# Could we PLEASE eliminate shaking hands: forever??? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 9, 2020, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128 "2020-03-09T01:38:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/1 "2020-03-09T01:38:11Z")
I’m in sales and despite the COVID19 hysteria was at a trade show last week and the VERY FIRST thing another sales rep does is come up and shake my hand. Then there’s a meeting three days later and guess what everyone started doing: shaking hands! It’s bad enough I have to touch something that was on your dick, in your mouth, up your ass, on your wives vagina, in your nose or who knows where but now you insist on passing a potentially lethal virus to me because of this stupid tradition. Fortunately a couple events I’m attending are declared to be “handshake free”. Let’s pray the one good thing about this outbreak is that it once and for all eliminates this vile form of greeting and gets replaced with something more sanitary like a bow or a wave. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/2 "2020-03-09T02:24:06Z")
I really dislike shaking hands because of arthritis in my thumb/wrist. I never know if the fellow is going to give a soft wimpy shake (which they’ve always been taught not to do) or an ironman grip (ouch!), so I try to avoid it whenever I can. It’s an awkward situation. I’d be delighted if no one ever offered to shake my hand again. The worst, hardest handshake I ever had was from when I met my hand surgeon before carpal tunnel surgery. I accused him of trying to generate patients. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/3 "2020-03-09T02:30:11Z")
If you can think of a simpler way to exchange long protein strings, I’d like to hear it. ---
**Author:** ![Saturn\_Dreams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Saturn\_Dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saturn_Dreams)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/4 "2020-03-09T02:51:50Z")
While I agree with the ops sentiments, there are more things we touch daily that’s probably dirtier than shaking hands. Door handles and knobs Handrails and handstraps Elevator buttons Cash Virtually anything the public can touch with their bare grimy unwashed hands Btw, I hope you’re regularly disinfecting your smartphone, keys, pc mouse and keyboard, etc. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/5 "2020-03-09T02:54:35Z")
I mean, fine, I guess. But it’s such a normal part of daily interaction to me, that it would be weird not to do so. I have no issue with shaking hands. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/6 "2020-03-09T03:06:16Z")
The immune system works best if it is regularly exercised, Expose yourself often to the mild pathogens circulating in your community, and your immune system will recognize them and be alert to fighting them off. You are probably healthier exactly because you do have regular contact with threats. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/7 "2020-03-09T03:09:35Z")
It is really past time to end hand shaking, 2 jobs back we were doing light fist bumps. Very few injuries occurred. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/8 "2020-03-09T03:41:36Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I mean, fine, I guess. But it’s such a normal part of daily interaction to me, that it would be weird not to do so. I have no issue with shaking hands. Neither do I. However, > [@What\_Exit](#): > > It is really past time to end hand shaking, 2 jobs back we were doing light fist bumps. Very few injuries occurred. 🙂 I have no problem with fist bumps as long as there’s less likelihood of spreading illness. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/9 "2020-03-09T04:13:38Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > The immune system works best if it is regularly exercised, Expose yourself often to the mild pathogens circulating in your community, and your immune system will recognize them and be alert to fighting them off. You are probably healthier exactly because you do have regular contact with threats. You claim this shit all the freaking time, but you never seem to have a cite for it. It’s one thing to “exercise one’s immune system”, and it’s quite another to just open yourself up to constant filth and disease. That’s how epidemics got started – people NOT practicing proper hygiene. If you don’t think there’s such a thing as “too much exercise”, witness the case of Typhoid Mary. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/10 "2020-03-09T04:36:17Z")
Just move to Japan. Then spend forever bowing to everyone else. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/11 "2020-03-09T05:19:45Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > You claim this shit all the freaking time, but you never seem to have a cite for it. > > . “Exposure to different viruses and bacteria can actually strengthen a child’s immune system.” > **[Strengthening Your Child's Immune System](https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/childrens-health-wellness/strengthening-your-childs-immune-system.html)** > > The key to a healthy child is a strong child immune system. Find out why in this informative article. Do you talk like this to everyone? ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/12 "2020-03-09T05:25:38Z")
People are not and never have been the most sanitary of creatures. That doorknob you just touched at the office? Probably pretty germy. Same for the hand sanitizer dispenser, the water faucet you used to wash your hands, the weight machines at your gym, and dozens of other surfaces you touch each day. During epidemics, it makes sense to be extra-cautious, but I hope we DON’T do away with handshakes. Those phobic or uncomfortable with shaking hands shouldn’t be expected to do so. For the rest of us, once the epidemic hysteria you refer to is past, I hope we go back to handshakes. [Human touch can be important for wellbeing](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201501/skin-hunger-why-you-need-feed-your-hunger-contact). ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/13 "2020-03-09T05:37:42Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > “Exposure to different viruses and bacteria can actually strengthen a child’s immune system.” > > [http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Children-s-Health-Wellness/strengthening-your-childs-immune-system.html](http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Children-s-Health-Wellness/strengthening-your-childs-immune-system.html) > > Do you talk like this to everyone? You used a holistic chiropractic magazine as your cite? ---
**Author:** ![Anxious\_Squirrel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/anxious_squirrel/32/1083_2.png) [@Anxious\_Squirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anxious_Squirrel)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/14 "2020-03-09T05:55:34Z")
Yes, please. Adds name to voting list to abolish handshaking forever. However, if you’re someone who enjoys and accepts handshaking you can wear a button with an image of two hands which lets other handshakers know you’re one of them, and then the two of you can gleefully clasp and improve each other’s immunity. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/15 "2020-03-09T06:44:45Z")
Shaking hands is immature? O.K., then. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/16 "2020-03-09T07:00:59Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > “Exposure to different viruses and bacteria can actually strengthen a child’s immune system.” > > [Strengthening Your Child's Immune System](http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Children-s-Health-Wellness/strengthening-your-childs-immune-system.html) > > Do you talk like this to everyone? Yes, yes I do. And try coming up with a better cite than some anti-vaxxer alternative medicine group. (I read a book not too long about the history of how the germ theory came to be, and how it affected medicine as we know it. I’ll see if I can’t remember the name of it.) ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/17 "2020-03-09T07:09:42Z")
Ah, [here](https://www.amazon.com/Butchering-Art-Transform-Victorian-Medicine/dp/0374537968/ref=pd_sbs_14_10?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0374537968&pd_rd_r=330fe3d4-fb11-443f-8084-1403a458cbfc&pd_rd_w=6h7Qt&pd_rd_wg=p7Loh&pf_rd_p=7cd8f929-4345-4bf2-a554-7d7588b3dd5f&pf_rd_r=Q8AGKHNSEMCW24Y955F7&psc=1&refRID=Q8AGKHNSEMCW24Y955F7) we go! _The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister’s Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine_ It’s pretty gruesome, mind you. Not for the weak stomached. ---
**Author:** ![jerez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c68b51/32.png) [@jerez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerez)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/18 "2020-03-09T08:37:19Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > “Exposure to different viruses and bacteria can actually strengthen a child’s immune system.” > > [Strengthening Your Child's Immune System](http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Children-s-Health-Wellness/strengthening-your-childs-immune-system.html) > > Do you talk like this to everyone? Doesn’t look very credible to me. Seems highly irresponsible, considering a time like this, a thread like this, a board like this and a response like that. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/19 "2020-03-09T08:37:41Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > You used a holistic chiropractic magazine as your cite? Show me a more credible cite that states unambiguously that my claim is untrue. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2020, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128/20 "2020-03-09T09:56:31Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > Show me a more credible cite that states unambiguously that my claim is untrue. It’s hard to prove a negative. Since **you** made the claim, **you** should back it up (with reputable cites.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-please-eliminate-shaking-hands-forever/849128.md?page=2)