PDA

"And he took her in his arms and kissed her under the sunlit sky, and he cared not that they stood high upon the walls in the sight of many."
— J.R.R. Tolkien

I think there is something so thrilling about a man not caring what anyone thinks of him with the woman he loves. In fact, most women are pleased (in a horrified sort of way) when their beloved does something painfully public in showing their affection. Dropping flowers off at work, proposing in front of a large group of people, or even something small like opening a door for her when it inconveniences the man to do so. These things make her feel special, loved and adored because he is willing to “look like a softy” to declare his love even in a small way. This is even better when he is caught showing affection when he thought no one was watching. Pharaoh discovered that Sarah was Abraham’s wife because he was “sporting with her” in public.  I’m sure Abraham was embarrassed, but I wonder if Sarah was secretly pleased at her husband’s fumbled adoration.

My brother wryly calls it “PDA”, short for “Public Displays of Affection” and woefully told me that he must not count as “public” anymore because my husband and I don’t seem to care whether he is watching a stolen kiss or not. This, I admit, is true. :) That’s what happens when you hang out with us all the time. 

I have a question though. Why is it when an epic film ends with a willowy beauty in the arms of her handsome prince we rejoice with their love; but when we see a couple kissing in the stark reality of our physical worlds we cringe with awkwardness? Or is it simply the singularity of such actions that make them endearing; and thus in the excess cause disgust? I for one would think it the later… but would love to see more subtle PDA between couples all the same.