Do Handshakes Matter Anymore

Growing up, I'm pretty sure all of us were told about the importance of a good firm handshake and how much that tells the person you're shaking with.  Doesn't seem to be much value placed on it anymore because lots of people that I've shaken hands with in previous months- from sales people to colleagues to executives to people conducting interviews have that limp fish handshake that leaves you thinking this person needs to be gored by the luchadeer.
 
Now I'm not advocating the 'I'm an alpha male' handshake crush of doom, but put a little muscle behind it.
 
Thoughts?

Handshakes are still going strong in northern Sweden.

Of course they matter. 

I couldn't trust a person who gave a weak handshake

Whether they matter or not I still like to keep the tradition going! Plus a lot of my job interviews begin with a firm friendly handshake so they're definitely still.. practiced... in the UK.  I think they're just not as commonplace anymore because of the new generation and the rise of social awkwardness amongst society, lessening the use of physical contact for greetings. I mean I'm apart of that ever-growing issue, but fortunately I've still grown adept to giving a solid handshake. 
 
Not to mention that a handshake is probably enough to file a lawsuit for sexual harassment these days in the work place as well. /hyperbole

I try to open every introduction with a handshake, so it still matters to me.

I tend to use handshakes as a sign of respect when parting ways with somebody. Mine is not firm however.

For job interviews yes it is.

It's important. A wet, limp handshake tells you what you need to know.

Handshakes are a sign of politeness and maturity here in the south.  
Every time you meet someone new or someone you haven't seen in a while, you shake their hand.  Same thing when you're saying bye to them.
If you don't it's considered impolite, and some people find it insulting.

Yes they do, it is polite.

Of course they matter. 

In Texas handshakes are a competition of who can squeeze harder.

Handshakes are the basis for our society.

Even as a female, I feel that it's stupid to give a really lackluster, feather-light handshake.  What kind of respect does that command from someone?  I prefer to give a firm handshake, but I also have to be careful not to be so firm that people think I'm... butch.

                    I try to open every introduction with a handshake, so it still matters to me.

                   

               

One of my girlfriend's male friends badmouthed me behind my back after I gave him a firm handshake, claiming, "(I) tried to break (his) fucking hand!" What a pathetic jackass. 

Nothing yells strength and confidence like a firm handshake. 

Handshakes, like facial hair, are one of the few remaining measures of a man. Yes they matter, and they always will.

I don't think they matter, it's just something people feel like they have to do out of "tradition".

Man, handshakes are a joke sometimes. The last job interview I went to, the guy extended his hand and I squeezed it like you're supposed to do. What did he do? Nothing. He just stood there with his hand open. That was a really half-assed effort. How the hell do you fuck up a handshake?

One of my girlfriend's male friends badmouthed me behind my back after I gave him a firm handshake, claiming, "(I) tried to break (his) fucking hand!" What a pathetic jackass. 

I have to shake quite lightly because I'm told that when I shake I crush... I'm only 16 so my hands shouldn't be that destructive. I can crush the shells of nuts with my grasp... I'm also an artist  :)

Yes they matter.  I do trade shows now and then, and sales for a construction company.  When I'm meeting someone, and before I leave (or before they leave the booth at a trade show) its always expected.  When you sign a contract with someone it's especially important.  IMO a handshake shows respect, and confidence, from both parties.  Its amazing how fast you can judge someone from a weak handshake.  It doesn't have to be bone crushing, but a polite, firm handshake is very important.  

Handshakes are a big deal to me. It shows confidence, strength, and trust. When someone fails to give a fair handshake, I show less initiative towards them.

I try to open every introduction with a handshake, so it still matters to me.

I find judging someone based on a handshake is as stupid as judging someone just cause they like videogames. If anything I'd be more prone to showing less respect to people who judge others based on trivial things than someone who gives a weak handshake.

Firm handshakes are critical for men to master. First impressions are everything. Every male I know with weak handshakes also have weak personalities, unconfident, and physically unfit. I'm not saying that if your can't provide a firm handshake you're a bad person. However, every instance in which I have been given a half-assed handshake has been given by weaker individuals.  

It's a silly, superficial thing to base your opinion on someone off of.   
 
But we are a silly, superficial species.

@ZimboDK: Maybe you just gave a really piss poor interview and that's all he felt you deserved.   Like, the 'I'm not hiring this clown so why bother giving him a good handshake' handshake?

I have a weak handshake.

My handshake is firm.   
 
Just because it's a stupid practice, doesn't mean I don't know how to go along with it.   

I keep reading this topic as "Do Milkshakes Matter Anymore". 
 
...and my answer is yes!

I try to open every introduction with a handshake, so it still matters to me.

They matter?

Handshakes are part of body language, something which is more important than spoken language when meeting people face to face. My handshakes are good, firm, sometimes even have a little swing in them if it's for an especially good occasion like striking a very good trade in which case I also have a smile on my lips. When some joe gives me a sloppy weak limp-wristed handshake the alpha male genes in me see a little pup that just flopped over on his back and to show me his vulnerable underside as to say "You are the boss".
 
I consider handshakes to be like that rise a glass and smile after taking a shot deal after a toast while out drinking, I am a master of those. Could go on forever about body language, will just say - observe yourself as you go about your normal life and interact with people, and how they interact with you. Good communication will get you places in business and pleasure.

Handshakes are still pretty widely used and considered important in Finland and i always like to give a good grip with a light shake, because it can feel silly if you shake too hard .

Only in business or competition, outside of that, the handshake isn't something I partake in very often.

I don't find shaking someone's hand because it's the first time I met them really means anything. However, if we're shaking on a deal or something, it damn well fucking better.

Yes, having a good, firm handshake is important. It is also important not to overdo it. When I shake a dudes hand and he is trying to grind my knuckles to powder, it immediately makes me think he is insecure and is trying to over-compensate. It is him trying to assert his dominance through muscled force. When they do it, there is often also a slightly crazy gleam in their eye that says, "YEAH, HOW YOU LIKE DAT?"  
 
So the crushing handshake shows exactly the same thing as the limp and fishy handshake. It shows weakness. The limp and fishy shows physical weakness that is unaware of it, but the crushing handshake shows a mental weakness that is trying to make up for it with force. 
 
Find the middle ground and just be firm and steady.

It's the safest way to tell if you're dealing with a chronic masturbator.  

I hate limp handshakes, I want to just destroy their limpy shitty hand.