If you extend your hand (to shake hands) and the other person refuses what do you do?

Answer 1

The person who has refused the hand shake has put you into a very uncomfortable and awkward position. Not only have they snubbed you, but they also have caused the focus to shift solely to you. If you react in an improper way, it could further the humiliation that's already been inflicted.

I'd have to say that the polite thing to do would be to put your hand down, smile and pretend it didn't happen. Not only will it make you look better, but it will make them look worse. After all, the person refusing the hand shake has made the breach in etiquette, not the person who extended the hand.

Answer 2

Apologize. Say something along the lines of, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that shaking hands was offensive in your culture or I didn't realize that you had an aversion to shaking hands." In some cultures, shaking hands is an insult. You didn't know this and that is fine. This is why you should apologize and move on. It would be the same as if someone from another culture used hugging instead of handshaking. If they came up to you and gave you a big hug, it might be offensive to you. After all, you don't know that person, so why would you want them hugging you. In their eyes it would perfectly acceptable. Also, so people have an aversion to being touched by others. Who knows why. Maybe they were raped, and someone touching them, even if it is only a handshake, really bothers them. There are many reason they may feel this way. I personally do not shake hands. It isn't because I don't want to feel welcoming. I don't like to shake hands, because the hands are the dirtiest part of a human being. This is a fact. Who knows what bacteria and germs you are spreading to yourself or others. I just don't want to expose myself to the cold virus or worse.

Answer 3

Some of these answers are:

1) childish (making a scene because they won't shake your hand)
2) ignorant (assuming that not shaking hands has some religious undertone)

It's really quite simple. You retract your hand if it is not shaken and carry on as if it didn't happen. If the person who refused to shake your hand is otherwise dismissive of you, it's best to walk away and engage with someone else.

Answer 4

You can never tell with some people. I guess it would depend on the person.

My boyfriend and I took a class about Judaism that was being taught by a Jewish educator. After the first class, my boyfriend and I went to speak with him. Boyfriend reached out and shook his hand. When I reached out to shake his hand, he just smiled and said it was nice to meet me. He did not shake my hand. It dawned on me later, that some varieties of Judaism teach it is wrong for a married man to physically touch another woman. It is regarded as similar to adultery. So while I don't believe this way, in his mind, he had a good reason for not shaking hands with me.

Answer 5

I'm french and we're very big on this , you're a woman dear and usually we wait for the people to extend their hands to us especially if the person is older than you. IF he does not extend your hand simply give a courteous nod from the head and a bright smile

But if it does happen that you shake hands with a peer or whoever and they do not extend their hands you swiftly pull your hand back give a bright smile and talk politely ...shortly.

Answer 6

Put my hand back and go on my way. I would assume this person is a germaphobe and not care for someone not shaking my hand isn't the end of the world for me.

Answer 7

It relies upon on why. the guy who refused you is a social boor. He needed to make a splash interest getting scene for his ridiculous perfect. even with the reason in the back of no longer desirous to shake palms, the guy could desire to easily delay theirs in a "stop" vogue and say they do no longer shake palms "for inner maximum motives," or through fact they are unwell, they are afraid of changing into unwell, they have arthritis, etc. the guy who prolonged the gesture could desire to easily settle for it graciously and flow on. i could truthfully be vulnerable to hold it against a activity applicant except he provided an outstanding reason. agency etiquette is what it particularly is. If that applicant exchange into the only with the counter-way of existence ideals, he already isn't a fit for the agency international and that i could thank him for his time, desire him a valuable day, and tutor him the door.

Answer 8

That's never happened to me. I suppose I would assume they were unable to shake hands, or unaware of the custom of hand shaking, and continue on as usual.

Answer 9

well i would feel hurt!
no offence on what ever people are saying some peeps have germ fobieas!

you can wash your hand afterwards!

it does depend on where and who and what for!
if it was a professional area! and they didn't shake hands (weird thing is i hug i don't shake! lol) at work mainly we are a hugging group (no you can't have my job it's mine! ) but some
don't want anysort of greeting at work i just ignore it!

if it was through a friend or faimly i would call them out!
WTF is your hand too good to meet my hand!
or i just ignore them most the time it's just not worth it!
and i have a cocky attitude! so bow down! if you dont' your not worth my time or feelings or anything!

selfish yes childish sort of but i was told to stick to what works!

Answer 10

i would simply laugh at it..and would ignore it..but better be aware next time with the same person b4 shaking hand....let him be the fst to forward....