Why My Daughter’s Boyfriend’s Weak Handshake Has Me Worried
Have you ever met someone new and immediately felt like something was off? Maybe it was the way they carried themselves, or perhaps it was something as simple as a handshake that didn’t quite hit the mark. In today’s “Panic Button,” we dive into a situation that’s all too relatable for many parents—meeting your child’s significant other for the first time. Our caller, Jeff, shares his concerns about his daughter’s boyfriend, but it’s not his character or background that’s causing the issue; it’s his handshake. Could something as small as a handshake really be a dealbreaker?
Jonathan
Country 102.5, Jonathan and Ayla doing Panic Button. Today for Panic Button, we have Jeff. Hey, Jeff!
Jeff
Hey, how’s it going?
Jonathan
Well, you’ve got a bit of a problem that you just can’t seem to shake off. What’s going on, Jeff?
Jeff
Alright, let’s just get straight to it. I just met my daughter’s boyfriend, and he’s got kind of a weak handshake.
Jonathan
OK. Can you set this up a bit more? Like, did you just meet him?
Ayla
You just get straight to the point—I love it!
Jonathan
That’s a good one.
Jeff
Yeah, I showed up, we shook hands, and it’s just one of the first things I noticed, especially in a young man dating my daughter, you know?
Ayla
OK, what did it feel like when he shook your hand? What was that like?
Jonathan
Yeah, when you shook your own hand, that would have felt weird.
Jeff
There was nothing to it. Just a weak handshake from a weak young man. A handshake is supposed to be strong and have an impact.
Jonathan
I mean, maybe it was just a one-off thing. Sometimes you go in and it’s awkward—I’ve had that happen with guys before. You go to shake hands, and it’s like, “Oh wait, let’s try that again.” Sometimes there’s a timing issue, but yeah.
Ayla
I totally agree. But did you redo it?
Jonathan
Did you at least give him a second chance?
Jeff
Yes, and it happened again.
Jonathan
Oh, so it was twice? The beginning and the end of the evening, I’m assuming?
Ayla
OK, so what’s the problem? Did your daughter find out about this, or what’s the issue?
Jonathan
Yeah.
Jeff
The problem is I don’t think my daughter should be dating a young man who can’t even manage a proper handshake.
Ayla
OK, I kind of agree with Jeff because I’ll tell you what—one time, my dad met a guy I was dating after my divorce, and he shook his hand. Afterward, my dad was like…
Jeff
Yes?
Ayla
“I didn’t feel it with that handshake.”
Jonathan
Oh my God. But your dad’s also…
Ayla
I was like, dude…
Jonathan
He shook hands for a living.
Ayla
He does. So I think he’s a good judge of a handshake. I don’t know if you’ve ever shaken my dad’s hand though.
Jonathan
Really?
Ayla
Yeah, I wouldn’t do it.
Jonathan
No, I’d be like, “No, I’m not doing this.” You do this professionally. It’d be like if your husband challenged me to a hockey game—no way.
Ayla
Yeah, don’t do it. You’re not winning that one.
Jonathan
So, Jeff, I kind of get what you’re saying in a weird way. I wouldn’t want to hear it if I were your daughter, but I understand.
Jonathan
But did you bring this up with anyone, or are you just telling us?
Jeff
No, I brought it up. But you know how it goes—my daughter doesn’t agree, doesn’t understand why it’s a big deal. My wife kind of sides with my daughter, and that’s just how things are going.
Jonathan
Alright, well, let’s see what the audience thinks. Call us at 888-819-1025. How important is a firm handshake for a man? Call or text at 888-819-1025. Jeff, thanks so much.
Jeff
Alright, thank you.
