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Q: Handshake, yes or no?
Handshake is my custom, but not Chinese. So I do not want to do non-Chinese custom for China. But to be polite I shake hand (hug and kiss too much), but Chinese do not shake my hand well. Is like I squeeze it while they wait until I finish.
What to do?
12 years 19 weeks ago in General - Other cities
I prefer to wait to see if the other person will shake hands: then i do. If not, i just nod in acknowledgement of the introduction.
sometimes, sometimes not, I wing it from situation to situation
I find all physical contact with people here somewhat awkward. I am also a very "huggy" person but I have since stopped giving out hugs as freely as I often get the sense that they feel uncomfortable. I think handshaking is fairly innocent and quite "international" but perhaps no physical contact at all is best if you're unsure.
Guys will usually be ok for a handshake and women will just present their hand and let you take hold of it.
I just wait and see if they offer a handshake and go from there.
brother1818:
Ya, I'm the same. Just wait and see what they do. but more often than not they don't shake hands. it's more of a nod or a little wave.
chinese normally just nod unless in formal and business settings, not a firm handshake to show honor and humility, chinese men in formal settings will not shake hands with a female until the female initiates the action. hope this changes over time.
I hope 'hand-shake' fades into obscurity world-wide. It is an odd, old useless? custom (imo). I sure like the Thai wai. perfect for me. no physical contact and gender-neutral (pretty much).
Englteachted:
In this day and age with people not washing their hands, I agree 100%.
To be honest, after seeing all the nose picking, and other things. I just give a pat on the shoulder. Half hugs are actually safer.
if you knew that a lot of people never wash their hands before they come out of restrooms.....
