Posted on 03/09/2020 7:09:44 PM PDT by hapnHal
Does coronavirus make it okay to leave people hanging when they offer a handshake?
Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Tampa Bay area.
Handshakes can spread germs, and with the continued spread of the new coronavirus, not to mention flu season, people may be dreading social situations that normally include a hearty handshake. In Florida, 12 residents had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Monday afternoon.
Etiquette expert Elaine Swann says that in the modern era, handshakes remain an important part of business deals and socializing. Tampa Bay career and executive coach Dianne M. Kipp said she even has an exercise she does with clients that involves handshakes as a way to move past disagreements and strengthen bonds at work.
“Shaking hands is still normally the proper way to greet someone in 2020,” Swann said. “However, it’s perfectly fine to hold off on shaking hands right now.”How do you turn down a handshake without making it awkward? Swann said it’s all about honesty and body language.
“Right now, I’m not shaking hands, but it’s very nice to meet you,” she advises telling people.She recommends signaling by clasping your own hands together, either in front or behind you, in anticipation of an unwanted hand. She also says that nodding politely can show you’re still being cordial and are actually excited to meet someone.If you stick out your hand and get left hanging, she says don’t take it personal and don’t linger on it.
“Bring up a new topic, and keep the conversation moving forward."A 2014 study showed fist bumps can spread 20 times fewer germs than a handshake, but Swann says you should never offer a fist, or an elbow bump, when the other person offered an open hand.
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You pre-empt. You say “I’d gladly shake your hand but with the virus ...” You would probably get agreement at that point in the conversation.
Overall death rate from flu is likely to be reduced
The school district in which I work has four schools closed due to staffers with positive tests.
Just nod and smile, with your hands folded behind your back.
You lie and say you would shake their hand, but your throat is scratchy and you don’t know if it allergies or if you are getting a cold and don’t want to give them anything.
If she’s hot, can I do the Biden?
You tell the person you just returned from a multi month backpacking vacation in China and northern Italy?
Easy-peezy, nice and easy.
When someone extends their hand for a handshake, politely tell them, “Are you joking? I’d rather massage a cactus than touch your cootie crawling hand”.
And be sure to smile.
I am a strong believer in a good, friendly, firm handshake while looking someone square in the eye.
This is the only time I have been weary of shaking hands.
I know it may be terribly awkward to stop, starting tomorrow. But especially because of an elderly relative, I am going to reconsider.
I think I will do as suggested here. Just smile and tell them how happy I am to meet oe see them and ask pardon for not shaking hands right now.
If any odd looks can just say you are getting over a cold. That should do it.
Wonder how FAGs now greet each other? HANDSHAKE, KISS. or OTHER?
“You lie and say you would shake their hand, but your throat is scratchy and you don’t know if it allergies or if you are getting a cold and don’t want to give them anything.”
even better, give a little cough into your hand and say it’d be better not toshake right now ..
It’s March 9, 2019. How many people are still offering their hands to shake?
No problem. I'm selling these for $75.00 each. They come in 7 colors and are selling like hotcakes.
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