Good question...I've had times when I've had a cold when I've said just that to the person offering the hand "Oh I've got a bad cold, I don't think you want to shake my hand right now!" I always say it with a smile and a laugh and I've never found it to be uncomfortable. Can't think of any other instance though when I've not taken the hand that is offered or vice versa.
Maybe a little more info, is there a reason why you don't want to shake hands??
I would just step back and say, "Sorry, I don't want to shake....first day with my new hands."
In a business setting, and unless the person or I was ill, I would find it extremely rude and, to be blunt, would almost certainly not enter into a business agreement or do business with somebody unwilling to shake hands.
In a social setting, I'd be surprised and find it rude, but it wouldn't bother me quite as much. If I am feeling saucy, I might say "oh, you're a hugger" and then just move in like I'm going to give them a hug.
Hand shakes tell a lot about a person, in my opinion, and somebody declining to shake hands says even more. Prophylactically declining to shake hands when there is no compelling reason is, in my opinion, rude. That's not the same as when somebody IS actually ill, but that's not what I'm reading that people are doing in this thread.
In a business setting, and unless the person or I was ill, I would find it extremely rude and, to be blunt, would almost certainly not enter into a business agreement or do business with somebody unwilling to shake hands.
In a social setting, I'd be surprised and find it rude, but it wouldn't bother me quite as much. If I am feeling saucy, I might say "oh, you're a hugger" and then just move in like I'm going to give them a hug.
Hand shakes tell a lot about a person, in my opinion, and somebody declining to shake hands says even more. Prophylactically declining to shake hands when there is no compelling reason is, in my opinion, rude. That's not the same as when somebody IS actually ill, but that's not what I'm reading that people are doing in this thread.
Is it rude not to shake an extended hand? ?
Can't believe it took 13 replies to hear the word 'rude'.
This is a tricky one though due to cultural differences. I am very assertive in my role professionally and always initiate greetings with an offered hand. Not only have I had to not be offended when clients of different ethnic backgrounds demure, I have also learned not to even offer my hand to certain clients as it is actually an offence to them.
Cute post (although technically it was the 12th reply), and I know how you love to make it ad nauseum, but what is your objection in this context? The OP asked a question that could only be answered in a binary way.
Cute post (although technically it was the 12th reply), and I know how you love to make it ad nauseum, but what is your objection in this context? The OP asked a question that could only be answered in a binary way.