Re: Polite ways of refusing a handshake?

[Guest guest]

Hi Mike, as you may recall, former Vice President Bob Dole lost the use of

his right hand during WWII. Since politicians are forever shaking hands, in

order to avoid the embarrassment of having to pull his hand away, he took to

carrying a pencil inbetween his clenched fingers. When people would reach for

his

hand to shake, he'd hold up the pencil-clad hand and say, " Sorry, can't

shake. Great to see you! " When my hands are really flaring, I dread giving the

" Peace " in church because it involves shaking everybody's hand. I usually just

say, " sorry, arthritis is raging today, how about a pat on the shoulder?

Peace be with you " . Everyone seems more than satisfied with that really quick

explanation and nothing more.

Let us know if you find a phrase or gesture that works for you, Mike.

Wishing you wellness,

Kathy F.

My hands get so sore in the joints sometimes. There are times when my fingers

bleed where my nails used to be. I would like to know how to avoid shaking

hands when this happens. Thanks Mike

[Guest guest]

hello mike........i keep my hands at my side and if the person i am meeting

still holds a hand out...i simply say sorry cant shake sore hands........this

always works............tamar

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Know what you mean about shaking hands. I still shake hands with people

unless I'm having a really bad

day. When I know that I am about to shake hands I pray that the person has a

weak handshake. I was in

a bar a few months back and a girl I knew introduced me to her new boyfriend.

He offered his hand and I

decided to take it so as not to embarrass myself. Before I new it he just

about crushed my hand and then

changed the grip so he was grabbing my thumb. I was nearly on my knees with

the pain when he finally

let go. He could then tell by the look on my face that there was a problem.

Rubbing my hand I mumbled

" Arthritis " by way of explanation. He spent the rest of the night

apologising. He had Arthritis in his knee so

could sort of appreciate the pain he caused. I felt sorry for him.

Hope you are all having a good day by the time you read this.

Regards,

[Guest guest]

in a self defence class I took, I learned a good way to shake hands with those

folks ,who for whatever reason,need to bare down with a strong squeeze. when you

offer your hand, position your forefinger and middle finger up the others wrist

and he/she can squeeze as hard as they want and no problem!

> hello mike........i keep my hands at my side and if the person i am meeting

> still holds a hand out...i simply say sorry cant shake sore hands........this

> always works............tamar

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Mike,

I had this question a couple of years ago when I had very painful

hands. Unfortunately in business/social situations, I found only a

couple of options.

1. say " Please excuse me for not shaking hands, I have painful

Arthritis " Usually I then got launched into a long discussion with

all the questions we have all heard.

2. Grin & bear it.

3. Conveniently have full hands.

I usually avoided #1. I got tired of reciting my medical history.

#2 worked, but I had to deal with the pain.

#3 works especially well at social occaisions, cocktail parties.

Sorry I have no real way of getting out of it. Hopefully, someone

else does. I'd love to hear the suggestions in case the need arises

again.

Stay Well,