Quote:
Originally Posted by jebartle
(Post 1842988)
Social distance compromised. How about a salute, maybe you've got a better idea?
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I agree. It’s not that the bumping of elbows is likely to give you the virus or share it, but really, what is the sense! And for that matter, why in the world do people bump fists? It reminds me of boxers bumping fists before an attack.
I’m not very fond of shaking hands, either. Some men see it as an opportunity to express their desire to dominate, and that hurts. Let them do that with each other, but not with me. I’m a man who makes music with his hands and who does delicate repairs and writes books. So I already know I’m the alpha male in most groups. Don’t try to challenge me.
I used to work in Rwanda. There, when men and women shake hands, it’s almost like a caress. They slide their hands together and delicately clasp. It’s quite sensual. When I shake hands with people with small, delicate hands (generally women), I try to be very gentle. With men, a firm, dry handshake with no attempt to cause pain. But of course, these days, shaking hands is out of the question! At its best, though, a handshake is a sort of symbol of trust and acceptance as well as greeting. But it’s not very sanitary.
When we were little, hugging was rare. For the past decade, it seems like women I know or barely know tend to want a hug. That’s nice, though it surprises me. As for air-kissing, what silliness! “Mwa!” indeed! Ridiculous. Again, these are no longer done.
So, like you, I just keep my distance, nod, raise my hand and expose my palm to show I’m not armed and mean no harm. Why this weird need to touch?
