I was on an in-person assignment earlier this week and found myself starting to initiate a handshake when meeting someone for the first time.
It took a few seconds for my mind to register that a once-polite gesture of welcome was now considered poor etiquette.
As much of my in-person assignments of late have consisted of covering socially distanced events and press conferences, the potential for a once-proper way to greet someone has not presented itself.
So, it was a bit jarring to experience that brief rejection for what has become such an ingrained custom in this country, especially among professionals.
Unfortunately, the handshake, like so many of our other customs and rituals, has become a thing of the past.
And some experts think these temporary changes could become permanent after the coronavirus outbreak is finally contained.
Early on in the outbreak, it was hard to miss the headlines that reported White House Health Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci had advised Americans not only to give up handshaking during the pandemic, but to refrain from the practice indefinitely.
“I don’t think we should ever shake hands ever again,” Fauci said at the time. “Not only would it be good to prevent coronavirus disease, it probably would decrease instances of influenza dramatically in this country.”
While the handshake may seem outdated to some, the alternatives that have cropped up in its place are particularly strange.
In lieu of the casual fistbump — which is apparently still too risky — some have taken to elbow bumps as a form of greeting.
Some who have latched onto this suggested physical greeting have done so facetiously, which is not surprising as there’s no way around how strange it looks.
In May, USA Today reported other alternatives to the handshake, which don’t seem any better. Some have suggested a “footshake,” while others include a head bow, hand across the chest or for the yoga enthusiasts among us, a “Namaste.”
Although I understand that the suggestions are aimed at preserving some sense of normalcy for physical touch during such a socially distant time, I’d rather just wait it out and opt for the time-tested hand wave to establish that sense of personal connection.
And who knows? Maybe we’ll be shaking hands again one day.
Until then, I’ll try to keep up with the ever-changing rules of etiquette that have accompanied this (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime event.
