Should I feel guilty?

You asked the question should I feel guilty then you asked for views and no criticism. You got lots of posters endorsing your actions. You wanted constructive comments ? Where you feeling guilty at upsetting your neighbours ? You say you now feel it was the wrong thing to do. You certainly have upset me and a few others not because I felt jealous that you chose to ignore the rules but that you did and it would appear others have as well. I dont understand the purpose of your thread? Where you looking for everyone to absolve you ??

DD2 and I met up for the first time yesterday, sitting 2 metres apart in the nearest park on our fold down chairs. I did wonder why we were literally the only people in there. Then, as we trailed each other back to her car, two separate neighbours asked us why we’d gone to the park instead of just sitting in the garden as they were with their friends. They genuinely thought it was allowed under the latest guidelines and we honestly thought we’d missed an announcement.

We’ll stick to the park next time as well, unless the guidance changes again. For one thing it’s more peaceful there than on our street now!

I feel very strongly on this subject.
I'll not wait for Boris's announcement this week-end. I'll come on to Gransnet for the next set of rules shall I.
I think all of you who have made your own rules are a disgrace and insult to the thousands upon thousands that have had an awful death with this deadly virus,the young, the old, NHS workers, care workers, the list goes on.
No thought or respect for relatives who have had to live with the grief that will haunt them for the rest of their lives because they couldn't be with their loved ones and unable to attend a proper funeral.
No respect for the people who have stuck to the rules at the cost of not being able to see their family and friends.
My guess is that none of the posters were affected by a death in the family so had no effect on them. Staying away from family is a small price to pay.
Luckily I've lost no one to this virus but feel deeply for the one's that have.
Just because the numbers have gone down doesn't mean it's gone away.

Yea I’ve been affected by a death in the family and I have family members who work for the NHS, but I am so disgusted by this useless government and their woolly rules that I am meeting up with family outside. A garden is safer than the crowded park with joggers, cyclists, football games going on in my common sense opinion. I am also on standby for essential childcare support. In case one or both parents need it - that’s working on parental instinct which is apparently fine.

Sharon if you can explain why sitting outside in our gardens with family keeping 2m away in any way contributes to a rise in the R number, then please take this opportunity to do so.

Do this instead of ranting and making accusations.

The OP obviously feels uncomfortable about what she did, and posted hoping that others would agree what she did was ok.

She has received much support from most, as some government actions have left much to be desired, and many think ‘blow it, why should we try and follow guidelines when so many others are not doing?’

Personally, we have still not visited DS and family who live 5 minutes away with a big garden we could all sit in. He works from home, but still attends work sometimes and has meetings with many others. DIL works for the NHS and has close contact with the public in her job. GC are 15 and 12, but have never met up with friends.

Whatever DC and others have done, we will continue to follow guidelines until told we should do otherwise. If, heaven forbid, we or any of our loved ones become ill, we know we have done all we can to stay safe.

I live in a London suburb and am lucky enough to have a royal park down the road. When I walk there I see neighbours, and talk to them at a safe distance. Am I not meant to do this? When my DS or DD have dropped off shopping for us, I stand in the doorway and they stand on the pavement and we chat at a safe distance. Can't see anything wrong about it.

dear AONK ,after what the members of parliament ,are doing ,i would say you meeting was quite acceptable ,and i am sure made you feel so much better ,,,and of course the children must have enjoyed it ,

I can’t see anything wrong with what the OP did.
Employing common sense, with due regard to individual circumstances, seems to me to be the way to go.

Around here, where so many joggers and cyclists seem utterly oblivious of any sort of social distancing, just going for a walk has to be more hazardous than any sitting at a distance in the garden.

Hetty hopefully the Waitrose loos are more hygienic than those used by the traders in Wohan market! Obviously if we don't want to risk anything we'll never go out again.

Enjoy the memories.
I am sure your neighbours were happy for you as you would have been for them had the boot been on the other foot.

Perfectly fine. My older DGC came over with their new new dog yesterday & we walked round the aerodrome near our house & then we came back here. Sat in garden & chatted & had tea & cake. It was a lovely afternoon. My DGC are 12-16 so no problem worrying about them not social distancing- they are better than we are.
Will see the younger ones on Friday at their house as it is little one's birthday.

Jishere you’re right. You did support my post and Im grateful for that. Yes everyone has different circumstances and it must be difficult for you that your DD and GC are far away from you. My family has stuck rigidly to the lockdown rules from day one, only going out for walks and shopping and not meeting up at all. Yes we have now breached those rules largely to boost our mental health. I said I felt guilty but some posters have been so harsh.

Ok Aonk I get you but you have nothing to feel guilty about. Ignore any posts that have been harsh we shouldn't throw judgement.
The thing is lots have been rigid with the rules I get that but lots haven't had a choice especially when you are working and have others relying on you. But dont waste a wonderful time seeing your family with feelings of guilt, we are on the slow road to getting back to normal and hopefully we all will be reunited other than video chats. Have a lovely afternoon and take carex

Park or garden, as long as social distancing applies what’s the difference?
More space between you than some people in the supermarket