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.

Almost 19 out of 20 posters disagree with you @HamptonLucy

Nearly 200 votes so far. And you only opened the thread 20 minutes ago!

What does THAT tell you.... ???

YAB so very, very U. So U.

@TalkinAboutManetManet

Me and DH often wake up holding hands.

Are you otters???!

It's the loveliest thing ever holding hands

Me and DH hold hands on public often, we don't snog or go OTT but it's just a lovely way of feeling connected, even after 20 years marriage we still love and fancy each other. It's a wonderful message to send our to our boys as theyve grew up. And you think it's "cheesy"?? Haha that's a bit of a weird opinion, but it's like anything else in life, don't like it, dont do it.

What’s another, better way of showing affection in public?

You don't need to show affection in public, do you? You can be considerate and respectful of each other without holding hands. Smile, laugh, chat, walk in companiable silence, with your hands by your sides.

I'm one of thee most cynical of people, and think most people on TV.programs do things their told to do, or think they "should do".

However, me n the Mrs are well away from being teenagers, and we still hold hands frequently (rarely as we walk, as I'm holding on to my rollator!), especially on the bus together.

We also ... Shock horror ... kiss each other goodnight or goodbye.

DP and I hold hands if we're walking a distance together but not in and out the supermarket. I think it's nice and I like it. But I think YABU to look down on people who do it just because you don't.

Eh? How odd to be bothered or even notice something like that in a negative way. Of course it isn't cheesy to hold hands. 30 years later and we still love to do so. Particularly as it means there isn't a child in the middle for once! We don't clutch at each other, we just enjoy holding hands.

Trump's not holding hands with anyone in that picture.

walk in companiable silence

Well you sound like a bundle of utter misery!

You’re judging people for holding hands, yet you watch bollocks like Escape To The Country?

My 11 and 10 year old still find my hand when we are out and about. They are very independent children so I really like when they do it. Myself and dh often hold hands I like that too. I really can't think of one single reason as to how this could be seen in a negative light.

YABU.

I think it's lovely and sweet. We all show affection in different ways.

It's a sign of their emotional connection and closeness to me.
You wouldn't hold hands with someone you didn't like.

I just think it’s a bit sad. It feels very natural to me, so there’s no way I would stop just in case some repressed stranger found it cheesy. But if it’s not something that comes naturally to you and you show affection in other ways then I can see why you wouldn’t do it.

@Bravelurker

My ex who was a lot younger than me, used to insist on holding hands and whilst I thought it was super romantic and flattering , I was hyper aware of what passers-by were thinking.

That he was your son?

You don't need to show affection in public, do you? You can be considerate and respectful of each other without holding hands. Smile, laugh, chat, walk in companiable silence, with your hands by your sides.

Why is that better?

No don’t be ridiculous. It’s completely normal behaviour.

We have always done it - what is wrong with it ? What is it to you anyway ?

Holding hands, yes.
Public snogging and groping, no, whatever age you are

You sound very cynical OP. People who love each other like to demonstrate their affection for each other.

I saw a couple last week who were at LEAST 90, and they were walking along holding hands. Sooooooooo cute

I saw an elderly couple (I would guess 80+) walking along holding hands the other day. I thought it was so cute and lovely

It is so patronising to describe two elderly people as "cute"

You sound quite bizarre! Really, it worries you that much that people commit such a flagrant public display of affection? Have you ever thought that possibly you're living in the wrong sort of country?

You can be considerate and respectful of each other without holding hands.

Are you implying that holding hands shows that you're being considerate or respectful?

Because I wouldn't agree with that...it's often done out of habit.. and affection/love.

Nothing to do with respect or consideration.

What is it to you anyway?

I'm chatting about it on a chat forum - just like you!

This is one of the most curmudgeonly, joyless threads I've ever come across. I love seeing couples of all ages holding hands. Surely it's a lovely, non-offensive way to physically connect with your partner?

I've balked at couples snogging, groping and squeezing arses in public but will never object to hand holding. I'm single and miss it.