I was watching a TV game show one day, and with every correct answer the contestants would high-five. This probably wouldn't have bugged me so much, but I've been on high-five overload for quite a while now.
It used to be that it was used for celebrating points in athletics, and it was fun to watch the enthusiastic expressions of accomplishment. Now, it seems like it has degenerated into a tired, meaningless gesture.
How much actual enthusiasm is generated by a person holding up a hand and telling you, "High-five!" The gesture presumes upon you to respond in kind no matter how it imposes upon your good nature or personality. It makes you feel that you must humor the "high-hand" if you don't want to seem a poor sport. No matter how dorky you feel slapping someone's hand, there you are doing it.
I don't mean to be contrary, but would it be rude to tell someone, "I don't do high-fives"? Is it the same as refusing a hand shake? Is it the same as ducking away from a hug? I don't really think so, but I guess I won't be testing out the theory.
Thankfully, it seems like the "fist-bump" may be gaining favor. This seems more my style.
4 comments:
Amen to that!
Oh, those dumb high-fives. "Team-building" gestures or somesuch nonsense. I am so uncoordinated anyway...can't really even manage a fist-bump much less judge the correct amount of "oomph" to put in the high-five...LOL...
You could always respond with, "What are you doing?"
I've done that. It's actually quite funny, if you say it like you really don't understand.
Hand with a sad smiley stock photo. © MaximImages - stock photos in style
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