If someone refuses to shake your hand after you offer to shake theirs, how do you handle that?Address it?What?

Answer 1

move on, the other person may have some reason, if you are too curious, ask

Answer 2

I would just drop my hands and then, depending on situations :
1. Smoothly continue the conversation (and make it short!) with a smile, or
2. Gracefully discontinue the conversation and then leave with a smile


Some individuals do not like handshakes because of several reasons:
1. Our hands have a lot of germs - these people are afraid of getting more germs and dirt from your hands (especially if you have sweaty palms); or vice versa.. These people are normally "overly" obsessive with hygiene.

2. Some Muslim women do not give handshakes to any men (whether Muslim men or not) in any situation at all.. In Malaysia, some of these Muslim women would even wear thick gloves even for accepting / returning tickets and monetary changes.. And no, they will not extend their hands for a handshake to men.. Some extreme situations are that they use gloves / handkerchiefs to even hold hands with their partners..

3. Some women (I'm not just referring to Muslim women now) may not want to shake hands with some men, especially if they know that the person has no good intentions.. If they feel that they should not risk their safety, they will not extend their hand for a handshake..

4. In some cultures, the people not used to handshakes.. In most Western cultures, I guess it would be alrite to have handshakes.. But in some cultures, they greet you with the clasping of palms together or they bow to you, but not with handshakes..

5. Though this reason is very unlikely, it might still happen in a few cases - perhaps, these people just dislike you are.. Maybe especially so if you're a salesperson.. Or maybe if he/she had some kind of conflict with you in the past, and he/she refuses to reconcile with you.. If I were to be in this situation, I'd just give a little smile and then just walk away..


The important thing is, don't take it too personal and remember not to offer shaking hands with the same person(s) again in the next time (unless he/she has a change of mind and offers shaking hands with you).. Brush it off quickly to let the person know you're not at all offended.. Because if you're offended by that, most people will perceive that you have a very weak personality.. Also, don't forget to smile - it's better to be courteous (and virtuous) than not at all - it also shows that you have no hard feelings for the person(s) eventhough he/she has refused the handshake.. =)

Answer 3

It is very good you offered to shake hand. At the same time you don't take it in the negative sense if you doesn't reciprocate shaking. May be he had some reason not to do it so.

I had just exactly a similar example and I straight away asked him why he did not reciprocate. He said he is suffering from eczema in his palms and so did not shake hand. I felt very sad and apologized. The friendship is continuing very well.

So watch him and ind out the reason and after analysing his motive act suitably.

Answer 4

Stop offerring your hand. Hold a book or something, or touch the person lightly on the forearm if you must have physical contact. Have you never noticed how many people dash in and out of public restrooms without washing their hands? Sneezed before opening a door? Have you never seen all the commercials that tell us that the primary way to spread colds is by puting your hands to your nose or mouth? This isn't germophobic, it's trying to minimize your exposure to the little beasties. Emulate the other people.

Answer 5

It depends where you are - in some countries you don't offer your hand unless they do first, but if it is a normal habit where you are and was done by someone of your own culture then it could be taken as an insult especially in such situations as an introduction to someone at a office or event. If you are a stranger to someone and if you just introduce yourself just like that, then it is normal for someone to refuse to shake your hand.

Answer 6

I have refused to shake someones hand before . It was a salesman I never met , I'm female by the way, and he put his hand out for a shake. I personally disagree with the American way of women being expected to shake a strange mans extended hand. I think it is classless and rude. If the woman chooses to hold her hand out first then that is a different story. Anyway, I gave him the line 'forgive me if I don't shake hands' and he continued to hold it out for several seconds as if he didn't hear me. In my opinion he should have excused himself and continued with his business.

Answer 7

I know there are people who do not shake hands. However, it is very rude of them not to say that. A simple, "I am sorry, I don't shake hands," would do fine. No one would be embarrassed that way. The other way is sooooooo rude I can't even describe how I feel about it.

Answer 8

think what would embarrass you the most if you did that to someone else... I would draw reference to the fact that they arent shaking my hand - - that puts the embarrassment on them for not shaking it - as against you for not having your hand shook by them. either do it in an irritated way - i.e. 'is there something wrong?' or 'arent you in the mood to be polite'? or make a joke out of it - 'are you afraid my hands are sweaty'? or 'have you figured out a new and better way to greet people politely? i still shake hands you know.,..'

Bottom line is they look stupid for not shaking yours...so its their problem not yours. Anyone who doesnt view it that way is not worthy of your hand anyway.

I just read the one above mine (exema etc) and they make a very valid point I would not have thought of. Nice one...

Answer 9

Just ignore it. Some people have a real dislike of shaking others hands.

Answer 10

Don't be offended. Remove your hand. Assume it is not personal and join the conversation.

There are many reasons for someone not shaking hands with you. Mentally unstable is one, not a custom for them, health reasons, females have only recently been expected to shake hands (but are still often exempt), they just don't shake hands.

Answer 11

Make a choice you can be proud of, not embarrassed about, later. Don't automatically get offended and react rudely or immaturely. There is likely a good reason for someone to do such a thing in our culture. You'll eventually find out the reason and reacting with class will be your best move.