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AIBU?

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Original poster

To still not like shaking hands ever since the pandemic

62 replies

paddleboardingmum · 21/09/2026 16:24

Ever since the pandemic I really don't like shaking hands. Sometimes I feel like I must, in work meetings. Has it gone back to normal for most people now? AIBU?

OP posts:
iamnotalemon · 21/09/2026 16:44

I missed social distancing and people keeping away if they had a cold

Original poster
paddleboardingmum · 21/09/2026 16:43

I do try and remember to wash my hands as soon as possible afterwards but that's not always possible straight away. Probably should remember to carry around hand gel. I don't really enjoy shaking hands anyway and wish it wasn't a thing.

OP posts:
Thinkofnewthings · 21/09/2026 16:42

Yes, YABU. It’s very extreme.

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 21/09/2026 16:40

I'll happily shake hands. I just make sure I wash my hands before I eat or touch anything that's going in my mouth, but then I would anyway, even if I hadn't shaken hands with anyone.

Supermarket trolley handles are far worse for germs.

ItsAlwaysTwins · 21/09/2026 16:38

I don’t mind shaking hands but the pandemic gave me an excuse to stop kissing friends. Several of our friends are very big on this and like to give a kiss on each check when saying hello and goodbye. I’ve always hated it, not because I’m remotely concerns about germs or viruses, I’m not. I just hate kissing anyone other than my husband or kids.

Funnywonder · 21/09/2026 16:38

I have always really hated shaking hands. It’s better than people going in for a hug. But only marginally.

Sartre · 21/09/2026 16:36

Never liked it and I get particularly grossed out when it’s sweaty.

Delatron · 21/09/2026 16:35

YANBU - It’s a really obvious route for people to spread germs. I also read somewhere that for some reason (subconsciously)
after shaking someone’s hands we often rub our eyes. It really is high up there in transmission routes.

I either refuse if possible or make sure I wash my hands asap afterwards and consciously try not to touch face etc until I can wash my hands. You could also carry around hand gel.

I really think we need to take infection control more seriously in this country.

Amandaholdenstits · 21/09/2026 16:32

Hate it. Having to shake someone's sweaty hand. Don't know where they've been.

Telecone · 21/09/2026 16:31

Yanbu. I see too many people wipe their noses with their hands or cough into their hands. How hard is it to have a tissue or cough into your elbow sleeve.
At work I hear people using the toilet then just leaving without washing their hands 🤢. I told one lady off when she did it in front of me.
I'm not very tolerant of being ill as I'm a single parent.

Ratherhaveacupofteaandabiscuit · 21/09/2026 16:27

I never liked it in the first place.
So many people don't wash their hands after they have been to the loo.

Tink3rbell30 · 21/09/2026 16:27

People are far too casual with hygiene so I'm with you. No idea why the cleaning spray and paper roll was taken away in supermarkets etc the trolleys are gross. I use hand sanitizer if I have to shake hands etc.