I was walking the halls on the first week of school when I saw two lovebirds making-out.  I don’t have a problem with displaying the love you have for each other, but there is too much kissing and inappropriate affection going on around campus. In this instance, it was my last straw.  I simply did not want to bear witness to something that uncomfortable ever again. 

I’m a guy, and yes I’m single, but even I know where the line must be drawn. We don’t need to see the aggressive tongue kissing and grabbing of waists, especially smack dead center of hallway traffic. 

Am I the only one that feels this way? NO. I was talking to some of my close friends and they feel the exact same way about this situation. PDA is great and all for the couple, but it may not be giving you the best reputation around Alisal. 

First of all, most people aren’t going to think “OMG that’s so cute.” PDA is even worse when you have just broken up with your significant other. In that situation, the last thing you would want to see is two people being all over each other. Why do people feel the need to publicly display their romance?  It’s a serious question. Anyone in a relationship can quickly answer that question and I can too. But, before you answer, here’s some insight.  

Displaying your romance can make you and your partner seem selfish. What do I mean by this? Not everyone is in a happy and healthy relationship. You kissing your partner like there’s no tomorrow can be difficult for others to see and be okay with. 

Witnessing PDA makes people really uncomfortable. If you ever seen extreme PDA firsthand then you know this feeling very well. When you wish you could unsee everything you´ve bore witness to.  It’s awkward because it’s out of the blue.  And when we see it, it’s definitely not a good sight for the eyes. You may think you look like Cinderella and Prince Charming, but I hate to break it to you, it’s actually the opposite. 

Not only that PDA makes the relationship seem insincere. Did you want the whole school to know? If so, um okay, but do you really love each other like that? Holding hands can still showcase that you love somebody. Yes, I said it, aggressively kissing isn’t the only way to show affection. Just hold hands, it shows that you are taken, if that’s the message you are trying to send. 

Now, why might people engage in these behaviors? 

The relationship might be new. When you first enter a relationship that person becomes your world. You can’t imagine your day, or even your life without them. We all understand this, and some of us have been through these same feelings. However, when demonstrating public displays of affection, try to keep it appropriate and consider the feelings of the students around you. 

The boyfriend or girlfriend might want to make their ex jealous. Sounds weird, but it’s pretty common. When one gets out of a relationship, and joins another one. It’s normal for you to want to show your ex that you’re doing great. But, being petty isn’t the answer and that person knows what you are doing. There are also higher chances you are affecting other people more than you are affecting them, so if that’s the intention just save it for later. Display your happiness around your partner, instead of passionately making-out.

Lastly, the couple may want to strengthen their relationship.  Kissing is a way of physically proving that you love your boyfriend or girlfriend. You may think the only way to build a stronger bond between the two of you, is to take it to the next level. So I don’t blame you for wanting to show your partner that you love them with all your heart. But, do it behind a portable instead of in a crowded hall.

Whether or not you like PDA, engage in it or despise it, we all need to agree that there has to be some limits. There are more appropriate and less awkward ways of demonstrating love. Also, know that it isn’t giving you the best look by displaying your romance. We all love, love. But, let´s tone it down a bit. It will benefit everyone.