Body Language of Wrench Forward Handshake
Cue: Wrench Forward Handshake
Synonym(s): N/A
Description: Unlike the thrust forward handshake, the wrench forward handshaker will pull people into their personal space. It happens during a normal handshake except that a person pulls sharply toward them. This puts the other person off balance, forcing them to fall inward.
In One Sentence: The wrench forward handshake signals that a person wants to pull another in closer so they can control them.
How To Use it: Use the wrench forward handshake to show that you are not prepared to let someone out of your sight. Tell them you are keeping a close eye on them by pulling them into your personal space. This body language serves as a fair warning that insubordination will not be tolerated.
Context: General.
Verbal Translation: “I like you so much that I’m going to pull you into my personal space so we can be more intimate, besides if you stay close I can keep a better eye on you and control you better.”
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: Bob liked Doug very much, but the sentiment was not reciprocal. When they shook hands, Doug reached out and away from his body, but as soon as Bob got a good grip, he pulled him and close almost making him fall. Doug laughed it off, but made a note to avoid shaking hands with him next time if possible.
Meaning and/or Motivation: This is done by people who require less personal space than normal.
People who shakes hands in this way are also trying to control the other person by moving them into their personal space against their will. They feel that they can influence them more efficiently by making them uncomfortable. They are also setting the other person off balance making them unable to properly respond.
Another variation exists where someone might pull you forward toward a chair, or move you to the side of the room as desired. Someone that shakes hands like this is trying to set the tone for the relationship by controlling where you move next. Obviously, this is a sign that they want to dominate you.
Cue Cluster: The wrench forward handshaker will usually find other ways to control through intimacy such as getting closer and invading personal space, touching the back arms or hands while talking and so forth.
Body Language Category: Aggressive body language, Dominant body language, Excited body language, Intimate touching, Power play, Space invasion, Social touching.
Resources:
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