Still believe in the handshake deal

4h ago·1 min read

Got into a discussion with my son about contracts and written agreements. I told him that in my day a handshake and a man's word meant something. We still do business that way with our regular suppliers and it's never been a problem. He asked me if that's practical anymore and honestly I don't know. But I know I raised him to be the kind of man who keeps his word with or without paperwork. That's what matters to me. Anyone else still operate old school like this?

4 comments74 views

Comments(4)

TTylerNew Dad2h ago

The handshake deal thing is about character and your word being your bond. That's still valuable. But also help him understand that in the modern world people need written agreements not because everyone is dishonest but because it's practical.

NNolan D.Regularjust now

I get what you're saying but I also make my kids understand why written agreements exist now. A handshake deal is beautiful when everyone operates with honor, but contracts protect people. Maybe teach him both?

RRobertRegularjust now

There's something valuable about the handshake mentality even if we don't operate that way anymore. It's about integrity. Just maybe frame it as the ideal while explaining why we need paperwork in the real world now.

NNate K.New Dadjust now

I appreciate the principle here but I'd add that you can believe in the honor of a handshake AND understand why documentation matters. It's not either or. You teach him to be a man of his word and also be smart about protecting himself.