For example, I notice that the person just wiped his nose with his hand and sneezed in it. I don't want to make a bad impression, but I also don't want to shake his hand. What should I do?
2007-02-02 08:24:40 · 17 answers · asked by trer 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Keep your hands clasped behind your back. If someone puts their hand out, say, "I don't want to spread germs; I feel like I'm coming down with something."
2007-02-02 08:27:27 · answer #1 · answered by bibliophile31 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I find one way to get out of it is to find another way to doing a greeting. Wave, go in for a hug, pat on shoulder, even bow. Another method might be to lie and say you hurt your hand, put a band-aid or ace bandage for added results. You can also do the try and true method of just telling them you don't shake hands. Tell them it nothing personal, you just don't. If it's inevitable that you have to shake hands, such as a business situation, keep some no germ spray around or wash your hands afterward. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do it. Hope this helps.
2016-03-29 01:55:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Donald Trump doesn't shake hands, I heard. And why are you worried about making a bad impression with someone who just did that in front of other people? Nasty.
Just tell him that you aren't a shaker or that you're sick or something. I have told people before "I would shake your hand, but my hands are absolutely filthy from handling..." They might give you a strange look, but they'll respect it and forget about it.
2007-02-02 08:35:28 · answer #3 · answered by ShavenLlama 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just shake the guy's hand and go wash your hands after.
2007-02-02 09:01:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think the Japanese have the answer. Keep your hands behind your back and bow slightly to the person to acknowledge them. Combine it with a smile and a cheery hello and people will think you are eccentric instead of rude.
2007-02-02 08:40:08 · answer #5 · answered by Bethe W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In our day and age, it is often times acceptable to acknowledge the outstretched hand, but instead offer a pat on the shoulder or the back.
2007-02-02 08:44:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Press your hands to your chest and bow slightly. Or, if you live in a multicultural city, bow with your hands in a prayer position as the Indians do.
2007-02-02 08:37:45 · answer #7 · answered by CharlieC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make up an excuse and say that you're sick or something. Or just politely say that you don't shake people's hands.
2007-02-02 08:30:11 · answer #8 · answered by sparrowbird06 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep your hands behind your back. When they offer their hand, peer at their extended hand as if it were something you'd never seen before. Look very puzzled and say, 'Is that contagious?'
2007-02-02 08:55:07 · answer #9 · answered by TechnoRat60 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stick your hands at your back and say "Hello!" and they'll forget to shake your hand.
2007-02-02 08:32:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋