I hate shaking hands. It's not a germ thing - I just don't like being obligated to touch strangers. I avoid it if I can but I wouldn't so no to a handshake because people seem so put off by a refusal. Any suggestions on how I can refuse a handshake in a polite way? And no, I will not move to China.
2006-11-09 04:40:42 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Put your hands in your pockets, nod and smile and say Nice to Meet You. I hate touching strangers also, especially those who want to hug me when I don't even know them. Ecch!
I also met a woman once who could not shake hands because of arthritis, and she just came out and said "Sorry, I don't shake hands--arthritis!"
2006-11-09 06:12:20 · answer #1 · answered by CrankyYankee 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not neccesarily a germaphobe, but I really don't like shaking hands either. Other people are disgusting. I typically keep my hands behind my back and smile and incline my head, which usually works. It sends the message that you are receptive and friendly but not a "touchy-feely" person. A pat on the shoulder can sometimes work well also. Some people will be offended regardless. I don't know why some people are offended at the fact that a stranger won't touch them. If it's a business situation, it might come off a tad rude, but you could always say "I'm sorry I'd shake your hand but I'm coming down with something. I seem to get everyone sick." That implies that you're concerned about hygiene and about the person you're meeting. Just always smile and be friendly. You don't owe people an explanation.
2016-05-22 00:35:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is perfectly alright to not want to shalke hands, I don't particularly like to shake hands either and it is not a germ thing.
You don't have to move from China, but take a lesson from them. When offered a handshake, put your hands together and give a slight bow, - it does not have to be deep, even an obvious slow nod of the head might work. Most people will understand this as an acknowledgement and return of their greeting and not be offended. You might have a few who are confused or offended- but I have learned in life tat no matter what you do and what your intentions are someone will always be offended over something- don't sweat it. There are many that don't care for handshakes and I think many sweat through it because they know no other way- practice your greeting and you may wind up putting others at ease over it also.
Hope this helps,
God bless!
2006-11-09 05:18:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, I have no suggestions about avoiding a handshake. My suggestion is that you get over your desire not to extend the courtesy of shaking hands when meeting another person. If you don't have a germ phobia you have no excuse. It's a polite thing to do. Simple as that.
2006-11-09 06:16:55 · answer #4 · answered by stimply 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is rude to refuse a handshake (in Western cultures). The handshake, in its most fundamental form, is an expression of trust in the other person (it began as a way to prove that neither person was carrying a concealed knife or was about to reach for their sword). So it is very understandable that people would be "off-put" or insulted by your refusal.
It's perfectly all right not to like being touched by strangers, or being touched much by anyone, but there comes a point when it moves from "dislike" to "phobia," from "preference" to "psychological condition." The easiest way to tell when that tipping point occurs is to ask yourself, "Is this interfering or causing problems in my daily life?" By your description, it is. I strongly recommend that you speak with your doctor to select an appropriate therapist who can help you deal with your condition before it gets out of control. Good luck.
2006-11-09 04:55:57 · answer #5 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I hear you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have arthritis in my right hand and fingers. Do you have any idea how much a handshake hurts me? I don't ordinarily like to lie but in this case tell them you can't shake hands because of the pain. You won't put them off with an explanation like that.
2006-11-09 06:38:07 · answer #6 · answered by pinkrosegreeneyes bluerose 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On occasion, you might be able to get away with "I'm sorry, I'm just getting over a cold so I won't shake your hand, but it's very nice to meet you!"
But if you use this all the time, people will start to think you're weird.
Shaking hands is such a big part of our social customs, you'd better get over it, and fast. Just be glad we don't live in a kiss-on-the-cheek culture!
2006-11-09 08:08:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you're in a business situation, it's something you'll have to do.
If it's something that just comes up from time to time, you can simply smile and say, "Please excuse me if I don't shake hands, but I think I may have a touch of something." This is a very common thing to say. It won't work with someone more than once, though.
2006-11-09 07:50:51 · answer #8 · answered by EQ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have it!....I tend to have sweaty palms...and when someone is going to shake my hand...I just say " (As I am wiping my hands on the front of my legs, or sleeves or whatever)..Oh sorry...I have sweaty palms". They appear to be fine with not shaking hands....
Even if you don't have sweaty palms....it might work for you too.
P.S. You could say "I would be willing to do a friendly kiss....lol...I bet they would be willing to let you off the hook!"
2006-11-09 06:07:46 · answer #9 · answered by ticklemeblue 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes dude that is rude! I do not like touching people's hands either. Who knows they could of just picked their nose, butt, or ear or even just jerked off, or their hands smell like fish. GROSS! But you must shake hands, maybe put some anti-bacterial stuff in your pocket or like I do wash my hands like 50 times a day.
2006-11-09 05:47:07 · answer #10 · answered by tramany77 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋