Why do people shake hands?

[VolunteerHillbilly]

On the new game show 'Deal or No Deal', host Howie Mandel does not shake hands with the contestants. An admitted germophobe, Mandel offers to touch closed fists with guests who desire some contact. I believe they refer to the contact as a "blam" or "bang". This has me wondering why we shake hands at all. As I recall, handshaking came about as a way to demonstrate to other people that you did not have a weapon in your hand and therefore meant them no harm. I will admit that I often make up some spur of the moment excuse not to shake hands with people. Something like "I'm a bit ill" or "my hands are dirty" usually works. About the only time I will shake hands is if it is absolutely necessary to avoid an awkward situtation in a business context or if a close friend or relative is involved. Of course, I never offer my hand first to anyone. Handshaking seems to be a little outmoded seeing as how must people do not go armed in their day-to-day activities anymore. Also, in the age of birdflu, SARs and similar maladies handshaking is a potentially dangerous activity. Why don't we just switch to the Japanese bow? Just a quick dip at the waist with hands at one's side. It is so much more sanitary and conveys the same sentiment of respect. Another good option would be the raised right arm showing an open hand. Think Tonto saying "How" to the Lone Ranger. That is another respectful greeting that does nto involve touching. I am sure there are other possibilities. I guess I could go for Mandel's "blam" although it seems a bit goofy and I am not sure that thrusting your closed fist towards another person is very respectful.

 

[OrangeEmpire]

 

[MyBloodRunnethOrange]

Never really thought about it before. You have a valid point about the possibility of contacting germs, although it is my opinion that alot of the things we do daily contain risk. I usually won't offer my hand to someone else, but if they initiate, I will shake their hand.

Hugging is the one that has me perplexed. My wife is a hugger. It has always seemed just a bit intimate for a casual greeting to me :dunno:

 

[Texas Vol]

Wow, I'm not kidding when I say that my son asked me this yesterday. About the only answer I had was, "To say hello and greet each other".

My dad used to say that you can get a lot of information about someone by their handshake.

 

[Hoosier_Vol]

If your worried about getting germs from shaking hands then you might as well live in a bubble. Everything we do we come in contact with germs.

 

[dan4vols]

If your worried about getting germs from shaking hands then you might as well live in a bubble. Everything we do we come in contact with germs.

Then again, if you use smokeless tobbacco like me, a guy who doesnt visit the sink, after the urinal and asks for a dip from your can will quickly bring home to you the concept of ....''hey bud, no offense but I'm a germophobe.''