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Shaking hands might be slightly disgusting
Handshake is a culture that promotes peace, friendship, and cooperation. People shake hand when they congratulate someone, meet friends, or seal a deal. It’s said that ancient people shake hands to show that there’s no weapon in their hands. Watch this video to learn more about it:
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People from different cultures shake hands differently. The Germans normally give firm and confident handshake to show trustworthiness. But such handshake will make some Malaysians feel uncomfortable. Malaysians’ handshake is much softer and colder. I know about it because some Malaysians openly complained that my firm western handshake was quite hurting (I only shake hands with moderate strength and never intend to crush bones). Maybe it was some sort of culture shock.
Besides being a potential culture shock inducer, hand shaking is not a culture that I like because of hygiene issues. People seldom wash their hands before and after a handshake. This enables germs and dirt to pass around. Imagine someone cough into his hand before shaking your beautiful hand.
Now imagine someone did one of these things with his right hand before touching you:
- Digging or rubbing nose
- Coughing into palm
- Sneezing into palm
- Directly or indirectly having hand contact with own feces (shit)
- Touching oneself or inducing sexual sensation (ahem ahem)
- Touching potentially dirty surfaces like door knob and wall
- Handling random bank notes
- Licking fingers after a good meal
and many more….
Don’t forget: many people don’t wash their hands thoroughly. That means some dirt (or slime) might stuck to their hands for quite some time.
I strongly think that we need alternative gestures (with no body contact) to replace hand shaking, since it’s disgusting or culturally offensive to some sensitive individuals. Raising one’s hand and say “Hi!” or “Bye!” is good enough for me. Anyways, the video below demonstrates an alternative ritual to handshake. You might enjoy watching it (but not actually doing it).
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
LOL at the last vid!
alternatively, one can just to it the Japanese way, BOW! (don’t hit the other’s head though)
@ CLF
I prefer Chinese kung-fu fist salute.
The Japanese culture of bowing is too complicated, where one must bow at the correct angle, depending on the social status…..
Both your videos the are really funny. Hahaha. Watched the first one a few times and still laughing so much each time. Haha.
I personally think that shaking hands is a good gesture to show confidence and trust. It’s probably the most sincere way to congratulate someone or to thank someone (just my opinion).
I’ve to agree that Malaysians ain’t comfortable with handshakes. Hmm… Especially when I (a guy) shake another girl’s hand. She may just shake my fingers or give me a very loose (not firm) handshake. Awkward…
Anyhow, studying in a university that has many international students, I’ve learn to shake good handshakes. Haha. Psst, they find it rude especially when you don’t have contact [either by handshaking or fists colliding] when greeting.
@ Sophos
Maybe you can try high 5 with them. I think it’s still better than a handshake.
Sometimes I purposely use a lot of force when giving high 5…. high impact!!!!
HAHAHA, so that’s confidence. LOL
Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post in your blog with the link to you?
@ Polprav
Sure. But please DON’T paste the whole article. Just a basic intro will do. Thanks!
I dont mind giving a hug. if its a babe ;D
:angeldream: