Any tips for getting my gerbils to like me

I got them a few months ago, and they just don't seem to like being held. They squirm and oush to get out. When I bought them, I was told to hold them right away when I got home, which I thought was wrong because they may have been stressed out. So, now how can I improve my relationship with my gerbils?

ps. I have 2 boys. Alfie and Gilbert

On the contrary, male gerbils fight less than females. You can look up many cases where an owner of female gerbils has left for some groceries or whatnot, and come back to find one or more of their gerbils dead. Females seem to be the more aggressive.

Males will squabble with each other, but a few hours of separation will make them lonely for each other and ready to be friends again. I've not seen this behavior until they are getting old (2 years or more).

If your gerbils don't like to be cuddled that's normal. Gerbils are highly active, and unless they are old and rickety(I have 2 like that) they will not want to sit still anywhere for long. If you place your hand palm up and flat in the cage, with a small treat for each, they will get over their fear and skittishness of your hand quickly.

Also, since they don't like to be cuddled and restrained, a good way to get them to enjoy your presence is to let them crawl on your shirt and back, once you and they are confident enough to allow this. Smarter gerbils will learn to crawl to your shoulder on command(usually a certain sound, I say "Up,up,up!")