Intrusive questions

It’s down to personal choice, I have started threads for example “ the strange things we do” I confessed to sleeping with a handkerchief and pulling very odd faces whilst applying mascara.
I think the above is fun and not intrusive.
The “first time” thread, I could never read or contribute, it’s far too personal but if others want to share such information it’s fine.
Threads re personal hygiene etc are usually about normalising behaviour and that’s fine too.
I agree with the OP though that these are questions I would never dream of asking a friend.

While I avoid contentious threads I appreciate the small and sometimes personal ones. They give me useful information about things that maybe I wouldn’t raise with anyone face to face, thank goodness.

Blondiescot

Isn't that the beauty of somewhere like GN? There are always going to be deep meaningful threads which some posters like to get their teeth into, others where posters are happy to offer helpful hints or advice - and then the light-hearted, even silly ones which offer a bit of fun. You dip into the ones which interest you and scroll past the ones which don't.

This.

I think the anonymity means that some real problems yes including those you feel are TMI means you can get help and support from here and no where else.

. Bodily functions overmuch included. the brave lady who got so much help and support about leakage from a TMI place.

Emotional dilemmas you can feel so alone with and NOT talk about to family or R Life friends.

Its possible there might be less of these threads if access to medical help were easier, but the reality is, its often not.

No one forces anyone to read or join in a thread. Walk on by?

I think the reason many of these threads emerge is to address the angst of people who need to know Am I normal?

Some of the personal ones eg bowel habits are trolls so it is worth being a little cautious.

Isn't that the beauty of somewhere like GN? There are always going to be deep meaningful threads which some posters like to get their teeth into, others where posters are happy to offer helpful hints or advice - and then the light-hearted, even silly ones which offer a bit of fun. You dip into the ones which interest you and scroll past the ones which don't.

I don't think they're intrusive - never saw the shredding toilet paper one! Threads like hair washing can be useful e.g. if someone washes everyday as it's greasy, a poster might recommend a particular dry shampoo.

I start foodie threads - it's interesting to see what the nation is eating and get ideas.

Horses for courses.

Maybe the posters think GN is a bit short of interesting threads (IMO it often is) so they thought one such would attract replies.

On an anonymous forum (I know some GNers do know each other in person but many don’t) presumably plenty don’t mind being asked, and are happy enough to reply.

Well to you, but obviously not to lots of others I think sharing stuff like can give a feeling of having something in common with someone else
Surely not a lot of harm in it is there ?

I have no objection to “lightweight” as those who know me must be aware, but personal hygiene and toilet habits and the like are TMI.

Why not ? Got to have some lighthearted threads can’t all be about deep and meaningful stuff
It’s just chat no one knows the person answering and you can avoid if it’s too lightweight for you

Maybe Gransnet is not for you foxygloves

Oh are you the thread police or is there an entry requirement?
Thanks a bunch for your warm welcome.
For what it is worth, I do have a sister but she has advanced Alzheimer’s and no longer has any speech.

My feelings are with Fleur. It’s anonymous and harmless and doesn’t lead to the nastiness as some threads do. Funnily enough I actually do know who my friends bank with, their hair washing routines and what they keep under the sink! Perhaps we need to get out more!

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Perhaps because it is anonymous, and people can ask 'intrusive' questions to see how they fit in the spectrum (as for hair washing frequency) - what harm does it do. And as you say, so easily avoided if you don't want to take part.

Other 'questions' may not be direct questions at all, but mean 'I wonder what the proportion of Gnetters bank with Coutts' - and is not q personal or intrusive questions at all, very clearly.

Good points foxygloves. I don't know the answer. Maybe people genuinely want to know these things but can only ask on a relatively anonymous internet forum?