Mods, maybe we could do a poll?
Question
For sanitary reasons, is it time to retire the handshake in favour of a new, no-touch gesture?
Option 1
Yes, the handshake should be retired in favour of a new, no-touch gesture.
Option 2
No, the handshake should not be retired.
I've been kind of getting grossed out by handshakes from random people lately. They seem unnecessary considering we know hands carry a ton of germs and I have no confidence in people's claims that they wash their hands after blowing their nose, going to the bathroom, eating food, scratching their balls, etc.
Gesture options could be:
- a salute
- a bump (still touching hands, but not quite as gross)
- thumbs up
- a nod
- a bow
- a Vulcan hand gesture
- any other ideas?
There is some good information on the blog at
stophandshaking.com with examples where handshaking has been banned (Japanese elections, Winnipeg churches, etc.)