Politely Decline A Handshake

Handshakes are being avoided during the coronavirus outbreak… and that’s fine.

Greeting people with a handshake or hug is very automatic for many people, and declining them may be awkward but has to be done for a while.

Myka Meier, founder of NYC-based Beaumont Etiquette has some solid tips for politely avoiding physical greetings and we had to share!

  • Simply say “I’m going handshake-free to be extra careful.”
  • Do not say “I don’t want to spread germs.” It makes it sound like you have the bad ones to spread.
  • “Stop, Drop and Nod.” It involves a pause, then clasping your hands behind your back and nodding in acknowledgement.
  • “Grasp and Greet. It’s simply folding your hands together in front of yourself and mouthing or saying hello.
  • Air high-fives are perfectly acceptable.

Source:New York Post

Photo credit: Getty Images


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