Polly Hudson argued against handshakes as a greeting, but readers disagreed in their letters. One correspondent countered that a handshake is an open gesture signaling trust and humanity. Physical contact on meeting, the letter writer argued, represents a willingness to connect with others and step outside one's comfort zone. The act of extending a hand to a stranger can mark the beginning of meaningful human connection. The debate reflects broader questions about social norms and physical boundaries in contemporary interactions, particularly among younger generations who have questioned traditional greeting customs.