The new rule is no shaking hands to prevent spread of virus germs.
But, as we find out at an ad agency, ending this 200-year-old custom is not that easy.
When it comes to business dealings, a handshake has long been a sign of respect and goodwill. But most workplaces are now urging employees to stop doing it.
For generations, Americans greeted each other with a firm handshake. But during these troubling times when many of us don’t want to touch a doorknob, it's also time to stop touching other people when you meet.
World leaders do it, sports heroes do it. Handshakes are a part of our daily life.
But coronavirus is starting to turn us into a no-touch society.
If we touch, out comes the sanitizer.
"I still shake people's hands. I just have Purell in my purse!"
Nick Vehr runs an advertising and marketing agency.
"Is it tough to get by not shaking hands? I mean, we are human beings. We touch, we shake hands. That's a reinforcing things,” Vehr said.
But some places are already putting up signs banning handshakes, like in the Utah State Capitol.
Vehr says it's tough breaking old habits.
"I still can't completely shake giving a hug to someone I haven't seeing a long time."
But it's not just the hug and handshake habit we may have to break this spring - think of all the things you touch in the course of a day.
Someone hands you your morning cup of coffee. Then, you stop by the mailbox and touch that. Then, you head to work, where you touch the same handle everyone else does.
From door handles, to elevator buttons, to faucet handles, we're going to have to adjust routines for coronavirus.
With coronavirus spreading, you are not going to insult people if you back away from a handshake.
Tell them you are trying to keep both of you safe, so you don’t waste your money.
Click here for full coronavirus coverage.
_______________________________
"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").
"Like" John Matarese Money on Facebook
Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese)
For more consumer news and money-saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com
