To wish Sir Keir and his wife would not hold hands when working

[BeaQuiet]

They've arrived in Washington DC on official business clutching hands like the Macrons, the Obamas and the Sussexes.

AiBU to find it a bit cringey?

And before anyone asks, yes I do have bigger things to worry about but I fancy a chat.

See, I find the other way weird. The no holding hands rules for the royals and people lose their shit if they look at each other or out a hand on the back or hold hands on occasion. That’s proper cringy

Actually it is slightly odd now I think about it. But also very normal for such couples in these settings. I bet people would comment on it if they didn't hold hands!

What a load of rubbish. I think there's every indication that the Starmers have a pretty solid marriage and he has no need to prove it to anyone.

I'm currently on a business trip with my DH. Quite a few people have bought their partners with them. The business part of their day can be quite intense and it helps the working delegates decompress in the evenings if they have someone they can relax and talk properly off the record with.

It’s lovely!

Not my idea of professionalism I have to say however if it was me I would be holding onto DH for dear life I would be so nervous!

Oh don't get in the way of a spot of Starmer bashing 😂

Of these pics, I guess the more "cringey" ones are the ones that seem more performative. For example, Margaret and Denis T and the Obamas I think are very lovely pics. Keir's wife looks like she's holding the hand of an oversized toddler, same with Carrie & Boris.

The Donald Trump one gives me the creeps, he looks like he's gripping tightly onto a possession, rather than it being a gesture of partnership.

Yes, these are largely based on my assumptions and impressions of the individuals (e.g. I know Obama and Maggie T both seem/seemed very much in love with their partners), therefore I know they're not fair. But just adding my two pence to the discussion..!

Not sure if this event requires wives and partners but maybe wives will be less involved for other stuff

Op you should have put a vote on your post just to see

Agree that no holding hands when actually at work in the office etc. but travelling to work with spouse hand hold is lovely. This was what I followed when dating by now husband when we worked together. Although I would never miss a day of my job to tag along with partner so suppose can’t really compare! That bit is odd now both partners in couples usually work, that tradition should end of the partner tagging along.

Already tories started finding faults. Was Michele Obama elected? It's not unsusal for first ladies to accompany their husbands on state visits especially between countries like US and UK.

Am I right in thinking you didn't vote Labour? Sounds like you're looking for fault tbh.

It's better to accessorise with a dog, I feel, if you want to pretend to be show you are likeable - and leave spouses to do their own thing.

I suppose if my husbands work involved me being any kind of first wife, then I’d happily hold hands. Think of it as the work dinner with partners invited- would you really not hold your husbands hand arriving? I would.

And if they didn’t it’d be “ooooh look, trouble at t‘ mill”
Damned if they ned if they don’t.

Crikey...didn't know this was cringe. DH & I hold hands all the time when out in public. I'd also link arms with my adult children....why is this bad?
Not that I'll stop btw

If I was Lady Starmer I'd want to hold hands too.

I don't think it's romantic in this situation, it's supportive.

Yet here he is, proving it.
Do you do that at work with your partner?
It is a very corporate behaviour and businesses do nothing without a vested interest in the reward

Ha ha! Yes I think it’s nice, shows solidarity as it will have a huge impact on her, being the wife of the PM, so showing that they are a solid partnership and that partners are indeed part of this whole thing is a really positive move in my book.

They know they can't find scandals to criticise, so athey need to find faults with hand holding. Another poster thinks Obamas look lovely kier and wife look like giant toddler with mum 🙄

It just looks ridiculous. I manage to walk around Tesco without grabbing my husband's hand every 5minutes, what is wrong with these people that they need to constantly hold their dp's hand.

And no I'm not 'bitter', I'd say the same if it were Sunak and his dw. Hold hands when going for a nice stroll not when representing the country on official business. Drips.

FWIW I found Rishi’s wife standing in the background at his leaving speech more odd. I saw a meme saying she looked like the ghost of a girl he ran over I’d have much rather seen her by his side and walking off holding hands tbh.

I think it's fine for the Sussexes and Obamas, they are both there with official roles. With Keir + wife she's the plus one, no title or role, nothing to do with anything. So it's a bit weird for situations that aren't a couple affair.

I imagine it's a PR thing more than anything, they know he has the charisma of an off-brand still water bottle so they're trying to add some interest.

Is kier working in the office holding her hands? I guess you would prefer scandalous Boris over Kier.

holding hands is "over compensating".

fgs its basic politics PR as well as when you are being trailed by a large press pack and photographers the easiest way to keep up with each other, keep sure footing and help with the general overwhelm.