To object to inane 'banter' on serious threads?

Stansgran Thank you!

Me too, Ella

Elegran How ridiculous. What was your OH's friend supposed to say: "What does he or she do?" Or is one required to enquire as to the gender of the person's partner at the beginning of a conversation? Some people are just looking for something to be offended about.

Eloethan I wondered if it was said as a joke - but it seems not! Talk about over-sensitive.

Just as well he was not asked "Have you brought your spouse gouse/louse with you?"

Elegran

Are we still on the same subject? I lost the will halfway through.
My reflection on the original thread posted by Greatnan is as follows: if you were standing chatting in a group and one of that group made a statement or point about something which distressed him or her, or revealed a painful occurence in their life, would you think it acceptable if, after a little discussion on the subject, some wag piped up with some kind of joke or trivial take on the subject? Of course you wouldn't! Its called polite, thoughtful social interaction. To hell with free speech in a situation like this! Are we not civilised human beings who can empathise and sympathise with others and just try to make them feel a little better? Come on Grans!

Eaxctly,specki There are many things that are done automatically when talking face to face which don't always happen at a distance. If you were in the same room with the original poster, you would not be unkind when they told you of a problem, or joke about them in half-heard tones.

If it was something you could not feel any sympathy for, you might remind them of others in the same boat, or the possible advantages in what they are agonising about, but you would do it with a bit of tact.

You might also find a good reason not to continue with the conversation and go and do something else.

If I were with a group of friends discussing a serious or tragic subject, I think we would all be astounded if somebody made a flippant remark. I have nothing further to say on this matter but I am not sorry I made the OP, even though I don't suppose for one moment it will make anybody stop and think before they trivialise a thread, which is not the same as meandering.
I will continue to treat serious subjects seriously, and lighter subjects with humour.

I'm not impressed with women of 'our age' who can't tell when to speak in an appropriate manner, we've had a lifetime of learning behind us to put these things into practice. Mind you, we all know people who have unfortunately never left the school playground.

This site reminds me of a similar site aimed to support families of service personnel - in any vast forum gathering many different people, there will always be someone who gets on your nerves or you feel is so patronising you wish there was a block button. I don't think it's unreasonable to feel irritated by particular posts, but I think it needs to be put in perspective - if you post on an open forum then it's reasonable to expect that not everyone will share your viewpoint. Personally, I think that's the best thing about these sites - it helps you see things from many different angles

New , let the chips fall .

Nothing wrong with a bit of insane bantam...

Insane banter is what keeps me sane

Feetle , if there is one thing i love it is an insane bantam .

Quote petrapan: "I'm not impressed with women of 'our age' who can't tell when to speak in an appropriate manner, we've had a lifetime of learning behind us to put these things into practice. Mind you, we all know people who have unfortunately never left the school playground. "

Miaow!

So true. Wonder why the 'miaow'?

Are you serious, Aka?

Lets get the party started !

Only thing is ,it just occurred to me some posters are probably tired after walking , so perhaps let them be.

Don't people who walk – as a serious undertaking, not just strolling around Marks & Spencer – actually find it invigorating rather than exhausting?

It is both invigorating and exhausting.

Good exhaustion.

And to be emulated. All I need is the willpower.