TyTy:
I just dont see a reason to put distance between my GF and I. I guess what I am asking is why would I WANT to increase the distance I am from her? I dont see the positive side of it, only possible negatives.
For the sake of your relationship, I hope you continue liking to hold hands above or under
Then again not everyone is as comfy snuggling up even with their spouses (?) You know its a crutch but so what, bikes have learning wheels. But I have to say, there is at least one definite negative I see. We have resorted to holding hands a couple of times this summer, usually when things get spookee in poor viz e.g. a black hole appears right next to, say, jungle of underwater cables, and we need to scoot by/over. For a few minutes we make sure we wont lose contact and hold on after giving the deer in the headlights -look to each other. However, these are exactly the moments when the one holding the float line is most likely to get the line hooked on in my case twice fin buckle. My legs are floaty, and it is hard to operate the line when one hand is taken up by buddy. I dont know if you are fortunate enough to dive without having to drag a float but I cannot see it being a pleasure diving both hands occupied. My trim goes berserk even thinking about it.
I never thought buddy awareness equals proximity issues only, or mainly ability to aid in OOG. (Generally, I try not to concentrate on thinking that I will panic because it will just create a phobia about panicking itself and be limiting.) However, Id be very interested in hearing concrete ideas about maintaining optimal contact, and avoiding typical pitfalls.
I totally agree with you TyTy, things happen awfully quick, I concentrate on getting something out of my pocket, and in those 5 secs sheet might have started happening on my other flank. I had some bad experience in a group of six, when in one buddy pair someone just kept on showing off his speed. We ended up keeping eye on the slower buddy and surprise surprise at one point that buddy was lost in the darkness. His buddy didnt have a clue when DM turned to ask. We had the last sighting of the whole group from above but wed signed off for an early ascent because of my blasted ear. He had freaked out all alone and was heading out to lake, to opposite direction - at 80 ft when we were supposed to be heading for a safety stop.
The above situation is kind of where this thread was born
how the heck people dump their buddies or do not notice they are struggling. We struggle with staying shoulder to shoulder but we read changes in behaviour and anticipate to some degree what other one is going to do and/or want. But there must be more than mental games some concrete stuff we could practice/do to make this team better??