---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is possible to tell things by a…"
description: "\"It is possible to tell things by a handshake. I like the \"looking in the eye\" syndrome. It conveys interest. I like the firm, though not bone crushing ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fb/george-h-w-bush-1459_bones_it-is-possible-to-tell-things-by-a-hands_1033596.png"
---

#  It is possible to tell things by a handshake. I like the…

![“It is possible to tell things by a handshake. I like the &quot;looking in the eye&quot; syndrome. It conveys interest. I like the firm, though not bone crushing shake. The bone crusher is trying too hard to &quot;macho it.&quot; The clammy or diffident handshake — fairly or unfairly — get me off to a bad start with a…” quote by George H. W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fb/george-h-w-bush-1459_bones_it-is-possible-to-tell-things-by-a-hands_1033596.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fb/george-h-w-bush-1459_bones_it-is-possible-to-tell-things-by-a-hands_1033596.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fb/george-h-w-bush-1459_bones_it-is-possible-to-tell-things-by-a-hands_1033596.png)

> “It is possible to tell things by a handshake. I like the "looking in the eye" syndrome. It conveys interest. I like the firm, though not bone crushing shake. The bone crusher is trying too hard to "macho it." The clammy or diffident handshake — fairly or unfairly — get me off to a bad start with a person.”

[George H. W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-h-w-bush/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A handshake signals intent; a firm, confident grip shows respect, while a weak or overly aggressive one creates distrust.

**In simple terms:** Handshake style reflects confidence and respect.

Key Takeaway

Choose a firm but gentle handshake.

Themes

communication first impressions trust

Mood

professional cautious

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

- business meetings
- networking events
- interviews
- first dates

Key Concepts

social signaling body language confidence

Questions to Reflect On

- How does your handshake affect others' perception of you?
- What other cues reinforce trust?

A Different Perspective

A handshake alone cannot guarantee lasting rapport; follow‑up behavior matters.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Bones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bones/) [Crush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crush/) [Diffident Handshake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/diffident-handshake-2375640/) [Eye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eye/) [Firm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firm/) [Handshake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/handshake/) [Handshake Fairly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/handshake-fairly-2375638/) [Handshake Like](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/handshake-like-2375637/) [Hard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hard/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Macho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/macho/) [Persons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persons/) [Shakes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shakes/) [Syndromes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/syndromes/) [Things Handshake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/things-handshake-2375639/) [Touch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/touch/) [Trying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trying/) [Trying too hard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trying-too-hard/)

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