What is the etiquette?

Question

Let's say I am at a business meeting where food has been served and we are eating while we meet. Someone arrives late and offers to shake my hand. This seems very unsanitary and inconvenient for me if I have excuse myself to wash my hands again. Can I claim a handshake exemption in this case?

Answer 1

Absolutely not!
Everyone is at the restaurant to meet, build relationships & socialize. Food is not really the reson for being there. You are there for business, how do you want to be remembered? As the person who was too busy getting a free meal to be polite or as the courteous professional who realized the late co-worker/friend is more important than a bowl of soup

Answer 2

No, you have to shake hands. Otherwise it would be considered very rude. Did you NOT see the Sienfield where Eliens boss didn't shake hands, lost the deal and she lost her job? If you are that conserned, carry hand sanitizer (you can get a trial size bottle that will fit in your pocket) and use it after..discretely, of course

Answer 3

I'd say only if you were actually eating something with your hands like ribs, chicken, appetizers....Otherwise, wipe your hand with the napkin and shake....Or if you feel funny about it just say something like: "I'd love to shake your hand but not until after I've washed up-you don't want to smell like chicken(or whatever you're eating).

Answer 4

Sure. Just say,'sorry, I'm eating'. But still touch the person, like clap him on the back or shoulder, but not the forearm. Be sure to shake his/her hand after you're done eating and washing.

Answer 5

I have always believed that it was still polite to excuse yourself from a hand shake when your hands are dirty. I don't see why not.

Answer 6

no exemption -- shake his hand and wipe your hand discretely on a napkin.