PDA: Public Decides Appropriateness?

We've all seen them: kissing on the subway, hugging on the sidewalk, necking on the parkbench. Most people react with annoyance ��‚�" or even revulsion ��‚�" upon seeing such behavior; I have always been apt to smile. There is something deeply pleasing to me about seeing people show love to each other; or if it is not love, at least, affection.

When did affection become a bad thing? I remember clearly the jeering response of students in my high school to other student's relationships: "PDA! PDA!" they would crow, uncomfortably; as if it was somehow embarrassing to see someone else doing what they, perhaps, could not do themselves.

And it is this that we find at the heart of PDA-intolerance: insecurity. In recent conversations with friends about why such sights bother them - or don't bother them - I have discovered an interesting common factor: jealousy. Those who are in relationships themselves are rarely bothered by other's exhibitions of affection, even if they themselves prefer to show their love in private. Those who are not, however, and especially those who have recently had a break-up, are morbidly horrified by any sight of love between other people.

"I don't mind it if I'm dating someone," admitted Lindsey Berger, a 22-year old college student. "But when I'm single I hate it. It makes me feel so uncomfortable to see someone making out when I have nobody to be with." We are faced with an interesting question: is this reason - the insecurities of the masses - enough of a reason to hide and suppress affection?