Gilded Age Hand-Shaking Manners

 

The more public the place of introduction, the less hand-shaking takes place.

The etiquette of hand-shaking is simple. No man should assume to take a lady’s hand until it is offered. A lady extends her hand and allows the gentleman to take it. On introduction in a room, a married lady generally shakes hands; young ladies not often. In the ball-room, where the introduction is for dancing, not for friendship, never shake hands. The more public the place of introduction, the less hand-shaking takes place.– Chicago Herald, 1885

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