DEAR ABBY: Please tell people that when shaking hands, not to "squeeze" a person's hand hard. I have arthritis in my hands and it hurts so bad when some people shake my hand. Just a gentle shake is sufficient. Please print this. -- SORE HAND IN PILGRIM, KY.
DEAR SORE: A person can shake your hand only if you extend it. The next time you're in a social situation and someone extends his or her hand -- smile, reach out and touch the person on the upper arm and say, "I'd shake your hand, but I can't because I have arthritis."