I hate shaking hands at church

78% Normal
17 Comments

In my church service there is a part where people shake hands and wish each other peace. Im fine with the peace part but I think its kinda gross and unsanitary shaking hands. People have been coughing, sneezing picking their nose(mostly kids) and who knows if they wash after using the toilet? Im not a germophobe but shaking hands at church is not a good practice. At least when you do it in business or meeting a person you only do it one at a time and have to get like 20 different peoples "snarf" on your hands.
Lately I just don't do it, I nod and don't put out my hand.

Voting Results
78% Normal
Based on 68 votes (53 yes)
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Comments ( 17 )
  • kingofcarrotflowers
    9 years ago

    I always hated that as a kid,

    " Peace be with you "

    " And also with you "

    * shakes hands and wishes for antibacterial spray *

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    • Jeaneathean
      9 years ago

      Another lapsed catholic?

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      • Anonymous Post Author
        9 years ago

        I gave it up for Lent and left it there :)

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      • kingofcarrotflowers
        9 years ago

        Technically yes, personally no, I grew up in a Roman catholic house, not a particularly dedicated one, we went to church one a year on Easter, as a kid I never really gave any thought to it, we were Christian, I'd been baptised and I just went with what my family taught without ever giving any actual consideration to the teachings but to please my family, i didnt tel them when I decided i was an atheist, I told them much later, I didn't bring it up in the best way with my parents though, I remember it so well, I woke up one day came downstairs and said this

        " why did you baptise me? I was a baby, no baby has the ability to choose if it believes in god or not, you forced me to be a Christian, is there any way I can undo what you did to me"

        If I'm honest I still agree with the sentiment, I think you should wait until the child has the cognative capability to understand the situation before baptism and I do hate the fact that I'm technically a Christian, and recognised as a Christian by the church but it really upset my parents, looking back there was no need for me to be as blunt as I was

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      yup thats it lol

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  • dirtybirdy
    9 years ago

    *shakes fists at the sky*

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  • Avant-Garde
    9 years ago

    I've never been much of a hand shaker. During the peace part of the service (I can no longer remember what it's called), I preferred hugs to hand shaking. The only thing you have to worry with hugs is failing deodorant. You should wear gloves. I'm not talking about sanitary gloves. I'm taking about a nice pair of fancy gloves.

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    • RoseIsabella
      9 years ago

      You, my friend, are awesome! Yeah, gloves and a hat, take it old school.

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      • Avant-Garde
        9 years ago

        Thanks!

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      that's a great idea, thanks :)

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      • Avant-Garde
        9 years ago

        You're welcome.

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  • chained_rage
    9 years ago

    If somebody sticks their hand out to you, in one swift move; unzip your pants whilst looking them straight in the eyes.

    Or wear gloves.

    Whichever seems best suited to the situation at the time

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  • howaminotmyself
    9 years ago

    Sounds like you are a bit of a germaphobe. Bring along your hand sanitizer if you are so concerned.

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  • ArmusWasTheFirstTroll
    9 years ago

    Maybe God will protect you?

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  • Rsie7
    7 years ago

    I don't like this part either. I'm disabled and so people feel the need to come greet me from across the room to show me how ”welcome” I am. I love my faith, I am sound in it, I just wish i could find a non-mega church that didn't have the passing of peace.

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  • ShyFlutter
    9 years ago

    At least you didn't go to a church where people kissed each other on the cheek. I'm Hispanic and the Spanish churches would often do this handshake and side kiss, as custom. I hated the old ladies who put too much perfume... But I feel like I can relate on this level too with just shaking hands. It just doesn't feel real or sincere and I didn't not feel comfortable, and some of this did have to do with me and not wanting to cross these boundaries. I think was more about my anger for going to church as to wanting to go for myself.

    If it's a germ issue then carry a hand sanitizer mini bottle ... But if it's about personal boundaries, then there's probably a little more you're confortable with yourself

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      I actually think its both now that you mention. It feels forced and insincere.

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