Frankly, I make it a point to stand at least one pew away from people to avoid that silliness.
You can't shake someone's hand? If not, what are you getting out of the Mass?
"What are you getting out of the Mass?"
Uhhhnnnhhh--the purpose of Mass attendance is to worship God.
"If not, what are you getting out of the Mass?"
I'm sorry, I agree with ninenot. Mass is about Communion and communion with God, it is not really a "fellow ship" experience. That is all very nice, and fine in its proper place, but that is not Mass.
The only time that handshake bit DIDN'T bother was when I went to Mass in New Orleans, it seemed much more natural in a Southern surrounding. But that Mass, in the Catherdral on Easter Sunday was one of exactly TWO bearable English languages Masses I've ever been to, the other was a banging Irish funeral for my boss. That's it, two out of however man.
"You can't shake someone's hand? If not, what are you getting out of the Mass?"
The purpose of the worshipping God is not to get, but to worship God.
If you have to get something like a handshake out of common prayer, you already have some very serious issues with your religion.