The Handshake Completion Rule
THE RULE
Commit to the greeting you start: grip, dap, fist bump, or hug—do not abandon the other man halfway through.
WHAT THIS MEANS
A failed greeting traps two adults in twelve seconds of improvised hand choreography. Confidence ends the incident faster.
WHEN IT DOES NOT APPLY
- An injury prevents the expected motion
- The other man changes the greeting without warning
- Health precautions call for a no-contact greeting
EXAMPLES
- VIOLATION: You offer a handshake, switch to a fist bump mid-contact, then blame him for the finger collision.
- NO VIOLATION: You see the dap coming, match it, release cleanly, and continue the conversation.