Celebrity ’shakes

Celebrity ’shakes

What would you do if, say, you ran into part-time Bedforder Mike Myers at the restroom of La Crémaillère? To approach or not to approach, that is the question. This much is clear: When you see David Letterman jogging in South Salem, never ever join him or holler, “run, Forrest, run.”  But if you see Mount Kisco’s Robert Kennedy Jr. at Starbucks, a good, firm handshake is perfectly within bounds. The only problem is, in the excitement of meeting a People regular, we unconsciously develop a vice-like grip. Here, the things you need to know to execute your shake like a pro:

Extend your hand and make sure you have web-to-web contact. The web is between your thumb and index finger. A solid shake commands respect.

Maintain eye contact but not with that starry-eyed, crazed
Fatal Attraction look, especially if you run into Glenn Close.

Be sure to shake from the elbow, not the wrist or the shoulder. After two pumps of the arm, let go of their hand.

Finally, say, “It’s a pleasure meeting you.” It’s OK tell them how much you like their work, but there’s no need to say, “I’m a big fan.” That much, my friend, is already apparent.

Melissa Leonard is an etiquette coach and mother of two extremely well-behaved children in Harrison. Visit her website at www.establishyourselfNY.com.