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The Dilemma
Carol Yepes/Getty Images
Handshake? How About an Elbow Bump Instead?
During a pandemic, I think that shaking hands is gross and unnecessary. Still, people keep introducing themselves to me with handshakes. I was at an outdoor birthday party last weekend, and several people reached out to shake. I know it’s a hard habit to break, but what should I do when people extend their hands? —CAITLIN
You may be underestimating how baked into the culture handshaking is. When I was a kid, my parents ran handshake drills with my brothers and me: We had to look them in the eye, shake hands firmly and say it was nice to see them. So I don’t blame people for extending hands out of habit. I don’t shake them either! The next time someone offers a hand, say, “Let’s put handshakes on hold for now.” Personally, I like the small bows of head and upper torso that I see replacing them. (Fewer germs and just as pleasant!)—Adapted from “Social Q’s” in The New York Times Magazine