[PurePeach]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

Seriously? Who does that to a stranger? I'm talking about the woman who bombarded you with photos of her grandkids. (not you with the fake phone call).

Had that happen to my husband and me yesterday. We were getting our car serviced and the receptionist at the dealership was checking the coffee machine and was talking nonstop when she suddenly got a text from her daughter with a picture of her grandson. She promptly showed us the picture, then proceeded to tell us how wonderful he was as she pulled up more pictures. FINALLY, she got the message from our expressions that we really weren’t interested in looking at the pictures and put them away to do her job with the coffee machine.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm okay with my neighbor telling me about how her grandson's enjoying the new car that I saw him drive off in when he came to visit a few months ago. I'm fine with my other neighbor telling me about how her nephew is with a new girl, because the one I met when they visited last time was a toxic waste of oxygen, and the new one has a job and they're pooling their funds together for an apartment soon.

What bothers me, is when a bunch of us get together, and they are ALL talking about nothing but their grandkids, how adorable they are, how one just learned to talk, another banged into the car and got a bump on her head when she was learning to ride a tricycle... y'know, all the things that EVERY little kid experiences, that we have ALL heard adults talking about since WE were little kids experiencing those exact same things.

I've been hearing people telling the same stories for 62 years. Now that I'm retired, and living in a 55+ community where toddlers are welcome to visit but not to live - I kinda just don't want to hear it anymore.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I'm okay with my neighbor telling me about how her grandson's enjoying the new car that I saw him drive off in when he came to visit a few months ago. I'm fine with my other neighbor telling me about how her nephew is with a new girl, because the one I met when they visited last time was a toxic waste of oxygen, and the new one has a job and they're pooling their funds together for an apartment soon.

What bothers me, is when a bunch of us get together, and they are ALL talking about nothing but their grandkids, how adorable they are, how one just learned to talk, another banged into the car and got a bump on her head when she was learning to ride a tricycle... y'know, all the things that EVERY little kid experiences, that we have ALL heard adults talking about since WE were little kids experiencing those exact same things.

I've been hearing people telling the same stories for 62 years. Now that I'm retired, and living in a 55+ community where toddlers are welcome to visit but not to live - I kinda just don't want to hear it anymore.

Don't listen. Very curious as to what else you would propose as a reasonable solution to "your problem"? Hypothetically how would one handle a spouse with dementia where you hear the same story 62 times per day ?

[LeRoySmith]

How do you reach that low?

[ouicestmoi]

Direct Approach:
"I appreciate your interest in discussing dogs, kids, and grandkids, but I prefer not to engage in those conversations. Let's focus on [insert preferred topic] instead."

Redirect the Conversation:
"I've been trying to shift my focus to [insert different topic]. Have you heard about [insert alternative subject]? I find it fascinating and would love to discuss it."

Express Personal Boundaries:
"I hope you understand, but I'm not very comfortable discussing dogs, kids, or grandkids. I prefer to keep those aspects of my life private. Let's chat about something else."

Use Humor:
"You know, I'm trying to break my own record for discussing topics unrelated to dogs, kids, or grandkids today. Can we dive into a different conversation?"

Be Honest and Tactful:
"I value our conversations, and I want to be honest with you. I'm not as interested in discussing dogs, kids, or grandkids. I hope you understand, and I'm sure we can find other topics we both enjoy."

It's essential to communicate these preferences with kindness and respect to maintain positive relationships and open communication.

[Rodneysblue]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

I find the subject of grandchildren a far better subject than a persons latest medical problem or procedure.
I have found that picking ones nose, farting loudly, and scratching my nuts, quickly finishes any undesired conversations.
Billy no mates.

.
You had me at picking one’s nose.

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by AbbyPye

Since my partner Pat and I settled within The Villages, we have been embracing what this community has to offer from its activities to the people that live here. And although we are ever so pleased to mingle with others that we meet day in and day out, we noticed a common thread when others speak to us that still remains since we first came out here some two year before.

When we meet others that are coupled, many (not all) of these married folks tend to tell us (whenever we ask about or not with the emphasis on the latter) about their adult kids with a deep notion about their grandkids! They mention what their kids and their partners/spouses are involved with, and give that heavy emphasis on their grandkids, either with them having them visit from up north/back east, or heading up north/back east to visit them.

When we first mentioned this issue in this forum some time ago, we thought that hearing about their antics would eventually come to pass. What occurred was the total opposite, especially when a major holiday is coming in the near future! Although we do respect that these couples are indeed proud of these grandkids that are part of their life as well as keeping the family legacy alive and well, this notion of hearing this unsolicited news is getting rather long in the tooth!

Has anyone ever experienced a situation that was explained within this post? That is, does anyone encounter those that are coupled up that constantly dote on their grandkids, even though they may reside a long distance away?

Please let me know so I won’t think that I am just dreaming up this scenario!

Many thanks!

You are dreaming.

I don't have grandkids and I don't want to hear people go on about them endlessly but I certainly understand the love and pride they hold. I don't have a dog or a cat but there's nothing I'd rather do than meet a new doggo and enjoy a pet and scratch. I'd much rather hear about kids, grandkids or pets than I would about the latest political farce, stock trend or oh poor me underrepresented group of society.

Get over yourself, if you don't want to hear it remove yourself from the situation. Also, know that many people don't want to hear about many of the ridiculous problems some people have dreampt up about themselves or their messed up situation.

Family and relationships are what count. If you don't have them or want to build them I'd say that's your issue not everyone else's.

You just moved to a place where the majority of the occupants want to talk about their family and you don't like it, who has the problem?

[danamees]

I would so much rather hear about kids/grandkids than the constant talk about Covid and the latest boosters....

[SouthJerseyGirl]

The fact that this bothers you at all, and the fact you felt the need to post about it is - well - just ridiculous.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

Today, it was Arnold Stang.

Arnold Stang video... click here.

YES! Thank you!

"A show-stopping comic for decades, the inimitable Arnold Stang, with the trademark Runyonesque voice and thick, black glasses, started out famously on radio before branching out to include Broadway, films and especially TV".

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

Today, it was Arnold Stang.

Arnold Stang video... click here.

I remember the commercial. Thanks for that.

[Keefelane66]

Originally Posted by AbbyPye

Since my partner Pat and I settled within The Villages, we have been embracing what this community has to offer from its activities to the people that live here. And although we are ever so pleased to mingle with others that we meet day in and day out, we noticed a common thread when others speak to us that still remains since we first came out here some two year before.

When we meet others that are coupled, many (not all) of these married folks tend to tell us (whenever we ask about or not with the emphasis on the latter) about their adult kids with a deep notion about their grandkids! They mention what their kids and their partners/spouses are involved with, and give that heavy emphasis on their grandkids, either with them having them visit from up north/back east, or heading up north/back east to visit them.

When we first mentioned this issue in this forum some time ago, we thought that hearing about their antics would eventually come to pass. What occurred was the total opposite, especially when a major holiday is coming in the near future! Although we do respect that these couples are indeed proud of these grandkids that are part of their life as well as keeping the family legacy alive and well, this notion of hearing this unsolicited news is getting rather long in the tooth!

Has anyone ever experienced a situation that was explained within this post? That is, does anyone encounter those that are coupled up that constantly dote on their grandkids, even though they may reside a long distance away?

Please let me know so I won’t think that I am just dreaming up this scenario!

Many thanks!

Sorry for you missing out on the joy.

[JMintzer]

Some of the responses in this thread...

If people talking about their grandchildren is the worst thing that happens to you in the course of your day, you've led a charmed life...

(And no, I don't have any grandchildren... Yet...)

[DonnaNi4os]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Some of the responses in this thread...

If people talking about their grandchildren is the worst thing that happens to you in the course of your day, you've led a charmed life...

(And no, I don't have any grandchildren... Yet...)

Good response

[buzzy]

Good grief, people. The original poster has ignited a firestorm, and never came back. Based on their posting history, they have an unhealthy attitude about the subject. It's time to say "I don't feel like talking about it anymore."