Whatever the reason for handshaking, it isn’t needed. Like the Qwerty keyboard (which is designed to slow us down so that the typewriter doesn’t jam), it’s a relic of an older time that’s not only no longer needed but actually causes inefficiency. I can live with the keyboard. But I’d rather not have to catch another flu or cold from a handshake. The fact is that handshakes spread germs. You shake someone’s hand and then touch your nose or mouth and you can get sick. I don’t like getting sick. But to turn down a handshake is such an insult that there’s little choice. The hand is out there, in front of me waiting, so like everyone else I grasp it.

+1 bows would work better.

• Uncategorized