Shaking Hands

[brenda]

Absolutely. Not only does handshaking spread germs, for some of us it's painful. I have some arthritis in my hands, and too often the other person thinks a firm handshake is the best kind. Their version of firm feels like torture to me. Going through a day full of that, or just one long event of shaking numerous hands, leaves me with a visibly swollen hand that throbs. I hate it, but people are very judgmental about anyone who doesn't participate in this ritual. In some cases, it can impair my work if I don't shake hands with anyone who extends theirs.

I'm all for ending this ritual and replacing it with a non-contact one.

[LuFins Dad]

My guess? It will be a lot rarer but will carry more impact.

[Aqua Letifer]

I like it, and the history behind it, but brenda's points are quite valid.

[Copper]

In some cases a handshake is important.

In others it is not.

I'm beginning to wonder if the biggest change that might come out of this is that everyone is expected to follow the leader a lot more than before.

I used to like the handshake in baseball, it is mostly gone, moreso in football.

It is still used in golf, tennis, hockey and presenting awards like college degrees. I hope these continue.

[ILM]

I never thought it was important to do a "meet and greet" at church during the worship service. One could always do that after the church service during the "coffee/tea time."

[Loki]

Easy Peasy. It happened last time with one of the viruses. We will all know the world is safe again about two years after CV has passed and people are shaking hands, hugging and kissing again. It will stop and come back again.

[Axtremus]

Hand shaking is out.
European style air kissing near the cheeks is out.

Japanese style bowing is still safe.
Chinese style "fist and palm salute" (a.k.a. "kung fu greeting") is safe.
Thai wai (ไหว้) greeting is safe.
English style tipping of the hat is safe but few people wear hats.

What's a good replacement for Westerners?
Slight lifting of the chin and mumble "was'sup"?

[brenda]

How about a nice smile and saying hello. That should work for people.

[George K]

Namaste.

[Aqua Letifer]

Wuzannenin'.