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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:
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.

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.

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.

Amandaholdenstits · 21/09/2026 16:32

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

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.

Sartre · 21/09/2026 16:36

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

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.

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.

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.

Thinkofnewthings · 21/09/2026 16:42

Yes, YABU. It’s very extreme.

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:
iamnotalemon · 21/09/2026 16:44

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

Delatron · 21/09/2026 16:46

I loved it in the pandemic when they would wipe down trolly handles (or was that just Waitrose?).

Basically constant handwashing is your best bet.

Therescathairinmybath · 21/09/2026 17:35

I have arthritis in my hands and also have hyperhydrosis so shaking hands is horrible for me. I offer fist bumps instead which gets me weird looks!

Springbuck · 21/09/2026 18:46

I’ve always hated touching other people. Not being allowed to was the highlight of lockdown for me.
However, I haven’t worked out a polite way of declining a hard shake yet. So if anyone has any ideas please tell.

Pedant61 · 21/09/2026 18:49

Well, Covid was an airborne disease, so the whole thing about not shaking hands, wiping trolleys etc was - and still is - absolute bullshit.
I like the connection of shaking hands, and it's a sign of respect - and professionalism, in the workplace.

Delatron · 21/09/2026 18:58

Not just Covid that we don’t want to get though is it? Norovirus, flu, colds all last on surfaces - especially warm hands.

I think initially we didn’t realise Covid had a reasonably short lifespan on surfaces and I was happy for the extra hygiene measures whilst they figured it out . Though I do remember thinking the washing down of shopping was a step too far.

RikthePoet · 21/09/2026 19:02

This is paranoid behaviour from you all.

Shaking hands is fine. Wash your own hands after if you're squeamish, but it's pretty silly behaviour, frankly.

Theunamedcat · 21/09/2026 19:04

Today someone opened the fridge at the supermarket coughed and closed it again people have got WORSE since covid I hate shaking hands too but thats because im peri and sweaty palmed myself

TheThirteenthFairy · 22/09/2026 10:15

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.

I don't shake hands with anyone. I give a big smile, say 'I don't shake hands' and continue with the conversation. As far as I can tell, nobody has minded. And I haven't had a cold in eight years, which is when I began doing this.

Chemenger · 22/09/2026 10:19

As long as you don’t lick your hands afterwards I think you’ll be fine. Just wash your own hands or use sanitizer before you eat or touch your face.

nomoreraintoday · 22/09/2026 10:21

I hate shaking hands. Not because of germs but it makes me feel really awkward for some reason. I avoid it whenever possible.

Delatron · 22/09/2026 12:56

I think the issue is that people subconsciously touch their face near their nose after shaking hands as an unconscious way to sniff and sample
each other’s chemical signals.

So we have to really work hard and remember not to do this.

I am aware this sounds over the top but I picked up long Covid after a very mild infection a few years ago. Was very fit and healthy before so I have to try extra hard not to pick up illness.

Flamingojune · 22/09/2026 13:40

Amandaholdenstits · 21/09/2026 16:32

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

Nor they you

Sahara123 · 22/09/2026 14:20

I can’t say I have ever given it a seconds thought!