Is it ever ok to refuse a handshake when you are not sick?

Question

I don't like to touch or be touched by strangers, but I feel obligated to shake hands with someone I meet. I don't initiate any handshakes, but when their hand is extended right at me, I can't seem to get out of it. Is there a way to get out of it? I try to have something in my hands, but it doesn't work. Should I just suck it up and touch strange hands?

It's not the germs that bother me. I just like personal space.

Answer 1

You only get one chance at a first impression, and shaking hands upon introduction is an important part of the first impression.

If you don't mind that some people may be offended, and that at best will perceive you as quirky and maybe a little bit weird, then by all means duck the handshakes.

But it might be a better idea to get some help with this issue from a professional counselor or therapist. No, I'm not saying or implying that there's something wrong with you. I'm just suggesting that IF you think it is important to make a good first impression, therapy might be one way of overcoming this problem you have with handshaking.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

I personally think it's fine to reject a handshake,
as long as you do it politely and/or nicely.

You can give a simple nod,
act like you're fiddling with something,
make up an excuse,
tell them truth,
or whatever.

There are plenty of ways to avoid them!
Maybe not all the time, but for the most part.
Or just suck it up and use some hand-sanitizer or disinfecting wipes afterwards if it's too much trouble.

Answer 3

I don't think it's a big deal because some people have a problem with germs or other things, it's just that some people might take it as being rude or whatever but just tell them that you don't like to be hands on with people. Or carry hand sanitizer!! Or you could just cough in your hand before you shake theirs, thats will make think twice about shakin yours....lol

Answer 4

It would be considered rude not to shake someone's hand when offered.
Are you like "Monk", just obessive-compulsive? You could shake their hand and then go and wash your hands as soon as possible.
If my hands are obviously dirty or sticky and I don't want to get THEM dirty, I'll just show them my nasty hands and say, "I'll just pass on that handshake", or "I'd shake your hand, but...". They usually understand then.

My personal dilemma has been that I'm a lefty, and when I shake hands with righies, it's awkward. I end up grabbing the top edge of their fingers instead. Sometimes they will save my face and switch to their left to shake with me.

Answer 5

I've been in that same situation. I don't like shaking a lot of strange hands either... never know where they've been. I usually say I've just eaten something sticky, and haven't washed my hands yet and decline the handshake.

Answer 6

Yes, it is perfectly all right to refuse a handshake. We're taught from childhood that it's our body and no one has the right to touch it if we don't want them to. Your hands are part of your body.
I've seen some people that just the thought of shaking their hand gives me the willies.

Answer 7

To keep from offending that other person,go ahead and shake their hand and make sure you have a smile on your face (even though you may not mean it). But have some anti-bacterial lotion nearby to rub some on immediatly (out of the other person's sight).

Answer 8

Shake hands. It's polite. If it bothers you so much, keep a little bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket. You know, the kind that doesn't need water.

Answer 9

I think if you are that worried about it, it would be better to wear a fashionable pair of gloves and just smile and shake hands. I would rather be thought of as odd or unfashionable than rude.

Answer 10

sure just say i worry about germs