DEAR MISS MANNERS: If we renewed the lovely fashion of wearing gloves, people wouldn’t have to fear catching germs from shaking hands or appearing rude for refusing.

GENTLE READER: Why didn’t Miss Manners think of that?

Not only would it solve the problems you mention, but it would allow her to wallow in a treasure trove of forgotten customs. And as a bonus, it might alert those involved in plays and shows set in the past to use period costumes properly, which they almost never do. Even in lavish movies and television series, the supposedly refined characters eat and drink while wearing gloves, which is — ewww!

Removing gloves before eating is a strict rule. But if you have a glass or a canape or a fork in your hands, that is an obvious and polite excuse for not shaking hands. Just practice the regretful smile that should accompany the refusal.

Aside from protective gloves worn for tasks like waxing your car or dyeing your hair — during which, presumably, you don’t socialize — gloves are now chiefly worn for warmth. Greeting someone outdoors in the cold should not therefore be a problem.

But gloves were once a routine part of a proper outfit worn outside of one’s home, regardless of the weather: cotton gloves for spring and summer, fine leather for formal occasions, and heavier leather or wool for fall and winter. Oh, and slippery ones for striptease acts.

P.S. It is true that gentlemen — but not ladies — were supposed to remove their gloves when shaking hands. But Miss Manners is hereby suspending that rule.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.