Should we retire the handshake?

[Sliver]

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.)

[Ozy_Flame]

First world problems. Or should I say, first world worries.

[MrMastodonFarm]

The only people who want to retire handshakes are those limp wristed sissies who have the hand sturdiness of a piece of loose-leaf.

[Puppet Guy]

replace the handshake with a poke in the belly.

[Komskies]

I think we need to retire that weird ass bro-hug half handshake thing that everybody seems to do lately. The handshake where you shake their hand, and then proceed to hug each other with one arm. It's downright bizarre.

[Coach]

The bro hug should be reserved for just that- bros. I have no problem giving a good buddy a bro hug, or a full hug for that matter. But people I hardly know looking for a bro hug catches me off-guard and then its just awkward.


And FTR, no. I think a hand shake is a great way to greet someone. If you're worried about a handshake for sanitary reasons may I suggest this...

[handgroen]

I sing in a band called The Firm Handshake
silly idea
to retire the handshake, not to sing in a band

[bcsoda]

This is funny for me, since I'm currently in France and trying to get over the fact that people I don't even know are completely entering my personal space and kissing me on the cheek on a regular basis. Going back to the usual handshake would seem like a blessing right now.

More on topic...I also don't have faith in people washing their hands, but I don't think that it's totally necessary to eliminate the handshake because of it. If I'm grossed out by something I just wash my hands as soon as I have the opportunity and move on. I'm pretty sure the odds that they've given me some horrifying disease just by shaking my hand is pretty low.

[Jacks]

No.

Not sure why people are so afraid of everyday germs, if you have a healthy immune system it's not a big deal.

NSFW

[Rerun]

Some people are way too anal.

Opps... did I say that? I meant "sensitive".

[bc-chris]

thread title needs to be changed to....

KEN KING - Should we retire the handshake? [Poll Request]

[Puppet Guy]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Some people are way too anal.

Opps... did I say that? I meant "sensitive".

careful - someone may take that as a suggested new greeting.

[normtwofinger]

A pelvic thrust would do.

[Hockeyguy15]

How about a nipple tweak?

[Reaper]

What's the big deal? It isn't like bears or dogs are trying to shake your hand.

[Komskies]

Originally Posted by MattyC

The bro hug should be reserved for just that- bros. I have no problem giving a good buddy a bro hug, or a full hug for that matter. But people I hardly know looking for a bro hug catches me off-guard and then its just awkward.


And FTR, no. I think a hand shake is a great way to greet someone. If you're worried about a handshake for sanitary reasons may I suggest this...

Agreed. Fine with buddies, not fine when strangers initiate it.

[vanisleflamesfan]

1. Carry some hand sanitizer in your pocket or in your man-purse.
2. Move on like the rest of the world.

[Teh_Bandwagoner]

Exposing your genitals is more sanitary. That should be our new standard greeting. No-touch gesture optional.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Reaper

What's the big deal? It isn't like bears or dogs are trying to shake your hand.

I wish! When I tried to shake a bears paw he tried to eat me. But after reading that post from the guy in France maybe the bear was just french and wanted to give me a kiss on the cheek. Now I feel bad for snubbing the bear

[Komskies]

Maybe we need to start using the 'Dylan, you son of a bitch!'

Basically it's one of the most manly things that has happened or ever will happen.