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AIBU?

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Original poster

The clapping, please make it stop.

546 replies

orangejuicer · 09/04/2020 20:02

Is it just every week we are in lockdown or is that it forever and we have become a nation of clappers? Do I need to move?

OP posts:
TabbyMumz · 09/04/2020 20:29

Some idiot sang over the rainbow by us. Why do people think we want to hear every Tom, Dick and Harry singing everywhere these days.

joydivisionovengloves71 · 09/04/2020 20:29

I swear everyone was out in our street except us! It wasn't this busy the last few weeks.

DP is getting very stressed now, he thinks the neighbours will talk about us (not long moved here) but he's more introverted than me, so no way would he do it on his own. I've just had a bunch of photos and videos sent from a relative who's trying to make me feel guilty as his partner is a carer. Of course I think the whole healthcare industry are doing fabulous under such strain, but one occasion would have been enough. Now people are going to feel pressured to go out every week and no one will want to be the first to stop.

Firef1y72 · 09/04/2020 20:29

It's absolutely doing my head in. I'm autistic and hate loud noises anyway, but also think it's really hypocritical, especially in an area that constantly votes in the party that has systematically destroyed the nhs over the last 10 years.
I'm guessing people do it because it somehow makes them feel better. But it just makes me anxious and somehow judged because no I won't be joining in. Actually had a full on meltdown last week. This week my partner made sure the windows were all shut so I didn't have to hear it quite so much.
Just waiting for the smug fb posts in the local groups now. There'll be 2 different types, 1 lot will be congratulating their road on the great turnout, and the others will be berating those that didn't do it.

*earlier on today there were posts where roads were actually planning to see who could be the loudest.

LilacTree1 · 09/04/2020 20:29

“ The fans of clapping should maybe rewatch how the government clapped when they voted the pay cap for nurses. ”

Wasn’t that a fake video, spliced with something else?

rooarsome · 09/04/2020 20:29

I'm a nurse and the first time it happened I was very touched and emotional, though also embarrassed. It's a nice idea but I think it loses meaning being done routinely

undercoveraessedai · 09/04/2020 20:29

Spooked the fuck out of my cats tonight. One usually ends up with cystitis from fireworks night stress so crossing fingers that isn't what happens overnight. Why the fuck do we need fireworks?! I really do appreciate the NHS, and the first clap made me super emotional, but I'm not convinced this is helpful every week :(

Sconio123 · 09/04/2020 20:29

Was dreading the 8pm clapfest all day

And so it began, so I thought 'sod it might as well go to the front door n clap'

Ended up having a couple of lovely chats with the neighbours and their kids....

Quite uplifting!

spacepoppers · 09/04/2020 20:30

I have colleagues who are dead and you're moaning about your child being disturbed from their sleep. FFS. Have a word with yourself. The clapping is genuinely heartwarming, and really appreciated by (most) of those putting their lives at risk every day so you can stay safely at home.

JemSynergy · 09/04/2020 20:30

I like it and will continue to clap.

LilacTree1 · 09/04/2020 20:30

If you’re a key worker on shifts and trying to get some kip 😱

Tyvx347yvsw4 · 09/04/2020 20:31

It's a nice thought and all, but anyone who voted Tory can fuck off with their claps.

RandDandC · 09/04/2020 20:31

It’s a lovely gesture but why can’t it be an hour or two earlier before we put the kids to bed. My dd would love it, she looks for any opportunity to scream and clap.

BeijingBikini · 09/04/2020 20:31

This clapping is like the new "changing your profile picture to the flag of the country that was attacked".

Completely pointless and virtue-signalling.

Lynda07 · 09/04/2020 20:31

I have to say I've not actually heard any clapping, I 'live' at the back of my house, but a couple of fireworks went off tonight and did a week or so ago.

nicerainyweather · 09/04/2020 20:31

I live in a town, and have never heard any clapping. Happily.

DontDribbleOnTheCarpet · 09/04/2020 20:31

It hasn't happened here, but people mostly live a couple of fields apart, so we would all feel a bit daft and it might startle the lambs.

I do think this sort of thing loses a lot of its meaning when it (very quickly) becomes compelled. I'm imagining a lot of slightly embarrassed families trotting outside and dutifully performing gratitude because Mary and number 12 will do her nut if anyone shirks their "duty".

If making a noise helps you then fair enough, crack on. But there is also nothing wrong with sewing scrubs, collecting money or doing any number of small things to support frontline services or the very vulnerable. Noise isn't necessarily an indicator of usefulness.

LilacTree1 · 09/04/2020 20:31

“ My dd would love it, she looks for any opportunity to scream and clap.”

Oh god.

MorganKitten · 09/04/2020 20:32

Some countries do it every night, just stay inside if you don’t want to do it.

ScrimpshawTheSecond · 09/04/2020 20:32

Someone let off a firework outside, which made me jump, which made my LO jump, which made her poke herself in the eye.

Having been really careful about injuries for the past three weeks, I'm a tad pissed off.

FedupwithCFs · 09/04/2020 20:32

Typical MN fun sucking. 🙄

I don’t really ever see me doing it from week to week but it’s lovely to wave and speak to my neighbours from a safe distance. I don’t bash any pots or set off any fireworks though.

But hey let’s all stop cos Mrs Smith at number 23 needs to put her baby to bed.

Lonan · 09/04/2020 20:33

I am working in the NHS and the clapping has brought me to tears. It is not a replacement for appropriate funding, PPE and safe working conditions, but it was so lovely to see the support for my colleagues and I.

Such a shame that you are finding it inconvenient.

SophiaLarsen · 09/04/2020 20:33

The first time, when they showed some of it on the TV, loads of neighbours in a terraced street all out their front doors clapping, well within 2 metres of each other. This got me thinking it defeated the object. Then my doctor friend posted this:

Never mind the clap 👏, if people want to support the NHS they should:

  1. Obey self-isolating / social distancing rules.
  2. Eat less & move about more.
  3. Stop smoking / drink less alcohol / stop using recreational drugs.
  4. Become “expert patients” & learn how to manage their conditions.
  5. Take responsibility for their health & mental well-being ...

Thank you 💕

Her 'the clap' bit did make me Grin though!!

That, and it all coinciding with DD's bedtime have meant I'm giving the clapping the swerve.

I am observing all the requirements of lock down.

PerfidiousAlbion · 09/04/2020 20:33

Just a bit of clapping on my road but on the estate up the road, I could hear car horns, pot banging, whooping and bloody fireworks. Scared the cat to death as next door’s dogs started barking and the horses in the field bolted.

It’s getting ridiculous.

A friend said that one neighbour had taken to running down his road, banging on doors, shouting ‘clap!’ two minutes before 8pm!

TheClitterati · 09/04/2020 20:33

Fucks sake it's one minute once a week.

Go to the loo & you'll miss it. No need to be so miserable& winey.

Greenpop21 · 09/04/2020 20:34

It’s great. What a moaner!

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