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Was this appropriate?

(83 Posts)
Sallyann1 Sun 22-Jul-18 20:44:04

So, husband and I met with our 3 adult daughters this morning for coffee, with no grandchildren (there are 7). We haven’t seen them for a while - they’re teachers and have been busy, as indeed have we! So, lots of chat and then I caught the end of a conversation that eldest daughter was having “Oh no, T (14 yr old grandson) says B (his grandad / my husband) is a boobs man”. I kind of laughed along, as we all did, then we talked of different things. But later, I tried to talk to husband about the comment, asking what he’d said to grandson. He got very defensive and quite angry ( as he does when caught on the hop), talked of male family members being able to chat to young male relatives about girls, “as it’s a tricky area for them”. I feel he has probably said something slightly inappropriate to the lad, in an effort to be “down with the kids”, and to be liked as is his need.
Had a glass of wine there, read what I’d written and nearly deleted it - anticipating comments like “huh”, “mountain out of a molehill” etc, but it’s just I thought as liberal, 60s hippy folks we were past all that objectification of women. In the discussion with husband, he said that men do look at women and react to big boobs, short skirts etc.
Oh I don’t know, just feeling a bit low now, so don’t be too hard on me!

Melanieeastanglia Mon 23-Jul-18 11:40:07

I agree with M0nica and MamaCaz.

starbird Mon 23-Jul-18 11:27:12

I don’t think we can possibly judge without knowing the context. What if grandson started the conversation and asked his grandad if he was a boobs or bum man? Boys of his age are probably talking about girls and sex all the time, I think it’s great that he feels he can talk to his grandad as well. If he ever needs real advice on the subject he will know his grandad is approachable.

Unfortunately the fact that we don’t want men to see us as sex objects is somewhat negated by the way young girls and so called celebs flaunt their bodies, and I wonder how many 14 year olds and younger, watch Love Island? I have never watched it but it from headlines in the rags it seems to emphasize the body rather than the mind.

Tooyoungytobeagrandma Mon 23-Jul-18 11:22:17

I would be enjoying the fact that my gc was happy to chat to an older male member of the family and to be honest unless he was degrading men or women I don't get upset by the comments as I work with women who are just as bad when chatting about some male they find attractive. Leave as "male chat" just as I suspect you have "girlie chats" with your female friends. I'm in my 60s and love the fact my kids who are in early 20s and their mates chat openly to me about stuff and have done even in their teens. (Good jobs non of the men in my life were boob men wink

Grampie Mon 23-Jul-18 10:56:27

We are not allowed to say that kind of thing anymore.

I understand the new Mamma Mia film had to change some song lyrics too.

Blinko Mon 23-Jul-18 10:55:17

Inapropriate stuff happens, despite the best efforts of the pc brigade. Nothing to get worked up about, in this case. I agree with M0nica and others who would take a more laid back approach.

GabriellaG Mon 23-Jul-18 10:52:01

I clearly remember, as a 19 yr old, walking past the local library in my old home town, when an unknown male passed in the opposite direction.
As he did so, he put out his right index finger and poked it straight into my right breast saying ' the t**s' on you' without breaking stride.
I wasn't that shocked and certainly didn't tell mum.
Men can be weird re women's bodies. They're either a leg, bum or boob kinda guy. I've always liked a certain kind of neck/throat area on men.
The comments made between GP and GS can't have been very inappropriate as I'm sure the OPs DH wouldn't really overstep the mark. Forget about it. It's what males call bants (banter).

Foxygran Mon 23-Jul-18 10:48:57

I agree with JaneAinsworth too.

Like you, I would be upset if my husband had this conversation with our Grandson. But now you just need to let it go. Our husbands do say and do things we don’t like sometimes but (unfortunately sometimes!) I don’t control him.

Don’t let it get you down. It’s just a comment and it sounds as though he’ll think twice about saying something similar in future x

Apricity Mon 23-Jul-18 10:41:22

Bit embarrassing, not appropriate, maybe grandpa trying to be one of the boys but also a great opportunity to talk about why it wasn't an appropriate comment today. Also an opportunity to discuss how times and views change over time and how this applies to many areas not just comments about the opposite sex. Hope the family can see this as an opportunity for open family conversations rather than a blame game.

Nananolife Mon 23-Jul-18 10:40:44

Oh Sally I can perfectly understand you, and actually him as well...but don't beat yourself; or him, up about it.
He's obviously sorry he said it that's why he's cross, but they were probably having a laugh and he joined in to make them laugh, it is inappropriate at his age, but no ones died. He's sorry, your sorry, kiss and make up, life's too short. xx

ReadyMeals Mon 23-Jul-18 10:37:28

Things have changed a lot lately. I am sure 30 years ago that would have been a perfectly appropriate man-to-man chat even at that age. I mean "boobs" isn't even a rude word! Just why is society becoming so prudish this century?

paddyann Mon 23-Jul-18 10:37:10

Cant abide men who objectify women.We have a friend who used to openly comment about womens boobs or lack of ..to his kids .When thay were kids ....as young as 9 or 10.It made my blood boil.This "man" also commented on how "ugly" some people were.
Now I'm no saint but I have never called anyone ugly in my life.As far as I'm aware we all have things about us that are attractive.The strange thing is this guy hmself is no greek god.
I dont ever comment on mens bums or thighs or any other part of them ...I wouldn't expect my OH or my son to make remarks about women .

Elrel Mon 23-Jul-18 10:28:20

Randy grandy should stop trying to impress the kids with his clumsy man talk.
Or do grans discuss attractive men with 14 year old girls like this? I'd get justified cries of TMI if I did.

rizlett Mon 23-Jul-18 10:25:16

Op - you are justified in feeling disappointed in your dh objectifying women especially when there is so much education around to try and minimise that.

Would everyone be so openminded if the comment was that granny had been discussing with teenage dgd that she was a 'balls' woman?

Rocknroll5me Mon 23-Jul-18 10:23:34

I think we can often see the light when we reverse things a bit eg can you imagine the conversation with your 14 year old granddaughter and saying ‘do you like pert bums? I do. ‘

BlueBelle Mon 23-Jul-18 10:22:44

Well said Minxie anyway if the mum a professional lady and teacher isn’t to perturb why should Sally be unless she’s upset to hear her husband likes boobs

A different story but the other evening I was on a train with 12 yr old and 15 yr old girls there were about 6 ladies I use the term very loosely in their 50s 60 s going out ( it was early evening) we moved half a carriage away as they were so loud but the words coming out of their mouths was totally disgusting They were constantly talking about men’s appendages and who fancied who and who would do what to who very loudly and with great giggles and shreeking laughter My 15 year old turned to me and said how can old grannies talk like that, a young man sitting behind us leaned forward and said to the girls don’t ever get like that
Now that was disgusting

Kazza1 Mon 23-Jul-18 10:21:14

Oh dear, I have to agree with bluebell, I'm sure your grandson will have heard much worse and will probably have laughed at the comments, and would have seen that his grandad respects women.

janeainsworth Mon 23-Jul-18 10:18:03

It’s man talk, and we girls talk, about men ( esp Hugh Jackman) so I objectify him
Speak for yourself, Minxie.

minxie Mon 23-Jul-18 10:16:22

I fear we are getting to the point of not being able to say anything to anyone, in the not to distant future. It’s man talk, and we girls talk, about men ( esp Hugh Jackman) so I objectify him. Men and women will never stop doing that. Young and old and in between

janeainsworth Mon 23-Jul-18 09:32:14

I think eloethan hit the nail on the head by describing it as ‘sleazy’.
Of course men and women will be physically attracted to each other. No one is saying that’s wrong or abnormal.
But in this age when apparently the majority of teenage boys have viewed porn online, it’s even more important that boys are taught to respect women as people and not simply as sexual objects.
‘Boob man’ and what that implies about the rest of the conversation just seems to cross a line.
Sally I think least said soonest mended, but perhaps if the opportunity arises you could point out to your grandson that times have changed and modern women don’t really like such terminology.

BlueBelle Mon 23-Jul-18 05:51:12

Ahhh but we don’t know the granddad was ‘^discussing sexual attraction and sexual tastes with a child^ muffinthemoo that’s a HUGE leap and a big assumption Talk about Chinese whispers
All the poster knows is the 14 year old mentioned his grandad was a boobs man it may have been a reasonably innocent throwaway remark he may have seen his grandad smile at a buxom woman on tv who knows It really is a huge storm in a teacup if this is the worst grandad ever says or implies I think you don’t have much to worry about

Sallyann why are you feeling down there surely must be more to this than seems from the post Has your husband let you down in the past? is he a womaniser ?

Even if this was inappropriate and bigger than what your post implies your daughter knows and as a teacher she will be very aware of what’s suitable for her son and she doesn’t seem bothered so why should you be ?

muffinthemoo Mon 23-Jul-18 01:10:38

I would feel unhappy if someone much older was discussing sexual attraction and their sexual tastes with my child, indeed any child.

I think “advice about girls” from an older trusted person is more in the ballpark of good ways to ask a girl out, etc, or discussion of emotions.

I feel uneasy about older people expressing their specific sexual preferences to children. DGS was obviously amused by it, but could likewise have been quite upset.

I was upset as a young teenager by family friends commenting on my physical development, and I’ve had a lot of friends say likewise. I think the topic is best avoided.

Eloethan Mon 23-Jul-18 00:15:53

I think if such a remark was made, it is sleazy. I too think that your daughter making light of it is disappointing. I wouldn't think it at all funny to hear my husband described in such a way, reportedly by my grandson, especially if it was the case that such description arose because of something my husband had said.

I don't think it's a "storm in a teacup" but I can see that it may be more comforting to suppress any disturbing feelings, put on a cheery face and just utter those well worn words "boys will be boys".

Luckygirl Sun 22-Jul-18 22:28:57

I can see that this has disturbed you - but you do not have all the facts as to what OH said - and I suspect that 14 year old boys might not be averse to a bit of embellishment. I would let it wash by. If you feel that in general your GS treats women and girls in a respectful way, then he is not going to base his life's attitude to women on this one jokey exchange.

I am wondering if this might have triggered some underlying anxiety that you have about your OH's behaviour or attitudes to women. On the surface of it this does not seem to troublesome.

BlueBelle Sun 22-Jul-18 22:22:49

I think a 14 year old has heard a lot worse some of the things my teenage grands have told me have made me laugh at their openness but my hair curl at the same time
I m afraid I m with your first thought storm in a teacup
Really no big deal

Sallyann1 Sun 22-Jul-18 22:15:41

Thanks for your comments, _MOnica - husband says he now doesn’t remember what he actually said, but it was clearly something that left grandson with the idea that Grandad likes boobs. Yes, obviously I don’t deny such attractions, for both sexes - just not sure about commenting to 14 yr old.
Hey ho