Couples who Hold Hands

[MrCranky]

I’m interested in other people’s views on couples who walk around holding hands.

Do you and your partner do this?

We do, but I’ve noticed that I don’t really see others doing it and wondered if we’re perceived as a bit weird.

I dunno, I always think it is a reassurance thing. I feel secure with DH and don't feel the need to show it publically tbh.

Yes we hold hands whenever it’s appropriate to outside (except busy streets etc). We also hold hands in the car.

Very rarely hold hands, never really have with other halves since a boyfriend when I was young said I had a limp hold….and he liked me…

I Think it’s quite sweet when I see couples doing it.

This is awful and makes me so angry/sad for you that we've started going backwards on this.

sometimes, not every time we are out

How bloody sad. As pp said, we seem to be going backwards.

God no. Due to ill health and walking slower these last few years (my part) and my partners quick walking speeds (and forgetting every time I can't walk fast anymore) I would look like a toddler being dragged by a parent!

But no, even before all this I don't think we've held hands in public, just occasionally linked arms. It's sweet if you do it but it's not for me.

Never. It feels uncomfortable to have the natural swing of my arms impeded. And I also find it really annoying when couples make passers-by walk on the road because they’re occupying the whole pavement, and can’t possible detach themselves for 2 seconds.

@DanaScullysLegoHair thats really awful, I’m so sorry.

yes me and DP hold hands, been together for a very long while, we also have a ‘side’ - like Ant and Dec

I love holding hands and that was one of the problems I had with my ex was he just wouldn't hold my hand or give me any kind of affectionate touches. My current partner is very touchy in a loving not necessarily sexual way and I adore it.

It's a personal preference isn't it. When we're at a gig I love him holding me from behind. Feels snuggly and protective. He's always making sure I'm OK in little ways and that feels good. My ex was very much "you're a feminist so sort yourself out".

It does look odd - to me - when the Macrons, the Sussexes, the Starmers and now the Burnhams hold hands whilst on duty. Twee.

I've been happily married for nearly 40 years and we don't hold hands or "snuggle on the sofa" - another MN favourite!

We do occasionally but not loads.
I always find it cringe when I watch A Place in the Sun and the couple are constantly holding hands 🤣

Yes we do. Always have. I hold my mums hand sometimes when we’re walking too. It’s just a way of feeling close.

Yes all the time actually when i think about it, outside and even at home.

Mid 50s here. When I'm in a relationship I love to hold hands. Never made it past the 2 and a half year mark, so who knows, maybe I would feel differently once past the honeymoon stage

We're hand holders 🤚

We always hold hand when we go out but never if the path is too narrow or it's going to be annoying for other people! If we're going on a proper walk (rather than walking around town, etc.) then we won't as that would seem odd!

And have been together 27 years if that makes a difference!

I don't think you would - you become very comfortable after many years together so you do these things almost without thinking if you've formed the habit early on.

I often see young women holding hands where I live. I think its lovely. It doesn't matter to me whether they're lesbians or good mates. I don't assume either and none of my business. But then I'm a woman. Such a shame that a few idiots commenting spoil this for you. I'd do it even more!! They'll soon get bored if more people did it.

Bit of an over reaction.

Quite - we’ve only been together 30 years so still in the first flush of hand holding.

We do, sometimes despite also holding a buggy and a dog between us. Love seeing elderly people do it

I am a bit unsteady and slow on my feet so we often hold hands for safety but tbh we've always done it. In big crowds I can get lost or if we are out i just stop to look at something, he will carry on walking and leave me behind so we hold hands to stay together.

@Lavenderandsunflowerfields I don't want to derail the thread but we stopped doing it as it is really jarring to get a comment when we're just out and about, minding our own business. It puts you on edge and spoils things and I'd just rather not feel that way.

It is lovely that younger women feel comfortable doing it and I hope they don't experience the same thing. I am in my mid 40s, my Fiancee is in her mid 50s, whether this makes a difference or not is hard to say.

That's really depressing, it must be infuriating to have random men feeling entitled to intrude on you and your fiancee going about your own business,

Do you ever visit Hebden Bridge? I mention it because it's somewhere anyone can hold hands with anyone else and no-one bats an eyelid; great markets Thursday-Sunday, lots of independent and vintage shops, pubs, very artsy vibe, country walking routes, good place to take a camera for nature pics. DH and I live nearby and we love a wander round Hebden.