What happened to British reserve?

I'm not concerned about the more touchy feely nature of relationships but I can't stand the hysterical grief now shown by so many people. I don't mean that those who have lost a close relative or friend shouldn't cry and grieve. It's the public grief for someone who was in the public eye that I can't stand.

I remember watching Diana's funeral. People weeping and wailing, throwing flowers and screaming her name. Who were these people? Did they personally know Diana or were they whipped up by a form of mass hysteria that seemed to take over the public and the media?

Since then it seems that, at times, there is a competition to see who can grieve the loudest.

I don't like the way one can be expected now to kiss acquaintances. I prefer shaking hands, but this is a custom that seems to be dying out.

I agree about kissing. Is it going to be an air kiss or a cheek kiss? Will it be one, two or even three kisses? Whatever it is it's definitely and invasion of my personal space. A good firm handshake is far preferable.

I really dislike the them and us of this sort of discussion
No-one is forcing anyone to join in this thread.

Kissing - another thing that has changed! So many people kiss these days that I have embarrassed myself by kissing a couple of people who obviously would have preferred not to have been kissed - as I would prefer not to be kissed by some people

I blame The Price is Right. That was the first example of it I ever saw, and I hated it. I'm used to it now, but I remember feeling very uncomfortable, these weird people running down the stairs waving their arms in a most peculiar and awkward fashion.

I'm sure I have said this on her before but in the court of Henry VIII you would have been greeted by a full kiss on he lips. It's just that times have changed and will change again. Our young people will no doubt, in years to come, be complaining about things which discomfort them but seem entirely reasonable to their offspring.

I agree Gracesgran.
I used to think that generations changed for change sake. But I dont think they do now.
I cant explain why things change, but they do. And a generation is largely in agreement with itself.
My daughter I thought had some new odd ideas about weddings. But we let them happen as it was her wedding.
But then I got talking to a couple of cousins a couple of months later, and their daughters were thinking exactly the same thoughts as my daughter.
I for one like the exuberance of the young. They are friendly and upfront.

this is their time not ours
We are all a part of society and as I'm not dead yet, it is still my time too.

Well said, Agus!

The kissy thing, I enjoy with my family, especially GDs but I'm uncomfortable doing this with outsiders.

Whilst living in France, I got to a point where I really got fed up with it.

Agus I have never seen (historically) an older generation make progressive changes but perhaps you have. Of course we are all part of society but I am not sure how that is relevant.

Thank you Ana. Still alive and kicking

feetle there is a trend again to be photographed with babies who are stillborn. I've seen photos like that recently of a mum with her baby; and also mum, dad and the infant who was "born sleeping", which is the term used. I don't know how I feel about it.

The photos are unspeakably sad, as can be expected.

It must help them I assume Grannyknot. Everyone grieves differently. Not sure whether I would have done it. I could imagine my daughter doing it though. Hope she doesnt have to. But, and here I may be oversharing, her husband lost a brother in that way.

It is relevant to me as I still see myself as a a useful member of society still capable of making progressive changes but perhaps you don't.

But we dont want to deny youngsters their way of doing things. They come first in my opinion.

Agus I am not saying you are not a useful member of society and, of course you could be part of the generation that tends to make progressive change. I would describe that as the 20 - 40 year olds but it may be narrower than that. Of course some older people make hugely important contributions to change and progress but they are few and far between. I would love to hear just how you intend to improve life for the rest of us as you obviously believe you can - which is great.

You really only have to read many of the comments on this thread to see that change is the last thing many older people want and progress always means change.

No, youngsters do not come first. This is not a competition, everyone is equal here.

What a ridiculous demand to make of Agus ....

So in a boat accident, you wouldnt let a youngster get off before you?

Can you not read Anya. No where did I say that youngsters come first.

It was Agus who personalised this by saying she/he would still see myself as a a useful member of society still capable of making progressive changes. I only asked what those were.

Please do not criticise what you would like to view as what I have written. I don't mind you commenting on what I actually write but making things up is not a discussion. I would not comment on someone personally - I do not know you all beyond what you write.

We all fulfil different functions in society at different times and it is not unreasonable to say that the older and old members of society are not, except with few exceptions, the change makers. That is a fact and not really one to get het up about.

Gracesgran, you wrote 'this is their time not ours' to which Agus responded 'We are all a part of society and as I'm not dead yet, it is still my time too.'

Which it is, of course.

It does seem that you are the one getting het up about nothing, and being rather rude to other members in the process.

Can you not read either....did I say YOU said that? It was soontobe I was responding to, if you read the post previous to yours

Get off your high horse.

Gracesgran it really isn't difficult to understand, I still have a voice and use it along with voices of mixed generations who feel strongly enough to want to at least attempt to right the wrongs.

I find your tone insulting and patronising personally and to our generation.

Don't hold your breath waiting for me to justify myself to you.