The Death Of Custom

When I was a young man, my father thought it important to teach me how to properly greet somebody.

Look them straight in the eye, extend your hand, clasp their hand in a firm grip.

But now, Dr. Anthony Fauci has declared the handshake dead.

So on Monday I got a call. It was a man who said he was standing out front of the radio station and wanted to talk to me. We are locked in  out here these days. I opened the door to see a man wearing a surgical mask. He looked me straight in the eye and extended his hand for a good shake. He didn’t get the memo.

There you have it…pandemic pet peeve number two. .You can’t wear a mask to protect yourself while extending your germ covered paw to  greet me. Because of 60 years of practice, I stupidly clasped his hand. Then slathered on the Purell like I was Howard Hughes.

Clearly, the rules have all changed. A custom with cultural significance is likely gone forever.

CNN suggests we put our hands together prayerfully and bow like the Hindus. I’m a Methodist. If not the Hindu greeting , in no particular order….CNN suggests putting your hand on your heart….or doing a salute. I normally pay little attention to CNN….but I think they may be right.

It doesn’t appear I’ll be giving the Dreith handshake lesson to my grandsons anytime soon……if ever.