[Michael-G]

If you are being introduced to someone and they are unable to shake hands – they are missing their right hand or their right arm is paralyzed – do you wait to see if they offer their left hand, or should you leave it at a verbal greeting such as “Nice to meet you”?
Original Code D24. Click here to see responses from the original archives. Click “to respond” below to reply.

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Name : Michael-G, Gender : M, City : Seattle, State : WA, Country : United States, 

[Lori]

I picked up all kinds of great tips working for the Arthritis Foundation for many years. One idea which I always thought had merit but unfortunately didn’t think would ever really catch on was that when people ‘shake hands’ that they actually clasp the other person’s *arm* just above the wrist. This was important to people I worked with whose hands were very painful and tender, but who didn’t want to omit this social gesture. It also avoids the problem Jeff mentioned of left and right hands not ‘fitting’ properly. However, in response to Michael’s exact question I would certainly wait to see if the other person offered their left hand–if so, you respond; if not, you leave it at a verbal greeting.

User Detail :  

Name : Lori, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 40+, City : Tucson, State : AZ, Country : United States, Education level : 2 Years of College, 

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