President Donald Trump has recently shed light on a huge problem which the world is facing: awkward handshakes. On February 10, Trump met with the prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. After taking a seat in the president’s office, the two put out their hands for embrace. The shake lasted an entire 19 seconds and captured the attention of the internet as well as news watchers across the United States. After this historic handshake, society has realized that one awkward shake of the hand can ruin everything.

“Everybody has been the victim of an awkward handshake; those are the worst ever”, said Desert Vista freshman Zane Kent about being the victim of awkward handshakes.

This isn’t just the case with Kent. Most everybody I interviewed claimed the same thing. One freshman told me that you can’t prevent them, and that it’s simply a part of life. A number of websites claim they can inform you on how to stop these handshakes from happening in the first place. While this may seem valuable when reading the article, many interviewees felt that this advice simply doesn’t come to mind when greeting someone. Kent also added that instead of trying to make a proper decision during a handshake, it is easier to completely avoid shaking hands in the first place.

“You always let them make the first move”, said fellow freshman Braeden Belnap when asked about how to prevent awkward handshakes.

This tip is commonly found on the websites which give advice about handshakes. When going to meet someone new, it is suggested that you let who you are meeting initiate embrace. From there you can make the proper decision between a standard handshake or a bro-hug. Belnap referred to it as being on “defense” as opposed to “offense”.

When asked about go-to handshakes, almost every interviewee described theirs as firm and natural, while maintaining eye-contact. The only extra advice from the group was provided by Kent, whom suggested not to mess up the first handshake with someone because it can give them the impression that you’re a “loser”.