Navigating a Post-Handshake World

11 December 2020
two women wearing masks waving to each other from separate window panes

Navigating a post-handshake world can be tricky. What do you say when an old acquaintance comes in for a friendly hug? Or how do you demonstrate a professional attitude at a job interview when you can’t even shake a potential employer’s hand?

While the handshake was a standard “catch-all” social practice pre-COVID-19, it’s not the only way to greet someone. Social rituals break the ice, signify respect and solidify a connection — and there are many ways to create connection without breaking physical distancing measures. The next time you’re in an awkward social situation, try one of these options instead:

Smile
Eye contact and smiling is a warm way to connect to the other person — not as literal as a handshake, but just as effective.

Nod
The whole point of greeting someone else is to acknowledge them — to show them that you see them. A purposeful nod, as you’re being introduced, can accomplish the same thing. And, remember to make eye contact. Throw in a sincere, “So nice to see you!” and you’ve made a true connection.

Say hello
A simple verbal greeting — “Hi, Samuel!” — can do the trick. Be sure to use the person’s name.

Wave
A soft wave is a polite and friendly way to acknowledge someone — and it allows you to maintain a safe distance! Although a wave is usually more informal, since COVID-19, a wave has become a more common gesture.

And finally, what do you do if a well-meaning, but forgetful person lurches forward to shake your hand?

  1. Acknowledge the gesture and politely decline — we’ll all have small slip-ups as we learn to adjust to new social practices, so it’s best to be kind and patient with each other.
  2. Offer a squirt of sanitizer into their outstretched palm and laugh it off. Humour is a great tension diffuser. Just be sure to gauge whether this is appropriate for the situation you’re in, and your familiarity with that person.

Start the Conversation
Although this list is far from exhaustive, it can be a great way to start a conversation on how to adjust our social practices to keep each other safe. You can even share this post with your colleagues or friends to begin a discussion! In the meantime, share your new favourite greeting on Facebook or Twitter.