SJSinNYC: not as a sarcastic comment, but i really would like to know who your rabbi is.
btw, many men respect women for upholding their religious beliefs. just politely say i dont shake mens hands for religious purposes (as hard as it may sound, ppl are actually impressed). in no way do i want to start a whole machlokes thing here like ive read before, i just want to dispense useful advice in at least TRYING to avoid shaking mens hands, as your rabbi apparently allows it in your situation, and i do not want to diminish emunas chachamim here. a rabbi is a rabbi. you can pretend youre busy in getting s/t out of your bag/pocket or you can hold a glass of water or s/t.