I work in an INCREDIBLY male dominated industry and because of that I find myself regularly checking to make sure I still use the correct etiquette for a lady. I am a huge believer in the proper manners, respect and of course etiquette. The very biggest issue is something I have only just thought about lately. Surprisingly it’s the handshake. Yep, it doesn’t seem like something you’d think twice about but your handshake can say a lot about you. A simple gesture that lasts merely seconds can convey a lot about you to another person.

There are many, many things that are appropriate and very inappropriate for a women even in this day and age. I’m all for feminism but I endeavour to always act like a lady. This handshake realisation came over me when I was telling my husband how some people shake your hand limply and I felt it was weird. He proceeded to tell me that women usually don’t have even a remotely strong handshake and that’s probably why some men shake hands with a women gently. I suddenly became hyper aware of my handshake. What if I shake hands like a man? As stupid as it sounds, I was horrified to think I had a ‘bloke’ handshake. I can’t rationalise my feelings on this but it got me thinking.

There are a million contradicting actions involved in acting correctly in public if you’re a female. It is exhausting trying to remember to every single appropriate action in public. From a gentle handshake (which I assume portrays how feminine your are?) to walking anywhere with soft steps, hands gently by your side, shoulders back, head held high and delicate paces. It’s exhausting just thinking about it.

I’m inclined to actually google the correct way for a woman to shake hands with someone – yes I think I have gone crazy. It is these moments in my life that inspires the actions of my characters in my writing. From every situation in life we can take away something that will inspire our thoughts because after all, the best books are those that capture the essence of real life in their pages.

I added a funny photo just for those men out there that need some handshake tips 😉