G
GregorysArmy
Guest
I see both sides. I understand that the rubrics call for not holding hands and I can see how it is cheesy. As a parent with two kids with immunity issues, I also don’t care for the spreading of germs via hand holding. Please don’t blow your nose and then ask me to hold your hand! Also receiving Communion after holding a sneezers hand gives me the heebee geebies.
I also see how this may be an issue where outsiders or people of other faiths see this Traditional Catholic position as being cold and unfriendly. To them, not holding an offered hand is akin to a slap in the face. Holding hands with someone breaks down that personal barrier and we are invited into each other’s space. Everyone has different comfort levels with body space. I bet the “hugger” type of people enjoy and feel community while hand holding. I bet the “give me my own space” people feel extremely uncomfortable with this practice.
I also see how this may be an issue where outsiders or people of other faiths see this Traditional Catholic position as being cold and unfriendly. To them, not holding an offered hand is akin to a slap in the face. Holding hands with someone breaks down that personal barrier and we are invited into each other’s space. Everyone has different comfort levels with body space. I bet the “hugger” type of people enjoy and feel community while hand holding. I bet the “give me my own space” people feel extremely uncomfortable with this practice.