Ding! The bell sounds, marking the seven-minute free time before the next class. Seven minutes; you know what that means? The perfect time for all the couples to get together for some action. Falling in love is a wonderful thing and when it happens, you may want the whole world to know of this budding romance. A subtle smooch or a romantic gesture here and there might seem harmless, but onlookers may see it quite differently.
Most schools, like our own, have policies in the student handbook that discourages PDA, also known as public displays of affection. However, this does not stop or prevent students from doing these gestures in the hallways. Couples who express their fondness and passion can be commonly found at every corner throughout the school.
“I think it is better for couples to do it privately because not everyone wants to see that sort of stuff,” senior Ben Suarez said.
Suarez has been in a committed relationship with a fellow classmate for four months. In his opinion, affection is an important aspect in keeping a relationship interesting and lively, but only in a private setting. Suarez believes that couples who make out in the hallways are inconsiderate of those around them. Thus, he does not condone any displays of affection in a public setting, especially in an educational environment.
“My girlfriend and I don’t want others to see our connection between the two of us because it is something only the two of us should witness,” Suarez said.
Junior Zain Ghul is a frequent onlooker to these common and peculiar phenomenon. At times, she ponders the question: why is it that some couples cannot help but obsessively have the urge to touch each other in front of others? She recalls witnessing these incidents countless times, but one memory from the previous year has left its imprint.
“I would be walking back from the gym to my locker with one of my friends and we had to pass a [set of] staircase[s] on the way there,” Ghul said. “At the staircase, there was a couple that would be sucking each other’s faces so hard that I think the guy swallowed a part of his girlfriend’s face. It was disgusting.”
PDA may elicit a range of reactions from various people. Being too affectionate in public, especially in a learning environment, shows a lack of basic and general etiquette. When you and your significant are making out in front of other people, it is likely to make them feel extremely anxious or uncomfortable. This especially relates to those who are conservative by nature or perhaps just single.
“Couples should be more considerate, not only because some people are single, but also because nobody wants to see that sort of stuff when they are in school,” Ghul said. “They should consider the effects that they have on others.”
Junior Hlina Wondwossen shares the same opinion as Ghul in regards to public displays of affection, during school and just in public. In her opinion, Wondwossen finds the lovey-dovey touching and groping to be disgusting and an unacceptable behavior.
“It is so rude. I am here to learn, not to see you and your boyfriend, who you are going to break up with in two weeks, kiss right in front of me and everyone else,” Wondwossen said.
Your actions may seem tame and even romantic, like a scene from a Disney animation or even from The Notebook. However, it is the complete opposite in the eyes of those who are surrounding you. To the public and in reality, you and your significant other are just swapping spit. With that being said, publically acting overly affectionate with your boyfriend or girlfriend can be offensive to others or can even get you into trouble.