is it rude not to shake a strangers hand , when first introduced to them?

Question

most times when i first meet someone i often as not prefer to nod my head to them rather than shake hands with them, as i am very aware that as i wash my hand both before and after using the restroom there are others that are not, as a female friend of mine discovered when out on a blind date, after the guy came back from the restroom he reached across the table to brush the hair out of her eyes, and she smelled urine on his fingers, and there was also a program a few years back called pub ammo where they tested a bowl of free peanuts left at end of night, and found traces of nicotine, urine, and faeces on them...so am i right or wrong not to wish to shakre strangers hand till i know them better, although i often tell them i have stiff fingers and don't shake hands

Answer 1

I am in the south and I know here it would be taken as a rude gesture, especially if the other person extends his/her hand. I'm sure you carry a travel size container of hand sanitizer.

Answer 2

You could always go and wash your hands after the handshake. Your excuse for not shaking a persons hand is a good one and it would stop the person taking offence. I'd stick with the excuse if you have a problem.

I too saw a programme like the one you describe, but I have always been a bit fussy and wouldn't take from a bowl that someone else could have put their fingers into. I don't even take the bread rolls when offered in a restaurants.

I never touch my face when I'm out if I have touched anything someone else has. I try never to touch handrails, door handles etc. What are we like eh? - Laugh

Answer 3

If it's business then it's proper to shake hands. In a social setting like church where there is a greeter that is also proper. At a bar or party it's acceptable to do so but it's also acceptable to just give a short acknowledgment and nod and say "HI" or "What's Up". If you're in a personal situation like a date, funeral, it's probably best to make personal contact by shaking or grasping someone's hand lightly. Don't think it rude if your not comfortable with it don't do it. And hand sanitizer is probably a good idea. And always wash your hands.

Answer 4

When you are shaking hands, you do run the risk of getting germs on your hands. But you run little risk of actually catching a disease from that. Unless you have an open wound on your hand, at the contact point of the other hand, probably you won't catch something.
It is what you do after the handshake that will make a difference if you catch something or not. Keep your hands out of your eyes, nose, and mouth, off your clothes, away from private areas of your body, and off of things that will come in contact with those things. Don't eat or touch food areas or utensils until you do.In other words, wash your hands after you shake hands, or at least use a hand sanitizer.
The thought of having urine, feces, or snot on your hands is distastful, most especially if it is someone else's, but it doesn't have to make you sick.

Answer 5

Yes It is extremely rude! It is not a kiss or a hug it's a darn greeting! I was finishing up a professional relationship with a lady from India and she cringed and said oh no we don't do that. I replied, "Oh how friendly of you" How hard is it to be decent then wash your hands. If you can sit in a room alone with me but can't shake my hand upon leaving a business transaction then you should be in a different line of work!

Answer 6

In church we all hold hands when we say the Lord's Prayer ... often I end up holding someone's hand that I do not know. Then when it is time for communion, I have to hold out my hand and accept the bread into my hand and eat it. Yes, sometimes it grosses me out because I know that the person next to me wiped their nose with their hand, picked at their ear or didn't wash after they used the bathroom.

But it would be terribly rude of me to not hold their hand.

Howard Hughes never shook hands, Donald Trump doesn't either. You can explain to people that you simply don't like to shake hands, but you will get a few raised eyebrows.

Asians have it right - bowing when greeting. However, we Westerners don't do this as a general rule. So, if you think you can handle it, shake hands. Then after a few moments have passed, excuse yourself and either wash your hands or liberally apply hand sanitizer when nobody is looking.

If someone simply nods to me, I can take the hint and nod back. However, if a hand is extended for me to shake, I shake. If it is a male and he waits for my cue, I offer my hand to shake. It is simple common courtesy here. If I were in Japan, China or the likes, I would gladly, GLADLY bow.

Answer 7

It may be considered as rude to some. If it means that much to you, and you have time, explain to them what you just told us, and tell them it is nothing personal, it just freaked you out so now you never shake hands. You know in China they don't shake hands, they bow. I know in some Middle Eastern countries they only wipe their butts with their left hand and they shake with their right, or vise-versa, I can't remember. But in a business setting you may just want to go ahead and take the risk rather than lose a client. And always let them extend their hand first....you may not have to shake!

Answer 8

It is rude not to extend your hand when someone offers. They are doing this out of courtesy and by refusing you are letting them know that you aren't interested. Shake the hand! Use sanitizer afterwards or wash your hands and new people that enter your life will be happier with this. Remember this, you only get ONE chance to make a first impression!

Answer 9

In Britain it would be thought rude not to shake a hand extended in friendship or greeting, but what about eating in restaurants using forks or spoons which have been in other peoples mouths, most diners do this without a second thought and I am sure that cutlery is rarely sterilised, and sometimes not even very well washed.

Answer 10

This extends to other areas. If I know someone has been using my work station when I am out of the office. I spray antibiotic cleaner on the keyboard, mouse and telephone handpiece. I also open the toilet door with the paper towel when leaving. A television program I watched found that a keyboard can be as unsanitary as a toilet seat.

Answer 11

Shaking the hand of a stranger originated many years ago when just about everyone carried a sword. The gesture of shaking hands was a sign that you were not about to unsheath your sword and run that person through.
As the bible says, a peck of dirt a day!!
Shake everyones hand with glee. Just remember that before you eat, go to the bathroom and wash your hands.