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As a left-handed American, I rarely think about my dominant hand. Sure, the world is set up for right-handers, but we lefties have learned to adjust. In Italian, the word for left is sinistra. While I've never found bias against my left-handedness in Italy, there are many places in the world where I could stop traffic or invite disgusted looks from an entire restaurant for openly flaunting my left-handedness.
So what's the problem with being left handed? The main issue is one of hygiene. In parts of the world, including much of Asia and Africa, the left hand is designated for toilet-related responsibilities. Therefore, anything else the left hand touches is considered unclean. In such cultures, those born left-handed are retrained at an early age to use the right hand. So what's a lefty to do when traveling to India or Qatar or Morocco for business?
Watch What You Do With Your Hands
Before a trip or even a meeting where I know my left-handedness may be an issue, I try to pay attention to how I use my left hand for normal activities. Writing and eating are the most important two activities. But beyond that, be sure to note what you normally touch in daily interactions. Do you pick up a book with your left hand? How about touching a door knob? Try training yourself to be aware of your hands and then consciously choose your right hand over the left. If you find this to be an annoying distinction, then think of it from the other side—would you want to touch something that someone had previously touched if they used their left hand instead of toilet paper?
Sit on Your Left Hand While You Eat
I know it sounds stupid, but I have found that this works. If I allow my dominant hand to rest in my lap, then at some point in the meal I will forget and potentially cause embarrassment to myself and my hosts. The other thing I do before the visit or meeting is to practice eating right handed. It's tough at first, especially with chop sticks, but with practice it can look much more natural.
Upgrade Note Taking to a Tablet
It's much more noticeable when I write with a pen, but when I pull out my iPad for taking notes, no one notices my left-handedness because I use both hands. It also makes you look a bit more contemporary than writing hand-written notes.
I hope this helps my fellow southpaws to avoid scandal in your international business interactions. Please share this unexpected cultural difference with any of your left-handed colleagues!
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| 7321BDF NTN | 105 | 225 | 98 |
| 7321DF NTN | 105 | 225 | 98 |