Sighs and Hallelujahs Stories and thoughts about the adventures of life without arms

1. 

   Karise
   June 21st, 2010 - 21:33

   my guess is they don’t mean literally, but are trying to ask “how do I greet you, acknowledge you, engage in a common social gesture since we can’t shake hands?” but haven’t thought it through and don’t know how else to say it, hence the dumb question. I like your “you don’t” in response to the literal question. Haha. But to the deeper question behind that, well, that depends on YOU. Is there some physical gesture you are open to when meeting new people, colleagues, etc? They’re looking to you for direction in that situation when they ask that question. What are you comfortable with?
2. 

   ron
   June 22nd, 2010 - 12:15

   Hey Greg,
   I posted this on my Porsche board since a lot of these guys are businessmen and I thought this was a great post.

   I read his blog the last time you put up the link here and several times since then. He’s a very talented writer with a subtle mind.

   I think humor would be good, but as I’m sure he’s already decided, it has to be brief, yet not make light of the situation or make either person uncomfortable about it.

   Many of the comments above would diffuse any tension coming from a friend, but might come off as flippant or even angry from someone you just met.

   Hence the dilemma.

   Let’s see.

   New acquaintance or business associate. The goal is to get past the initial shock (let’s be honest here) while allowing both parties to retain their dignity and professional standing.

   How about just, ‘Sorry I can’t shake your hand but I’m very pleased to meet you.’ delivered with a smile but a professional tone in his voice?

   Invariably after the first meeting the person will continue to extend their hand upon meeting your nephew again (I’ve done it without thinking with a person who has no right hand and another guy I know who’s in a wheel chair and can’t control his fingers, it’s just natural). This may even be at the end of the first meeting.

   Your nephew should consider this a compliment because it means the other person doesn’t think any differently of him and each time it enters their mind as an afterthought. At that point it might be good to diffuse things from a collection of jokes he could write ahead of time and use.

   PS- Please tell your nephew he has a few fans out here on the interweb.
3. 

   Andrew
   June 23rd, 2010 - 05:02

   You could offer bowing as an alternative. Or say “In lieu of a handshake, please make a $5 contribution to charity.”

   But I think the best suggestion was to say “I’m afraid I can’t shake your hand, but I’m glad to meet you.”
4. 

   Seth La Tour
   June 23rd, 2010 - 10:20

   I think the next time you’re asked you need to pull a Zidane on them:
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAjWi663kXc

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