The Gripe Report Proposes 50% Collared-Shirt Rule for Handshakes

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 24

A new Gripe Report installment argues social etiquette needs clearer rules, centering on handshakes, daps and hugs that the writer says are guessed correctly only 60% to 70% of the time.
The proposed fix is a simple handshake standard for more formal settings—defined as places where at least 50% of nearby people wear collared shirts—to reduce awkward mixed signals.
The column extends that complaint to other routine encounters, endorsing a quick head nod after an accidental second goodbye and mocking the cringe of replying "you too" after "enjoy your food."
Elevator small talk gets the harshest treatment, with the writer blaming forced chatter and oversharing—online and offline—for turning brief shared spaces into unnecessary social performances.