Thanks for your input on this, everyone! I just thought it was very strange in a lecture hall. I know that in general it is normal, but in a lecture hall it did seem strange. Neither my grandparents, parents, nor my brother-in-law, brother, or my husband would ever have done that in a lecture hall. Elsewhere, perhaps. Lecture hall? No. Maybe it's a cultural thing with us, though my psychiatrist is likely of the same ancestral background as me, and his wife is of a similar background as my husband. Perhaps I am just sensitive because of lingering transference.

@luvyrself , you are always so sweet! Of course I would come here even from Europe (likely France). I'd miss you, too.