Body Language of Stiff Arm and Thrust Forward Handshake
Cue: Stiff Arm and Thrust Forward Handshake
Synonym(s): N/A
Description: The stiff arm thrust forward happens when someone grabs your hand then pushes you backwards putting you off balance.
In One Sentence: The stiff arm thrust forward handshake is usually done by a person who wants to maintain their personal space and is not afraid to say so.
How To Use it: Use the stiff arm thrust forward handshake when you want to keep a person out of your personal space. The signal will help you express your desire for more space and to show them not to encroach on you. This sort of handshake is mostly suited to those who desire more than average level of personal space such as those living in the country.
Context: General.
Verbal Translation: “I need more space than you do and I’m not afraid to move you out of my personal space bubble by pushing you away.”
Variant: See Country Handshake (The), Cold Dead Wet Fish Handshake, Double Gripper Politician Handshake or Double Hander (The), Short Grabber/Finger Grabber Handshake, Oddball Handshake, Palm Up, Palm Down and Palm Even Handshakes, Stiff Arm And Thrust Forward Handshake, Death Grip Handshake, Wrench Forward Handshake, Undershaker Handshake, Wrist Hold Handshake, Wrist Hold Handshake and Upper Arm Grip Handshake, Limp Fish Handshake, Teacup Handshake, Arm Twister Handshake (The), Firm handshake, Fist Bumping.
Cue In Action: It was rare for the two salesman to be in the same office together as it was the busy season and both were aggressively campaigning to grow into new sectors. When they shook hands it was clear that one of them didn’t condone the others aggressive tactics. He made a point of going over and saying his peace. When he shook hands – he squeezed firmly and pushed him back and away, making it clear that he was overstepping his boundaries.
Meaning and/or Motivation: It’s a common occurrence for those trying to maintain their distance. Take for example a “city slicker” and a “country farmer” who meet for the first time. The farmer might accept the handshake even though a wave would be more appropriate for their comfort and to keep his space will push his arm forward shoving the city slicker back.
This sort of handshake can happen anytime a person requires more space than their partner and this isn’t always people from the country.
Cue Cluster: Expect the stiff arm handshake to be coupled with authoritative or aggressive body language such as arms akimbo or the cowboy stance, expressionless or stern facial expressions, moving to quieter locations out of the way and a reserved demeanor unless provoked.
Body Language Category: Aggressive body language, Authoritative body language, Defensive , Dislike (nonverbal), Distancing or moving away, Dominant body language, Escape movements, Guiding body language, Hostile body language, Power play, Space invasion, Stubborn or stubbornness, Social touching, Threat displays.
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