Dude,
First of all you aren't a bad person, but it was not a very nice thing to do. Obviously, education is what we as a society lack the most of on this subject, just look at the high number of posts of those saying it was the right thing to do. That being said, I would ask you this, do you know how the man contracted this horribly debilitating disease? By your comments one would have to assume that you had thought about this very thing prior to his hand being offered and as you stated you had already made your mind up not to shake it. So rephrase the question, do you think the man would have felt bad if you told him that due to the fact that he had HIV you would not do him the honor of shaking his hand? I do. Would you be offended if vice versa? Is he a human being, with feelings and dreams and desires, that are all but completely dashed now? Do you think he needs reaffirmation that he is publicly an outcast every time he sticks his hand out? Is this how you would want your Brother, Son, Father, Sister, or self treated if it indeed was the case? Yes I believe you should shake any man's hand that is willing enough to stick it out there with no preconceived notions about you, nor any idea if you are indeed diseased. I mean its not like you are sucking the puss out of a cold sore for goodness sake.
I wouldn't let it tear me up inside but if this person is a friend of yours, I wouldn't do it twice. Also, the paper cut thing wasn't really the reason as you had to think about that before the hand came out. No way someone instantly puts that together without some forethought. Anyway, don't let it bother you, that solves nothing. Simply learn from it and go on.
Hope this helps, (Registered Trademark of FatDaddyCool)
FD"motha fuhkin" C
