An old western expression that translates to, “we have a passing acquaintance but have never been formally introduced.” On the surface simple enough to be readily understand but I feel that there is a deeper meaning, embodied in the word “shook.”
The handshake was once the traditional way to seal a deal. It did much more than simply signal the end of a discussion and mark the point where the lawyers would begin their involvement. A man’s (generic, women are included) morals, ethics and honor were all tied together in that act of pressing the flesh.
A handshake implied promise, engendered expectation, held the possibility of disappointment and was not to be taken lightly. How things have changed.
A couple of years ago I had two old project cars taking up space in the back of our lot, a ’79 Pontiac firebird and an ’89 Camaro RS. I advertised them on Craig’s List for $500 apiece, hoping for a quick sale.
On the first day a guy showed up with his fifteen year old son in tow. He said that they were looking for a project, something that he and the boy could build together. The lad fell in love with the old Pontiac and a deal was struck. The only glitch was that I would have to wait a week for payment and so I agreed to hold the car.
Later the same day another buyer came by. I explained that the car was sold. His response was to offer $800 cash on the spot if I would sell it to him. He seemed confused and then angry when I said that I couldn’t take his money because I had already shook on the deal with the other fellow.
By no means do I hold myself out to be a paragon of virtue but I do believe that if you can put a price tag on ethics you might be missing out on some very important aspects of human interaction.
I miss those days when a handshake was the seal to a deal, not the arcane language hidden in the fine print of a contract. This computer age has pretty much reduced us all to ones and zeroes in a world where all corporations now hire people for the express purpose of finding ways to increase profitability without resorting to the bothersome task of rendering additional service.
I may be blowing against the wind but each time we shake on something I think that we should ask ourselves, is this a commitment or merely a gesture.
rixlibris 
I’ve never heard that phrase before. Thanks for a terrific read.
BB
And thanks for your comment. Your feedback is truly appreciated.
Gone are the days when a man’s word is his bond and like you say ethics has been chucked out of the window. Everything is for sale.
Not everything is for sale, dear Jackie. You aren’t on that list. Morals and ethics may be on the endangered list but I don’t think they will ever actually go extinct. A few voices crying in the wilderness will keep the positive alive pending some future “great reversal.”
I hope such voices never lose faith.
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I don’t know, although I hate to admit that there were times in my life when it was amazingly low. As we live we evolve and I certainly would not like to be judged solely on my past. My greatest accomplishment is that I no longer live there. Great question but no real answer until the test comes along.