Is their a polite way to refuse to shake someone's hand?

Question

I personally find hand-shaking very repulsive. Just think of where a person's hands may have been. It also spreads germs and sickness. Does anyone else feel this way?

Answer 1

I agree at times.
For example I often came in contact with a man who was mentally handicapped and was extremely friendly. Loved to shake hands. The only problem is that his hands were often wet and he loved to pick his nose.
I often just shook his hand & then washed my own later. I didn't have the heart to turn him down.

Maybe just keeping some hand sanitizer with you & the discreetly use it later may be the trick.

Answer 2

Yeah, I've heard of this. You could just cary around hand sanitzer if you are so worried. You could use the fist bump if you wanted. Or, if you are a really worried just say that you have a hand shaking phobia and you can't shake their hand. If someone told me that I would probably be okay with that and not think you were being rude.

You could say, "oh, i'm sorry I don't practice the gesture of shaking hands, I have a phobia about it. However, it's very nice to meet you." Might make for a good ice breaker as well. I think Howard Stern has this problem as well.

Answer 3

Yep! There was a president, can't remember which, who despised shaking hands, and obviously, as president, you're expected to do a lot of it. The trick is, if you're going to an event where you'll probably be expected to shake hands, take a pen. Hold it in your shaking hand, all night. If someone reaches out a hand, laugh apologetically.

That's what he did! It might work for you. It's not rude, and you look important if you hold a nice pen. Try it!

Oh, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9GpmX1zcGM might help too. Maybe. =P

Answer 4

You have what is commonly called germphobia. Yes, shaking hands can spread germs, but if you wash your hands before touching your eyes or mouth, the chances of you getting sick are very slim. The positive social benefits of shaking hands greatly outweight the possibly negative health risks. You need to talkwith your doctor about medication or therapy that may help you overcome your phobia.

Meanwhile, when someone offers to shake hands, simply smile, keep your hands at your sides, and say "Sorry, I'm terribly germphobic, but it's very nice to meet you." It would be very rude to hint that you think someone is a walking germ factory.

Answer 5

I feel totally this way! Eeeewww! When I shake hands, I feel like it is burning until I can wash it with soap and water...not just hand sanitizer.

However, there is no polite way to decline to do this. It is a norm for our society. For instance, the Japanese have the noble (and sanitary) custom of bowing. I would much prefer that.

Unfortunately, we just have to grin, bear it, and discreetly run for the nearest restroom after shaking hands.

Answer 6

Traditionally, a woman is not required to shake hands. In fact, a man is not supposed to stick his hand out to a woman; he just responds if she initiates it. Although, etiquette requires that she shake his hand if he forgets the rule.

In politeness, no, there's no way to refuse. The wipe method of Adrian Monk is weird, but at least TV has paved the way for you.

Answer 7

The polite alternative to shaking a person's hand is to grip (lightly) their forearm.

Answer 8

HA HA HA the same thing with me just say that ur sick and u dont want to get the person sick, or as soon and there gonna shake ur hand couch and cover ur mouth, they shoudl get the hint, lol

Answer 9

Take a page from "Monk". If you must shake hands, keep wipes nearby to clean your hand afterward.

Answer 10

I read a statistic that said on the average you shake hands with 22 men a year who have masturbated and not washed their hands !