Handshakes, Hugs and Kisses

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by shiney, Nov 21, 2020.

  1. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    Unfortunately, in these Covid days, those things have all but disappeared. :sad: It's only when you look back that you realise how often you used to hug friends and relations.

    I really don't like what seems to have replaced them - elbow or fist bumping. :nonofinger:

    I think that in the early days of Covid we saw politicians etc. bumping elbows, as recommended in the Briefings. I thought these looked ungainly and rather awkward to do. They then moved on to fist bumping :rolleyespink:. To see an older person doing it seems so anachronistic and a bit silly.

    The whole idea of a greeting is to be friendly and respectful and I think the much better way is the way they do it in many Eastern countries - the Namaste.

    [​IMG]

    It's easy to do - with a slight nod of the head - and I've seen it used in over 20 countries. It's also used a lot here in Yoga.

    Would you use it if you can't hug or handshake?

    A good start but not really distancing enough. :)
    [​IMG]
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Personally I'd still handshake, I think the chances of catching it is pretty minimal, unless you come across one of those who spit on their hand first.;)

      Never been a hugger, think that's more of a modern thing anyway.
       
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      • HarryS

        HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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        Now I like the chicken wing hand shake ( elbow bump ). The namaste is a tad hippy sixtyish, but blooming heck so am I :heehee:
         
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        • Palustris

          Palustris Total Gardener

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          Personally I regard all of these things, handshakes, hugging, kissing as invasions of my personal space and hate them all with a passion. So for me this virus social distancing is a welcome relief from having to step back when people approach me with the intention of touching me in any way shape or form.
           
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          • noisette47

            noisette47 Total Gardener

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            :yikes: Good Lord! Kissykissy is a cornerstone of life here, and it's a very difficult custom to shake off. It's also a good test of memory when you're in mixed friends/family, Northerners/Southerners company. It can be anything from one peck on each cheek to five with cousins :biggrin: You had to allow at least half an hour to get around a salle de fêtes full of acquaintances, then another one when you left..:phew: The only time I've seen the French self-discipline crack was at a funeral, when the son-in-law did the rounds as per usual. Which is exactly how clusters start :sad:
            I love @shiney's suggestion of the namasté, but not sure how it would be received here in view of recent events. The French don't tend to differentiate between Asian and 'arabic' customs.
             
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            • CanadianLori

              CanadianLori Total Gardener

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              The namaste looks pleasant and a nice solution if you didn't have to set your beer down to do it... :heehee:
               
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              • shiney

                shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                I suppose I find it easy as I have been travelling for the last 58 years and in some of the countries it has always been the standard greeting. You get used to doing it :)
                 
              • Jiffy

                Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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                Never had hugs so won't miss it, kissing is only for Miss Jiff, Handshakes i'll do as it's was a sign of trust (but that may not be the case any more) and not at covid times
                If i see some one i know well it's Good Morning/Afternoon how are you, if some one i don't like it's nowt :biggrin:
                 
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                • Victoria

                  Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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                  Sounds like you are in Portugal.
                  :whistle:
                   
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                  • Upsydaisy

                    Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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                    Yes I miss it terribly...can't beat a kiss or a friendly hug. Even now I tend to forget...then have to put my brakes on!!!:wub2::grphg:
                     
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                    • Upsydaisy

                      Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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                      When out in the garden or out for a walk we always make a point of saying hello to people we see, even if we don't know them. A simple gesture goes along way to brightening up these troubled days, imo. It's not so easy when out shopping in town though.:heehee:
                       
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                        Last edited: Nov 22, 2020
                      • shiney

                        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                        We have always greeted people when walking in our village whether we know them or not. It's a friendly village :)
                         
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                        • noisette47

                          noisette47 Total Gardener

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                          Isn't it pretty general in all the Latin countries? Must be all the sun and heat :biggrin: :grphg:
                           
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                          • Palustris

                            Palustris Total Gardener

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                            Saying Hello is very common here. I don't think anyone we pass on our morning walk does not speak. Having said that it is still not an excuse for invading my personal space.
                            I am not a germophobe like Sheldon Cooper, I just hate being touched uninvited.
                             
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                            • WeeTam

                              WeeTam Total Gardener

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                              I use these:bigthumb:
                               
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