Any ideas on how to avoid shaking hands when you meet someone? Maybe something cute or clever to say without going into a whole explanation of having RA and how painful it is? I cringe when someone holds out their hand in greeting. But I don't want to be rude, so usually I just suffer through it.
Q: How can you politely avoid shaking hands?
Answers (11)
12/ 6/11 11:12am
I have experienced this so many times. Generally shaking hands hurts my wrists or shoulders more than my hands, but either way it is not comfortable. I often think of people that have issues with germs and won't shake hands. How do they deal with this issue? Maybe it would help us here? I usually fidget with my purse or something when I am meeting people to avoid the hand shake. I will be interested to hear how others get out of this.
12/ 6/11 4:14pm
12/ 7/11 6:08pm
I have to meet and greet people everyday in my current role. I deliberately wear mly wrist splint if I am at all worried about having my hand squeezed, and whilst it isn't perfect, it has certainly reduced the enthusiastic myopic person who grips the hand and then says "Oh, but you've got a sore hand....." 
If you can't do that, then I just use the verbal cues outlined above "I'm sorry I have Arthritis (or RA for a more educated audience). Good to see you (again)".
The splint works well. When you are dealing with 100+ hands to shake it does make a difference!
I find that people don't mind, but there's the occasional person (did I think moron? surely not!) who persists in shaking hands despite all the warning signs, verbal and non verbal. It is very painful for me, but also for them as they see you wince. 
They don't do it again.
Good luck!
Sal
12/ 8/11 12:37pm
I
12/ 8/11 12:41pm
I typically Greet with a joyful Hi! and avoid the hand thing. Too many people try to show they are sincere by squeezing your hand til you submit to the floor! if I see that the person is going to do it anyway, I just say, I have RA, be gentle and they usually are. My husband really likes the Japanese way of acknowledgement of bowing instead, something to consider~
12/ 8/11 5:53pm
Just fold your hands in front of your chest and say Namaste.
12/ 8/11 6:01pm
Just fold your hands on the front and say Namaste.
12/ 8/11 11:07pm
I usually give my left hand and they seem to be easier on you, it works for me. Good luck.
12/ 9/11 12:02am
How about a fist bump and a big smile. I have seen the First Lady do it and she seems to get away with it!
12/11/11 9:55pm
Wow!! This has happened to me also so many times!! But in India, it is easy to avoid - I just fold my hands and say 'Namaste'!! may be you can try giving a really nice smile with gleaming eyes and say 'Hi!!!!', or tell them - be very very gentle and then give your hand!
Good luck!
1/31/12 12:39pm
Hi
I turn my hand slightly sideways and only offer the very tips of my fingers, this gives me control over how much pressure they can apply
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By FunnyBones— Last Modified: 01/31/12, First Published: 12/06/11
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Fidgeting with my purse is a great idea! I've also tried to quickly raise my hand in a little wave and say "hi" before they could extend their hand. Sometimes that works.