A Brave Handshake?

Is it always brave or even appropriate to shake hands? - Perhaps.

My thoughts on handshaking

Aside from the many different ways of doing it, there are also many other socio-cultural variations to the gesture or the absence of it.

But according to the circumstance and whose hand it is, sometimes it is more respectful and considerate not to touch the hand. This allows for reservation and social decorum. 

In such situations, the handshake may be replaced by a look or a certain glance, and those are more subtle but the energy of the greeting and accompanied consideration of the person are transmitted all the same. In most such situations the palms of the hand are joined in prayer position with a bow of the head. However, the eye contact and the moderate bow along with the appropriate salutation word(s) can also suffice, all depending. 

These are norms in some cultures and many so called spiritual societies. And, sometimes in non co-ed communities between males and females it is standard to not freely mingle and maintain a respectful distance in their respective postures.

Also, sometimes a person is qualified on account of their association, and they will be approached and greeted accordingly.