PDA needs to stop

Story appeared in The Nation newspaper, and was criticized by some. Sharing the post here, as I usually do, but also adding emphasis to words and phrases people seem to have missed when criticizing this.
(If you want to, criticize away.)

Public Displays of Affection (PDA) are one of the worst forms of torture when you are in public transport or some public place. It’s a way for couples to suffocate others with what they call love. PDA is a form of assault. It needs to be stopped.


PDA begins with words. In a country where people are generally loud, you don’t need to be an eavesdropper to know what people are talking about. Conversations between couples take place in public places and while some are about acceptable topics, most are certainly 18 plus material. It is doubtful that people sitting near couples want to know about all the unspeakable things they plan on doing to and with each other when alone. Of course, the perverts will enjoy it, but it isn’t only perverts who use public transport and enjoy being in public places.


From words, we move on to the innocent form of physical contact: Hand holding. Today we see enough and more couples holding hands in public. This is all okay, but why do some insist on holding hands everywhere they go? If you feel insecure and worry your partner will fly away the second you let go of their hand, you need to ask yourself if the relationship is a good idea. People have complained about couples whose handholding has become a nuisance. Do you need to keep holding each other’s hands while getting off a bus or train? It’s understandable that couples want to do as much touching as possible. However, this needs to stop when it starts getting ridiculous and when it starts becoming a nuisance to others.


Another form of PDA is the ‘her hand in his back pocket.’ This makes everyone uncomfortable, and for all the good reasons. In a country where even the most innocent of touches are frowned upon, this form of PDA is truly horrifying. Kids are often told not to put their hands where they don’t belong (for instance, power sockets). What example are couples setting when one’s hand doesn’t leave the other’s back pocket? Forget what kids make out of this. Think about how uncomfortable it makes other people?


Hugging is an innocent enough gesture. We hug family and friends. We do a lot of hugging in our lives. However, there are various kinds of hugs. Of these, the too long, too tight hugs are not meant for public places.


Couples then move on to kissing. We all know what happens between the couples who hide behind umbrellas. We have seen that magical kiss between the princess and prince. However, this does not prepare most of us for a couple who insists on kissing in public. And do they stop at a peck on the cheek or a light brushing of lips? No! Why stop there? When the couple does not stop at just a kiss, and continue to have a make out session, things go from bad to worse. You feel uncomfortable; you keep looking away and try to shut off the noises and voices. Besides the important question of, ‘why make out in public?’ couples must also be extremely considerate of who is forced to watch this intimate moment between the couple.


You may think that such public displays of affection do not happen in Sri Lanka. Well, have you gone to the beach, cinema, parks and especially, buses? And why put a stop to PDA? Forget children who could be observing and later, imitating. Forget making other people extremely uncomfortable.
These are intimate moments. They are for your partner and yourself. Don’t give your life, especially your love live, an audience. Make those moments, those hugs and kisses, private moments. Don’t cheapen your love by making it too public.


- See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/free/item/29455-pda-needs-to-stop.html#sthash.sbO6rxTO.dpuf

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