How Do You Leave Your Mark?

Animals have an instinctive nature for knowing who their friends are and they can easily recognize predators or other animals that could become a territorial threat. As humans, we may say we have a “gut feeling” about someone, but for the most part, it takes time to develop a true lasting friendship that is based on trust.

The wonderful thing about cats is that when they rub up against your leg, lick your hand or arm, or touch you in any way, they leave their friendship mark. They are leaving their smell on you as well as your smell is being left on them.

I’m not suggesting that we start rubbing each other to show our friendship, but our current societal norms tell us it is wrong to touch someone because it could be offensive to them. On the other side, it is considered rude not to shake hands when introduced in some societies.

The hand’s shaking represented a peaceful intent since it showed that the hand held no weapons. Also, shaking a person’s hand was a symbolic gesture of a mutual commitment to an oath or promise, as the two hands clasping each other represented the sealing of a bond.

Now, we are concerned with the transmission of germs, viruses, etc., which has given us an excuse to omit the handshake. We have gone to the hand bump, which is a silly form of greeting and is not the same. I prefer no outreach to a hand bump as we assume that the top part of our hands is germ-free but not the bottom.

My outreach is going to be my smile. It will be my way of demonstrating a warm and friendly greeting and one that I hope leaves a mark in the heart of the people I meet.