Handshakes

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Not a germaphobe by any means, so that aspect doesn't bother me. You spend time on a farm with animals and all the attendant dirt and other things such as help butchering animals, you have a different level of tolerance. Maybe even a boosted immune system because of all that exposure.

But while I can tolerate hand shaking, I have other objections to it. It's as convoluted to me as conversation. How long, how strong, the idiots that try to get the 'better grip' and hurt the fingers, how vigorous, or the people that do the left handed 'lady shake' (OK, I know that sounds crass, but it's the only visual I have to describe it...work with me here) or worse...the combo hand shake (Yes, still get those sometimes) or the odd 'hand shake' where people grab the elbows, pull you in for a part hug/part 'arm shake'.

But as mentioned, much better than any further form of contact. I really detest the hug and kiss greeting.

I don't like handshakes for two reasons: I am am a germaphobe, and I don't do them properly.

It's too hard for me to figure out how long to shake a person's hand, and in what manner I should do it. It usually feels awkward.

I have trouble knowing how hard to squeeze. What is 'firm' vs. 'too hard'? And even if I learn it once, I'm not sure if I could replicate that exact level of pressure every time. I have no instinct for that.

I managed to teach myself how to do a proper handshake. This is kind of embarrassing but when I was young I didn't know you're supposed to always use your right hand, and I'm left-handed so I'd naturally stick my left out to the right-hander and we'd both get mixed up Go figure.

If it's true handshakes got started as a way of showing you were friendly by having no weapons in your dominate hand, then I could just hide the weapons behind my back in my left hand while holding out my right one. How sinister that would be. Mmm he he heh.

Personally, I'm more worried about the germs than anything else. But they see you slather on the Purelle right afterwards they're probably going to think that's rude. It's like that time my mother offered me a sip of her beverage with her drinking straw, and I tried to explain as politely as I could why I didn't want to, and she got all huffy, though she might have just been kidding.

I read that in the States some schools have forbidden hugging, kissing, or even handshakes. The principals said friendly contact too often gets unfriendly is a second and handshakes are often gang signs. That sound a bit like nonsense to me. I guess soon it'll be like we're all living in India where you'll get fined for just kissing in public, even at your own wedding.

Try to do anything social with the left hand in many Middle Eastern cultures. That would be a big no-no.

I don't like handshakes, but only because my hands are chronically sweaty, and I feel bad for the person who has to touch them.

I cringe at handshakes because of my OCD. I usually tell them I prefer not to shake their hands, that it is nothing personal. If they persist I mention OCD. I think the worst is doctors, the last person I want to shake hands with, someone who has been shaking sick people's hands all day long, yuck.

I don't touch people and I don't like being touched.

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Ya, I'm weird like that...

If someone extends their hand, I see it as too invasive...usually I say "hi" or stare instead.