What's up?" or "How's it goin'?" if you see fit.

So there you go guys. When you greet other guys it doesn't have to be awkward at all. Just do whatever suits you so that you don't have to step out of your comfort zone. And if a guy should ever happen to try to go for a Full Man Hug when you're just trying to give a Fist Pound, well you're just going to have to handle that in your own way. I guess in that case one of the two of you will be embarrassed. In most cases, there won't be much awkwardness. Just be confident and be yourself. If you're that uncomfortable with your hand touching another guy's hand just go for the Head Nod. No harm, no foul and you're still acknowledged.