Couples holding hands is really cheesy beyond the teenage years

[HamptonLucy]

I've been watching several episodes of Escape to the Country (please don't judge me too harshly). Almost all the couples clutch each others hands on the sofa and cling on to one another for dear life when they're trundling around the countryside with lovely Alistair, Nicki Chapman or Jules.

Do you think it's a bit cheesy? The Obamas, the Macrons, Harry & Meghan, the Clooneys - all serial offenders.

I think it’s lovely.

If I see an elderly couple holding hands I always smile to myself.

I love holding hands with my DP and do so as often as I can! Don’t be so grumpy!

Why are you being so ageist and patronising to the elderly? They are adults and shouldn't be referred to as adorable or gorgeous.

It's sad that you see it as cheesy and clinging on. I see it as an affectionate gesture and couldn't give a damn what anyone else thinks.

My other half and I hold hands when we're out and about. We've just been away for my 40th birthday and had a lovely time, holding hands and even kissed in the street, like a pair of daring bastards.

It's not for anyone's benefit but ours so who cares?!

33 years married and still hold hands ... life is too short not to surely ? .....

Definitely yabu. I remember when I first moved out I dropped in at home but my parents weren't there. I saw then a few minutes later hand in hand, obviously just out for a walk together. It only struck me then they were a "couple"! It actually melted my heart. I was 19 then and didn't have the attitude that older people shouldn't do that.

My husband is 75 and i'm on the cusp of 66 and we still love holding hands in public - why the heck should age stop us? I wear Doc Martens and steampunk stuff too - bet you think I'm too old for that. Age is just a number that unfortunately brings health worries with it, it shouldn't be a sentence to behave only a certain way!

What other ways to show affection?
Do all displays of public affection distress you or is it just holding hands?

One of my nicest memories in the last 6 mths is M&D holding hands in front of me as we went somewhere - they never used to but both of them are now unwell Mum with Dementia and also some infirmity associated with that - its a support thing and to make sure she doesn't get buffeted by others being careless

Holding hands with one you love is delightful. My parents were married for 70 years and held hands whenever they went out. It was adorable. When my hubby takes my hand I feel cherished and loved. Sounds like sour grapes,

My DH and I held hands and showed affection right up to when he died. I’d give anything to be able to do that again.

Thing is, OP, I’m not sure I share your distaste for cheesiness. I’m pretty happy to be part of some cheesy couple. I love it, in fact.

I’d be delighted to be 90-odd and have young people describe us and our behaviour as ‘adorable’.

It appears loads of us on MN are totally on board with being part of ‘cheesy’ couples.

My Parents held hands until the day my Dad died suddenly but some people suck the joy out of everything, I can only think they've nobody to hold their hand and are jealous.

I agree op / must admit I’m not keen - seems a bit needy to me, ok on the very young and adorable in the elderly but otherwise a bit naff.

I wish I could still hold my husband hand. If I could I would never let his hand go. He passed away last year unexpectedly.

We always held hands. Its expressing love and closeness and age has nothing to do with it.

With all the pain and suffering in the world how can anyone find a loving couple holding hands inappropriate and cheesey, I dont know

I know you don’t like the elderly hand holders being called adorable either - but it is adorable.

@IvyKate - is it a nice village? I drove past on the way from seeing a client in Stratford the other week.

We do PDA’s all the time.

My parents were married nearly 60 years and always held hands. It was lovely.

Im not one for holding DH’s hand much but i love nothing more than seeing a very mature couple holding hands. I often wonder what they’ve been through, how long they have been together. Its lovely.

Looks like you’re in the wrong op.
Ready to eat humble pie?

My grandparents held hands whilst walking,they were in their 80s and together for 60 years

So sweet.

I'm with the non handholders few as they are on this thread.
My dh tries it sometimes and I remove my hand as soon as I can to deal with stray hair or faux sneeze/nose wipe etc.

YABU. DH and I grab each others' hand instinctively, especially when we are crossing the road or out walking or in a crowd - it's like a kind of public secret signal to each other and anyone watching that we are together. It's a lovely way showing of affection and way better than public snogging which is yuk!