Could I ask that you expand on this, Jeeves? I am one of those alpha gorillas but unintentionally so. I was raised in a family where the handshake was a symbol of confidence and assurance to the other shaker that you are a real man. I do not go out of my way to death grip those who I meet, but at six foot two, 275 lb., you have to expect that I am not going to offer up a limp-wristed, half-hearted shake.
I am actually appalled at how many businessmen and women eschew the handshake as outdated. I recently met our new CIO, who is considerably shorter than me, and when I shook his hand, I felt like I was going to break his arm. His reciprocating shake was about as enthusiastic as Obama on Christianity.
Why would you go so far as to avoid someone who gave you a hearty handshake? Or are you speaking specifically about the gents who shake so hard that your fingers do not even bend?
And for the record, I agree with the rest of your post wholeheartedly. *offers hand for a shake*
I’m speaking of intentional infliction of pain. All a handshake is supposed to be is proof that neither party has weapons in their hands. There is nothing friendly about applying a death grip - it says “ I might have to shake your hand, you bastard, but I don’t have to like it!” And the other party might have arthritis or hand problems. If hurts them - for whatever reason - you’re doing it wrong. :)