Loss of Contact

So, I was at church a couple of weeks ago, and the time came for the meet and greet.  As most of you are probably aware, in most Protestant churches there’s a short period in between the music and the sermon during which everyone says hello to those around them, often shaking hands.  This was my first time at this church, so I did my best to say hello to everyone around me, and, of course, shake hands.  I said hello to everyone nearby to the front and sides, and turned around to shake hands with whoever was behind me.  This is when I encountered trouble.

The woman behind me was fairly attractive, so initially I didn’t notice that something was rather different about her.  I did notice, however, when I reached out to shake her hand.  She kind of looked at me like I was from outer space; that is when my brain finely comprehended what was different about her: she had no arms.

My feeble mind did not take this well; I had no idea what to do from there so I mumbled a quick “hello” and turned around. I felt bad, but in retrospect have to wonder: what’s the appropriate greeting?