We’ve all grown accustomed to meeting new people and saying “Nice to meet you!” from a safe six-foot distance. There’s the occasional elbow bump, but for the most part, we’ve kept to ourselves this past year.
Once this is all over (or as over as it’s going to get…), will you be comfortable shaking hands with strangers again? Will you be hesitant at all, or will you not think twice about it? We’re curious to know.
Please tell us in the poll below. Hopefully, if we ever meet you in the future we can shake your hand!
Yes I will. But like “Monk” I will carry hand sanitizer.
I always hated that idiotic show!
Interesting question! I hadn’t thought about it and it really made me contemplate. I’m thinking I’ll be less eager.
I haven’t stopped with my friends that I know who haven’t been around the Covid-19 virus. We are a tight knit group and watch each other’s back. How many people do you see in Walmart without masks? Stay away from them – they are the Covid-19 carriers.
People without masks? Not Covid carriers but lovers of freedom.
But you still have your freedom to infect others? Good for you..NOT. Why not think of others and just bear the serious imposition to your freedom for a short period
The lives you save may be YOUR loved ones.
deleted comment–disrespectful comments are not tolerated
Ditto. Since when is ‘years’ a short period?
Hey John, comments like this area good way to get banned!
BUT, you have 2 masks on, so how can you get COVID??
If you are wearing a mask why do I need one if I’m not infected with anything?
Wear your mask stay 10 feet away from me and mind your own business and we will be fine!
We never wore masks or socially distanced for the flu and it kills those who are susceptible to the virus and have health issues that make it worse for them…
So you don’t think science is right, wait till you’re one of the numbers in a hospital or you infect someone you love!
Science. Who’s “science”? Seems that science has become political and changes with the wind. I don’t swap spit with anyone and keep my distance from others as I value my space. But I don’t live in fear of a virus that has a 95% survivability rate even at my age. I know, politically incorrect, but I don’t concern myself with political correctness either. 😀
Finally, a person that actually gets it. What a breath of fresh air. Your getting “flamed” but like you, I don’t give a crap. Wife and I both have had the CCP virus, still kicking. Had symptoms, never tested,(would have tested positive no matter what). Called doctor, he said “stay in, Tylenol or ibuprofen for body aches, if we feel like we’re having problems breathing to call him immediately and he would send us to ER for an infusion of a drug cocktail that would kick it. He said we would be well in 24 hours.”
EXACTLY!!
I haven’t stopped shaking hands, if a hand is offered I take it and I will offer my hand. If someone doesn’t want to shake hands I am not offended, I simply will say sorry, force of habit.
Likewise
Me to.
Agree
I think a warm smile and a little wave will become my norm.
I still shake hands with friends I know. I only wear masks where I’m required. We live life as near normal as we can, but can’t fully because of lingering restrictions. We still go out to dinner where ever we can. What about wearing two masks? Are they kidding? If one mask isn’t enough, why aren’t masks designed properly so only one is needed? We live in rural southern NJ farm country. Most everyone lives like us, and our COVID averages are lower than a lot of areas in the country.
Shaking hands could be a thing of the past. If you do shake hands,
One thing I believe will become a normal procedure will be wearing a mask and sanitizing our hands frequently.
My wife is from Thailand where the custom when greeting people is to Wai and NOT shake hands. I can do either or both. Also the Wai is different depending on whether you at a religious temple, are a monk, elder or young child.
I was never comfortable shaking hands with people before. The way people pick their noses, scratch their heads and scratch their arses is something I want no part of. I keep my hands in my pockets. I don’t want anyone’s cooties.
Bump fists for me from now on if possible.
I wear a mask in crowds now knowing they help protect me and if I were unknowingly infected, others. I’ve not stopped shaking hands. What’s changed is if the other person is wearing a mask as well, then I’ll reach out with an extended arm and shake their hand. If they’re not wearing a mask I caution them that they may be putting me and others in danger of contracting the virus then keep my distance, 6-10 ft. away.
After shaking hands with the well informed folks, I will then wipe with an alcohol towelette or spray with a small alcohol pump sprayer I take with me. When away from the individual I will also remove the mask & spray the with alcohol.
Scientifically proven fact. It survives on cotton clothes for 24 hours, synthetic clothes and plastics for 72 hours. And it can linger in the air for hours from an infected person breathing heavy, coughing, &/or sneezing. So wear that mask and wash your hands. Keep those fingers away from your eyes and nose.
Hey Thomas, if you want to quote science, then please at least tell folks where you’re getting the data if not provide a link to it. I know what you’re talking abut here but we can’t just have people saying “SCIENCE” and then adding whatever they feel like afterward.
For reference, here is an article describing the science behind the lifespan of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7201236/
There are also some good articles at the CDC for disinfecting surfaces here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/clean-disinfect/index.html
Best,
Kim
I don’t shake hands PERIOD
I like my “freedom,” too….from COVID. I don’t shake any more. It is a hard habit to break when someone offers, but it’s just not worth it and doesn’t mean you can’t be friendly or polite. We all hate masks, but “Don’t Spread on Me” is my flag.
I’ve seen too many people in the rest room leave without washing , no thanks to shaking
I like your “flag,” Bill! Stay healthy. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
I’ve shaken hands in the past, but was always uncomfortable shaking hands during the Catholic mass. You’d see people cough in the hand, blow their nose in a hankerchief or rub their noise. Than later want to shake your hand. Or have a person sit next to you that stunk or smelled like he was smoking. Don’t plan on shaking in the future.
When the pandemic ends?… hate to point it out but this is not going to end anytime in the near future… with new mutations showing up it is going to be years and only when most of the world… not just the North American continent… is vaccinated… so get used to masks, washing your hands, social distancing and maybe even yearly vaccines just like the flu shots…
Agreed!
One thing we’ve learned from COVID is that wearing masks and not shaking hands, etc. is a great way to control colds and flu.
You just can’t fix ____. Fill in the blank.
Typical reply to a contrary opinion. How about providing some counter evidence. It’s called discussion.
This is a comments section, wait for the forum page if you want a discussion as most will not return here to keep a ‘discussion’ going. Oh, BTW, the OP (David) did not provide a link for evidence either.
You can’t fix sheeple who still believe masks work!
Wash your hands, don’t touch your eyes, distance yourself from others if you are afraid of what they might have. And throw your useless masks away.
And quit believing everything Dr. Fauchi says he’s not seen a patient in person in decades…
I agree, research the size of a exhaled breath molecule, a sneeze and a cough and you will find that a cloth mask is virtually useless even if using a double mask. A correctly fitted N-95 mask is way better, a KN-95 is also better than a cloth mask but not as good as a N-95. If one sneezes or coughs with any mask it pushes any mask away from the face and the molecules escape. A cloth mask is like trying to stop a mosquito with a chain link fence.
not really. Look at the specs on a N95 mask. It is rated 95% down to .3 micron. The chinese virus is .07 to .14 microns (maybe 70% effective at best). It means anything down to .3 microns 5% will get thru. So if there are 100 viruses of .3 microns, 5 will get thru.
When asked on their website if masks are necessary, here is the response from Johns Hopkins: Yes, if you are in a public place where you will encounter other people, you should wear a mask. Face masks help contain respiratory droplets that can transmit SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, from people who do not know they have the virus.
For example, when inside an office, store, restaurant or school, or when on public transportation, you should wear a mask. The only exceptions are times when you are alone or with your family, such as if you are in your office with the door closed or in your car.
When you are outdoors walking or exercising near others, it is also important to wear a mask.
At Johns Hopkins Medicine, we currently require everyone entering our facilities to wear a mask, except for children under age 2.
I think your facts are not facts. Anyone who is interested can query thru the Johns Hopkins website for the true info.
Ahem…
A few folks posted comments saying masks don’t work and misrepresenting research on masks. A couple of others called them out in unkind ways. And finally, someone decided that they needed to give us a science lesson (without actually using science) on masks and the virus.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. You are MORE than welcome to express your opinion and your personal preference for wearing or not wearing a mask.
BUT, you are NOT welcome to spread bad information based on your personal beliefs or bias. We would not tolerate someone posting unsafe advice in the comments regarding operating an RV or RV safety and we won’t tolerate it with respect to the ongoing pandemic.
And when someone does express his/her opinion on whether or not to wear a mask, if you feel compelled to comment, you can disagree with them RESPECTFULLY.
No name calling, no shaming, no derogatory comments.
Irv’s comment does not cite science, so it’s his opinion.
Thanks,
Kim
I do virtual handshakes (clasping my own hands together) and virtual hugs — with a smile on my face.
Why is a wedding ring on the right hand? I guess I am behind the times again.
Person may have been married in one of several European countries, such as Norway, where they wear wedding rings on the right hand rather than the left. Or, the pic may be flipped.
Germany as well
Yep.
I also later remembered it used to be a custom in the US (as well as other countries) for someone widowed to move their ring to their right hand. My Grandmother did that when my Grandfather died. She’d had the ring on her left had for almost 50 years. The indentation it put in her left ring finger never did go completely away even though she lived another 20 years.
It may not be a wedding ring…. :-/
That too.
I have remained comfortable shaking hands throughout COVID. If the other person is comfortable shaking then so am I.
I have no issue with it. There has always been flu and always will be. Good hygiene (wash hands before you eat, after going to the bathroom, etc.) is always necessary regardless.
No more hand shaking for me, hand shaking is the best way in the world to spread every kind of crud that is out there. I will also continue to wear a mask and wash hands often.
Me too!
Maybe it’s just me, but the polls aren’t showing up on mobile. Safari browser on iPhone.
I stopped shaking hands in May 2008 after my first stem cell transplant. I am imuno suppressed and have bumped hands since then if someone offers their hand to shake. Nobody has ever said anything or refused.
And I’ve been wearing N95 masks where appropriate as well. I received my education on the subject when I was in isolation for 5 weeks in the hospital, not from Facebook or a “news” channel on TV.
Call me crazy but I’ll stick with advice from the medical professionals.
I am considered high risk but never stopped shaking hands nor giving hugs. I refuse to live my life in fear of what might happen. I can’t remember the last time I had a cold or the flu. I believe in washing my hands, which I was taught as a wee lad. I also drink lots of water, 3 or more 20 oz. containers a day. The only other thing I drink is 2-3 cups of coffee a day and occasionally a glass of red wine. My wife and I have been exposed to Covid a couple times and did isolate but never showed any signs of it.
I agree. Couldn’t have said it any better.
there were lots of bugs that could make us sick out there before the pandemic and the same will be true when it ends. yes, i’ll shake hands. NO FEAR!
Never really a hand shaker, and less now.
I have never liked shaking hands or hugging people that are not my immediate family. So no.
I have not stopped shaking hands if the other person is good with it. I also either wash my hands or use alcohol on them afterwards.
Maybe we should learn some alternatives for greeting from other cultures. I prefer a bow of the head and a smile.
I will continue to do as I have in the past. “Never shake hands at the dump station.”
I feel that we’ll get a grip on this pandemic, but it will be at least several decades before Covid is completely eradicated, if even by then. Once we get the upper hand on this, I’ll go back to shaking hands some of the time. Lots of variables to consider.
I am a medical person. I am okay with handshakes, but I wash my hands about 1,000 times a day and use hand sanitizer frequently in between. There is no such thing as germ free in every day living. We are surrounded by germs 24/7. Not all of germs are bad. We need some of them to stay healthy. Killing off the good ones can cause serious problems.
Shaking hands, back home that’s how we seal a deal. Signatures can be copied but a solid handshake is assumed to truly indicate one’s intentions.