Project Love: Day #20

Fools in Love

Everyone has witnessed it; most have even participated in it.

Yep, I’m talking about PDA, or public displays of affection. Admit it, we all love it when we are one of the two involved in it, but when we are on the outside looking in, it can often be quite horrifying to watch. How come we say “aww” at the sight of two doves cuddling on a tree branch, but when it comes to our own species we react with a feeling of disgust and horror?

I can only imagine how people must have felt one summer night last July when I was out with “Mr. Show”. I think we made out more that night than I had made out with my ex-husband during our entire marriage. We were all over each other like high school kids under the bleachers after Homecoming. As I look back at that evening I am completely embarrassed by our behavior, however, in the moment, I could have cared less about what other people were thinking.

There are many arguments for PDA. You’re in love, you’re crazy for each other, you can’t keep your eyes off each other so why keep your hands off each other…yada yada yada. It’s only human nature, right? There seems to be something so life-affirming about it. Think about it, wouldn’t you much rather watch a couple in the heat of a PDA show than witnessing an argument or physical fight between the two?

Unfortunately, most people don’t feel that way about PDA. There are some out there that think there is nothing more irritating than being stuck behind some sauntering couple who seem to be searching for lost change down the back of each others’ pants. My question is this, do we have to put up with more than that? I mean, is it really necessary to turn the bus into a mobile lap dancing club or a movie theater into the hallway at a junior high sock hop?

People’s opinion of PDA differs just about as much as Democrats and Republicans differ in opinion on Obama. As I stated earlier, I am pro PDA when I am involved and against PDA when I’m on the outside looking in.

I do believe that you should only participate in PDA because you are attracted to each other, not to attract attention. There is nothing worse than feeling that your other half considers you to be his trophy. Steamy PDA’s are all well and good if it turns you both on, but I think it’s also important to be mindful of those that may be around you. Losing your inhibitions at the back of a movie theater might be your ultimate fantasy, but all the gasping and moaning is going to turn both heads and tempers.

Just remember PDA can leave friends feeling squeezed out, especially if they are alone with the two of you. All I ask is that you think before you leap on each other, or invite them to join in…ok, maybe not!