Should Ihand shake with guys?

Question

Being from India(Asian Country )I feel shy to hand shake with guys. Is there any other good way to greet a man.

Answer 1

I've met a lot of people who don't shake hands. When introduced, the usually bow their head slightly and nod. Sometimes they'll gently hold both hands in front of themselves with a little nod (as if to say Namaste). If you're a lady, men should not extend their hand to you anyway- it's bad etiquette.

Answer 2

It is good etiquitte for a man to allow a lady to offer her hand first, so that she does not feel uncomforable if she does not want to shake hands in the case that a man offers first.

Still many men do not know this.

Your best bet is in any situation where you're greeting or being greeted by someone is to give them a quick nod with your "hello, nice to meet you" and keep your hands down and at your sides. Most people will read your body language to mean that you do not wish to shake. If that doesn't work and someone offers their hand, it is within your rights to decline. And there is nothing rude about that.

Answer 3

If you feel uncomfortable, in America it is fine to say,"Thank you but in my culture it is not appropriate for me to shake hands with a man." Most men will understand. The ones who don't will probably not offer their hand to you anyway.

Thank you for asking this question. I have learned here that next time I travel abroad, I should be careful to whom I offer my handshake. I would hate to be the cause of the reverse offense!

A little background here: In America, if a man offers you his hand, he is recognizing you as an equal. It is a form of respect. Only less desireable is the custom of a half hug offered to a woman, or a half hug with a kiss on the cheek. In midwestern states, this is a way for a man to show that he values the woman closer to his heart, as he would with his mother or sister. Again, if this is not comfortable to you, just speak up.

I will never forget how shocked I was when I visited a church with my husband and the greeter shook my husband's hand and then gave me a shoulder hug (still considered very respectful and appropriate). I just didn't expect it. But now I understand what it means.

Answer 4

Maybe try a smile and a head nod? (Fold your hands behind your back when you do so, if this is a comfortable body posture for you).
This is a hard one, as once a hand is extended, it is rude to ignore it. If that happens, perhaps just explain your discomfort, and the cultural difference.

I used to be shy... had a difficult time shaking hands with anyone! A friend and I practiced until it became more comfortable.

Answer 5

A nice smile and a slight wave coupled together are always a good way to avoid a hand shake. Or you can try the other approach and tell them that you don't shake mens hands (but that will definitely be most uncomfortable).

Answer 6

In America it is custom to shake hands when meeting someone. You should get over your fear and follow the customs of the country you are in.

Answer 7

It is generally considered rude not to shake someone's hand when it is extended...but I am sure if you explain yourself people will understand. You can always smile politely and say "pleased to meet you."

Or extend your hand but not really shake?

Answer 8

I am Muslim and also not comfortable with this common American custom. Just smile politely and say, in your culture it is not accustomed to shaking hands with men and they will understand. It is sometimes awkward.

Answer 9

Yes i think you should shake hands, it will show that you are a confident strong women, Dont feel unconfortable, everyone shakes hands

Answer 10

oooh tough one. In America it could be considered rude not to do something that was so forbidden in your other culture. I think most American men would understand and if they don't they are pigs and rude themselves, so smile say hello and if they look confused let them know why.