Getting a grip

I have been a little quiet this week on the blog - but that is solely down to the Channel Awards and the first round of judging taking away all my time. It was certainly a fair old job.

But I'll take the opportunity once more to say congrats to all our shortlisters - an achievement to be proud of considering the standard of entry this year.

Anyway moving away from the awards for one second (please!!) I saw some research today that said the strength of your handshake determines whether you are set for a long and happy life.

I'm not sure exactly how this correlates with anything - but according to this research if you have a nice, firm handshake you will live longer than those with a weaker grip.

Now I'm sure it is much worse for men who have to put up with macho posturing every now and again, but I've met a few people over the years that think it is necessary to squeeze the life out of your hand when you meet, leaving it blue and tingling when they finally let go.

Nothing wrong with a firm handshake at all - but there is a limit. So far I have managed to resist saying 'ouch'.....and have controlled the winces quite well.

However I would rather endure that initial hand cramping pain at the beginning of the meeting rather than a wet fish-style effort which sees you grasp a limp, sweaty hand that has the grip of a grab-claw game at an arcade. That is even more cringeworthy!