I hate it, especially the little wave (the swing upwards) they do at the end, and it was technically forbidden in last year's document on the liturgy.
However, many bishops think the people "luv" it and haven't mentioned that it is prohibited.
I just put my hands together in front of me and say it without grabbing hands, even of family. But I'm very friendly at the "handshake of peace," which I also hate, because it hasn't been prohibited and I don't want to offend anyone.
My suggestion: ask your bishop. He should have told people to quit it, along with the inane thing where they imitate gestures of the priest at the altar (also prohibited but done everywhere).
"But I'm very friendly at the "handshake of peace," which I also hate..."
Yeah, I hate that too.
What I've seen are people lifting their hands during the "our father", mostly foreign, or foreign seeming, people. That is not too bad, I mean, it's their choice.
Now, I don't mind holding hands to pray, generally, but the "sign of peace" is quite enough, in fact it's too much, as the inimitable Pearl Gould might say.
Actually, I'm on a Catholic website where someone has stated that more Bishops are encouraging it than discouraging it. I'm not sure he is right.
I have so problem with holding hands with individuals but when the cattle mentality checks in and others feel out of place if they don't do it, I have a problem. This happened at my old parish. In four years (with the help of a new DRE) we went from folding hands to holding and raising. The seniors who came back after going to FL for the winter, came back to this innovation and did not like it but did it. It was sad.
I refuse any sign of false closeness to strangers. I have always hated the sign of peace.
Glad to see I'm not the only one who feels that way.