Typical Gransnetter

"Foxygloves*. Comparing someone else's difficulties to our own doesn't make ours any easier to bear. I've tried that. It doesn't work.

I, like Kalu, don't think there is such a thing as a typical GNetter. I particularly appreciated being a member during Covid as it give me an insight in to how other members were coping. I do find it a bit strange that some contributers who are not grandparents would join this site - not critising - just saying!!!

I know, it wasn’t meant to be a comparison but examples of “the hand you are dealt”.

Hermother

A typical gransnetter is white, female, short in stature, rotund of figure, white haired and wears a benign smile at all times, even when she's been mugged by a stereotypical hoody who nicks her pension when she's coming out of the Post Office. She wears thick, wrinkly lisle stockings, sensible shoes and a cross over penny over her crumpled elasticated slacks. She attends evensong every week, is a keen and active member of the WI and spends her afternoon knitting shreddies.

Love this
Thanks for making me laugh Hermother.
By the way, does anyone actually collect their pensions from the Post Office any longer?

Yes, at least we've got the job description I asked for earlier, thanks, Hermother

😂😂😂

Grayling1

I, like Kalu, don't think there is such a thing as a typical GNetter. I particularly appreciated being a member during Covid as it give me an insight in to how other members were coping. I do find it a bit strange that some contributers who are not grandparents would join this site - not critising - just saying!!!

People who are not yet grandparents went through Covid and were interested in how others were coping.

There are more posts and threads not about being a Gran than otherwise.

Not everyone defines herself in terms of her family anyway.

I’m not a Gran, but am a mum and have numerous great nieces and nephews. I love them all, but don’t post about them - I tend to skim the threads about other people’s children and still find plenty to read and respond to.

I find it a bit strange that people don’t understand that.

I agree with you dahlia , varian I think you have been given a very rough ride! Varian is not smug , she recognizes how fortunate she is, that does not mean she is unaware or unable to emphasize with people who are coping with distress/ trauma.
Varian these are for you 💐💐💐💐💐

What’s a typical human? You might as well ask that. When I joined I assumed it was all grandparents but it clearly is not and some aren’t parents,either . Good to have different points of view.

varian

I do not think of myself as a typical Gnetter beacause I am a very fortunate Granny in many ways.

When I read other Gnetter's stories it makes me realise how fortunate I am.

Who is the typical Gransnetter?

I honestly can’t understand the point of this post at all.
It’s got me completely baffled

After some careful thought, here is Mrs Typical Gransnet.

She lives in Scotland and is called Kate. She is 68.

She is a retired teacher (she was HoD) and has traveled widely.
Her favourite holiday destination is Italy.

She reads the I and The Telegraph. She used to be a Liberal Democrat, but now votes Labour.
She is a church goer and doesn’t support the monarchy.

She isn’t vegetarian, but she does not eat red meat.
She enjoys knitting, watercolour painting, gardening and writes the occasional poem.

She listens to Classic FM, Radio 4 and Boom Radio.
Her favourite authors include Trollope (Anthony and Joanna) and Hilary Mantel.
She watches The Repair Shop, The Traitors, and loved Happy Valley.

She shops at M&S (less so these days), John Lewis, SeaSalt and Aldi.
Her favourite perfume is by Jo Malone.

She is happily married, (her husband is a retired lecturer and has a dicky heart), she has two adult children, and three grandchildren, one of whom is at university and is a worry; and another is on the autism spectrum.
She has a difficult relationship with her daughter in law, but it’s better than it was.

I forgot to add that her husband plays golf and guitar.

And they have a rescue greyhound

Sounds about right, FannyCornforth! Thank you for making me smile! 🥰

I think you’ve nailed it, Fanny, apart from votes Labour

Hmm. How about Green?

Well I m about as untypical as you can get then if we re going by Fanny’s list !!

I'm not a typical gransnetter. We had 5 children, have 9 grandchildren and I have not had paid employment for almost 53 years.

Fanny's description doesn't fit me at all.

But, I have experienced loss, sadness, pain, estrangement, joy, happiness, success - all the usual things. That makes me a typical gransnetter.

My personality is such that I look on the bright side - so on balance, I feel fortunate. Others in my circumstances may feel they have been unfortunate.

You do have Morris & Co wallpaper though, Kitty, that’s a GN badge of honour, along with the greyhound

Does anyone think of themselves as a "typical" Gransnetter? I certainly don't, unless you restrict it to female, over 50, and with Grandchildren, but I don't think that's what you mean, as you're clearly referring to shared life experiences. As for the idea of some being "unfortunate" whilst you are "fortunate", that's also a very subjective judgement, as "into every life a little rain must fall", so where do you make the cut-off? Infinite variables apply, so "typical" doesn't really feature in any meaningful sense, other than within the very limited parameters I've described.

Well, I am a grandad for a start......

FannyCornforth

You do have Morris & Co wallpaper though, Kitty, that’s a GN badge of honour, along with the greyhound

Oh, forgot that fanny!

Funnily enough though Kitty, I do actually think of you as a typical GNetter, as you were one of the first people I properly ‘spoke’ to on here (we got a bit over excited about The Hollow ).
It was you, Marydoll, Maw and Lucca.
All of you have influenced what I think of the typical GN woman. And what a diverse bunch you are really (but teaching and a fondness for Italy definitely features)

I only tick one of your criteria Fanny and that is Jo Malone 🤣😘

Wot no SeaSalt?!

Fanny, that made me smile, despite you being way off on some of your ideas! 😁