I’m a gypsy & been with my husband for 30 years but there’s strict rules about how we behave in public with each other
A TRAVELLER woman has revealed the strict rules she was forced to adhere to when it comes to her relationship.
Tracey and Mark King have been together for over 30 years and have four children together – but living in the traveller community means there’s certain things they can’t do in public.
Taking to social media, Tracey revealed all after a follower asked the question: “Can I ask why you can’t hold hands in front of travellers, you crack me up.”
The mum-of-four didn’t hold back, she explained: “I’ve been brought up in an era where you don’t show, like, anything towards (your partner) you do what you do in your own privacy.
“In front of my parents or other travellers, I would not hold hands or kiss.”
“We’ve been brought up to say it’s rude, it’s disrespectful.”
She continued: “So my parents would never see me hold Mark’s hands or, definitely no kissing. God, no way.”
Tracey compared the rules to living in the ‘Victorian’ era, but said she didn’t pass them down to her own kids.
The traditions are quite dated now
Tracey King
“But my kids would hold hands and won’t think twice of it, and I let them do that,” Tracey explained.
She also explained that in previous years she would not have been able to go away without her husband or have male friends but the pair have defied the rules set for them.
“The traditions are quite dated now,” she added.
Tracey revealed that she often urges her daughters not to stick to traditions in the traveller community, including going out and finding a job, going on holiday, and waiting to have children.
Ending the video, Tracey said she would continue to show affection to her hubby and do what makes her happy.
She said: “Listen, you’re not on this earth very long.
“Enjoy what you can enjoy, you know, because you don’t know what tomorrow is gonna bring.”
The clip posted to her TikTok account @traceywinter1 was a hit with viewers who shared their thoughts in the comments.
Differences between a gypsy and a traveller
Typically, Gypsies is a term used to describe Romani people, who migrated to Europe from India.
Meanwhile, traveller refers to a group of people who usually have either Irish, Scottish or English heritage.
While many English gypsy girls are allowed to drink alcohol and go on holiday with their friends before they get married, many Irish traveller girls are not allowed to do this.
Generally, both gypsies and travellers will share the same morals.
One person wrote: “Yes it was the same for me.”
Another commented: “Very well said, life is for living.”
“I wouldn’t hold hands or kiss my partner in front of my Dad. I wouldn’t ever smoke in front of him either, when he told me he didn’t mind I still couldn’t. Never swore either,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “Well said hun.”
“It was the same way for me,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “What about at a wedding?”
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