east side bride added “A firm handshake” to the High WASP code of conduct. Yes. I think our handshakes get so firm in part because we start shaking hands with adults when we are only six. Six year olds have to shake hands very firmly when their handshake partners are large men or their little handies will get crushed.
My sister added, in an email to me, “Never complain.” However, as long as you complain in a very ironic manner and don’t use “lay” for “lie” or “I” for “me”, it’s probably OK. My sister also told me I spelled tableclothes wrong. It’s tablecloths. My sister is a good egg. That’s the kind of thing High WASPs used to say.