Comments on: Shaking Hands Is Still Correct… Even During Cold Season

By: Logan Suga

Logan Suga — Sun, 09 May 2010 21:40:33 +0000

I have been to your site half a dozen times now, and this time I am adding it to my bookmarks Your posts are always relevant, unlike the same-old stuff on other sites (which are coming off my bookmarks!) Keep it up!

By: Syndi Seid

Syndi Seid — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:33:38 +0000

Historically, handshaking was less practiced among women in the United States. Now, it is definitely performed equally by men and women and now children included.

By: Syndi Seid

Syndi Seid — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:31:07 +0000

Dear Alice: Great to hear from you. Yes, you are correct the best way to avoid the flu is to increase hand washing. Having hand sanitizer with you to use at all times is equally a great tip I also discuss. The only time I wouldn’t want to shake a person’s hand when I saw them coughing into their hand… yuck! As stated, we should all be coughing into our shirt sleeves or forearm, not our hands. I totally understand your perspective… Thank you for sharing.

By: Syndi Seid

Syndi Seid — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:17:11 +0000

Dear Candace: Great hearing from you. Thank you! It is always difficult to correct what has already taken place in the past. You have, however, done absolutely the right thing by taking time to care enough to do some research to avoid the same situation happening in the future. Also, 1) Think twice whenever unsure about doing or saying certain things when in situations outside your normal life. 2) Ask people ahead of time or around you what to expect and how you should behave throughout certain ethnic and cultural events. [On an aside, I remember the first time I attended a full-blown Jewish wedding. Because it is such an audience participation-type event, I'm glad I was briefed ahead of time on what to expect and how to participate to feel comfortable before, during, and after the ceremony. It was truly the most beautiful and meaningful wedding I had ever attended. I can't say enough... if you ever get a Jewish wedding invitation... don't pass it up.] Anyway, doing research online is the easiest and fastest way to learn almost everything. Happy Practicing!

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:09:24 +0000

I have been travelling for a while and still love your website as you have not changed a bit! Kelsey

By: Candace Davenport

Candace Davenport — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:41:03 +0000

Syndi-

I just encountered the same situation. I was in a meeting with some orthodox Jews and, not being Jewish myself, I was unaware that the opposite sex does not touch one another (unless married and family). I stuck out my hand when introduced to the Rabbi and he just shrugged it off. It was uncomfortable for a minute, but we all went on.

It did lead me to do research so it was a learning experience for me. I think that had he taken 10 seconds to explain at the time, it would have been less awkward (at least for me). What do you think? How could I have been better prepared? Thanks- Candace

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:52:13 +0000

Having just conducted ten interviews for a job vacancy, it was a must to shake hands. I just kept a bottle of hand sanitizer near an out of sight area and cleaned my hands between interviews. That way I greeted each applicant appropriately while protecting everyone as well by not spreading any “potential” germs.

Love the new website Syndi!

By: Sandi Jackson

Sandi Jackson — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:58:39 +0000

Love your format.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:53:11 +0000

Syndi: Way to go!!!! I am so proud of your very tech “with it” move for your newsletter….No snoozing and no losing…I really enjoyed it. Best, Sandy

By: alice Ray

alice Ray — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:18:34 +0000

S,
I usually really appreciate your column, but I think you are wrong on this one. My sources at CDC say the single best way to avoid the flu is to increase hand washing. I was in DC a few years ago at a meeting with the Deputy Surgeon General, and she absolutely did not want to shake my hand when I had a cough. High level politicians have assistants out of camera reach, who are ready with the hand sanitizer after every hand shaking session. I think a more nuanced response is on order. something like, if you are SURE neither you nor the other person has any sign of sickness, extend a hand. Otherwise, bring a very friendly smile, and say “I’m so happy to meet you, but I’ll avoid shaking your hand during flu season.”