What social customs should we retire?
By AmberLynn
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
United States
September 16, 2021 3:40pm CST
Things like handshaking, bowing, phrasing like "how do you do" etc.
What is something that is overdone and could be retired without consequences?
I think handhshaking could be replaced with bowing. Same for hugs. This guarantees everyone will be comfortable. Some people just don't like hugs or handshakes, so it seems like a good practice anyway.
what about you? What haven't I thought of here that we should retire as a society?
9 people like this
6 responses
@florelway (23305)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
16 Sep 21
hugs should only be for those close to you.
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
18 Sep 21
It seems to be one thing that happens a lot in my area, but also just the older generations.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
18 Sep 21
@florelway That isn't as common here. Perhaps from a grandmother to a grandchild, or from a male to a female lover.
1 person likes this
@florelway (23305)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
18 Sep 21
@ScribbledAdNauseum kissing of hands is also common here.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (72206)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
16 Sep 21
I don't think bowing is approiate replacment for hugs or handshakes. If you're in a wheelchair, you can't bow, obviously. If you're blind, you're not going to know if someone is bowing out of respect, unless they're saying something at the same time. A hug or handshake can easily be refused if someone doesn't want it.
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
18 Sep 21
Can it, though?
A handshake, sure, but a hug isn't always asked about before given.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (72206)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Sep 21
@ScribbledAdNauseum No, it isn't. nor are handshakes. Sometimes, depending on the person, someone might ask if they can hug you. In instances where someone doesn't ask, it's easy to tell them to refrane from doing that.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
18 Sep 21
@kaylachan I'm glad you think so. I've had many situations where it was too late to say "please don't hug me", because they already had.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
18 Sep 21
Here it's not uncommon for people to hug when they first meet. It's off-putting.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137860)
• United States
17 Sep 21
Only the older generations still shake hands when they meet someone new... It's already phasing out.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
18 Sep 21
Hmm... Maybe I am old fashioned. I tend to shake hands or hug when I meet someone new.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
18 Sep 21
@DaddyEvil I don't initiate the hug, but I will initiate a handshake or atleast a nod at the person.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137860)
• United States
18 Sep 21
@ScribbledAdNauseum Well, as long as they're cute, I guess a hug would be okay-ish... there are a few people I'd pull away from... maybe... 
But yes, I did pull my hand back sometimes....
But yes, I did pull my hand back sometimes....1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
18 Sep 21
It can be nervewracking. A hug, at least, is quicker.
