Grown adults screaming when excited... just WHY?

[peakyblenders]

Inspired by last night's Big Brother - granted, people who go on Big Brother aren't exactly representative of the average person, but I'm noticing this in real life too and it bugs me no end.

I lost count of the number of times in last night's episode housemates randomly went 'AAAAAH!' for no reason whatsoever other than (presumably) being excited. Granted I'm an introvert, but I just can't understand why an adult would express excitement by screaming. Exclaiming loudly, yes, that's pretty standard. But that wordless 'AAAAAH!'? It truly baffles me.

This has been in the back of my mind lately because I feel I'm noticing it more in day-to-day life. I'm not talking young things in nightclubs, I'm seeing it in how people interact generally when excited. Example: I passed a woman on the street a few weeks ago who seemed to have spotted someone she knew and, as far as I could gather, hadn't seen in a while. She was clearly excited to see the other person, but instead of using actual words to express that she stood on the spot, assumed a position like she was laying an egg, and literally just went ‘AAAAAAAAAH!’ Then a very shrieky, huggy greeting as you'd maybe expect in the circumstances, but that initial ‘AAAAAAAAAH!’ totally bemused me. As does adults screaming in excitement generally. It just wouldn't occur to me to scream because I was excited.

AIBU to not get why grown adults do this?

It's very much our business when they are screaming next to us, in public.

As for whoever said you can't help it, yes you can. You're not 2.

I’m not a public screecher (can’t think of anything worse than drawing attention to myself!) but I don’t mind if other people do it.

However, there is some degree of mutual delighted squealing (quietly, and definitely more of an eee than an AAAAHHHH!) and on-the-spot hug dancing when I see one of my best friends. This is usually in one of our gardens rather than in public, so not exactly performative.

Screaming goes right through me. I hate it! I dislike screamy kids and I dislike screamy adults even more, it's so unnecessary.
I'm not an introvert either, I'm perfectly sociable and happy in company.

Yanbu at all.

Have you never been on a night out and screamed when you see your mate?

Or if you’re talking to your friend about to go on a date or something?

I thought everyone screams either when they’re really excited about something or they’re nervous.

I’ve not seen big bro yet but they’re going to be excited and nervous, so I can imagine it’s quite a normal reaction (add in alcohol and it definitely is).

I’ve not screamed for a while (apart from in my car alone because I was excited/nervous for my first day at my new job) but I think that’s because I don’t experience as many new/unexpected or really excitable things.

If I won the lottery I’d be screaming but I don’t scream every time my wage comes through because I’m used to it.

They do if it's the Sistene Chapel.

Yes I agree.

There’s over the top screeching and then there’s excited screaming that isn’t obnoxious.

I definitely think with alcohol and the more excited/nervous you are the louder it gets though.

No, of course not. It's not normal for adults to scream because they see a friend. I wouldn't even let a toddler do that.

Just stop it.

Bollox.

We ran round screaming, shouting and playing in the 80's.

I don't scream as an adult.

I am an extroverted person but definitely don't scream from excitement. I don't think I would scream if I won a million pounds even. I'd be in shock and I would maybe gasp, laugh, say stuff but I wouldn't scream. Screaming does really annoy me too, unless it's done out of fear. I was watching Love is Blind the other day and all the women walked into a room where the female presenter was and they all just screamed out loud. It's like nobody could use their words anymore. You wouldn't do that if you met Obama or Bill Gates, that would just be ludicrous, but for me it's ludicrus to do this in any setting.

My parents always told me to stop being so loud if they heard us. We lived in a quiet street and we all got told off for being too loud by parents and neighbours. So no it’s not ‘bollocks’ my siblings and I learnt it was rude and annoying for other people to listen to and we played just fine without screaming like someone had chopped off all our limbs

Ahh that makes me so sad!

Go out and enjoy life.

Taking the stick out of your ass isn’t going to kill you.
You may even enjoy it 😁

This is a discussion forum. People are allowed to give their opinion.

You don't normally see older adults doing this. Probably because screaming and screeching for no good reason just wasn't acceptable years ago. But nowadays many children are just allowed scream all the time, and secondary school kids can't be on a bus or in a restaurant without taking over the place with their shouting and squealing. Presumably they just carry it on in adult life because they've never been taught not to.

I enjoy life very much, thanks. Like an adult, not like a screeching, attention seeking toddler-woman like yourself.

Nobody like the screaming women in public. Literally everyone is judging you.

I enjoy my life perfectly well too, I do lots of different stuff. A just don't scream about it! You can keep your condescending little "sad" statement to yourself thanks.

Sad because some adults can be happy and excited without screaming and squealing and annoying everyone else around them?

Haha no. I am generally like an excited puppy about stuff but actual screaming in excitement no (I laugh and gesticulate a lot and tend to talk too quickly though when I’m excited). The only time I have screamed in a ‘fun’ setting is on a rollercoaster and that was out of sheer terror. I am quite reserved though and have a very low tolerance of screeching, screaming and loud people. Saying that though I’d rather hear a bunch of girls screaming in delight than those awful blokes who holler on the streets (Oi Gaz! (or whoever) yelled really loudly across the street - awful).

That’s the difference between me and you.

I don’t care what people think about me.

If someone has nothing better to do than judge me, so what.

I’m living my life and loving it.

Makes sense. You're one of those selfish people who don't have any manners, and no care for how they impact others. Everything is about you, everyone else is an npc.

Everyone hates you.

I don't watch the program but completely agree about screaming. It baffles me. No need - unless your safety is compromised.

I’m living my life and loving it

Gosh, ever thought of having that painted on your sitting room wall in rose gold Comic Sans?

You’ve never screamed with excitement ever in your life??

I’m not taking loud screeches that can be heard across streets but even little squeals?

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Would you just smile and nod your head?
I can’t picture anyone staying reserved.

@1month

Oh you care deeply about what people think of you. Why else would you want to make so much racket?

I've no idea what I'd do if I won the lottery. But we're talking about people screaming and squealing over everyday stuff. It's annoying and disruptive.

Wow what a lovely person you sound!

Luckily I don’t care what people think about me, so your comment to try and make me feel like shit about myself doesn’t affect me.

What type of nasty person tells someone that everyone hates them?!

No wonder you’ve never squealed with excitement or happiness because you’re obviously just nasty and miserable.