I don’t quite understand the need for overly expressed displays of public affection. I don’t see the necessity or the benefits of sucking someone’s face in public unless – and only unless – they’re dying and you’re performing CPR. In that case, go for your life and save theirs while you’re at it. But in all likelihood, when I see two humanoid figures joined at the face, they’re more than likely just two hormonally charged people kissing. I have nothing against showing a bit of affection but there’s a point where it’s overbearing. This begs the question, how much affection is too much affection?
There are always the tame forms of public affection that are just enough to show who you’re with and not cause a scene. Holding hands is a good example, as it says, “I like my space but I need your touch.” And there’s the holding manoeuvres (her holding his arm, him holding her, and holding each other) which say, “I need you close.” Then there are the slightly cheekier displays like the hands in each other’s back pocket and the bum slap/grab. The latter saying anything from, “you’re so sexy,” to “you’re naughty and I like what you did last night/this morning/a moment ago.” All of which are neither offensive nor annoying. The only problem is when a bum slap turns into a “DON’T TOUCH ME!” situation and then you (most likely the male) are in a whole lot of trouble.
Now the lips are a very sensitive area – literally – and where it can so easily go too far. A simple peck on the lips or cheek is widely accepted in public. A good make-out, accepted at the movies and on the dance floor of your favourite night club, not so much at a cafe or a fancy restaurant. Then there’s the I-suck-your-face-you-suck-my-face-let’s-play-tongue-hockey-and-pass-the-saliva manoeuvre. Totally unaccepted anywhere but where no one else can see.
And finally to the reason why I’m writing about public affection in the first place... the big shobangobang. No, not sex in public – that’s another story. While I was waiting for my train to go home after work, I noticed a woman sitting on a man’s lap and it looked like they were five minutes from getting undressed and getting it on. It’s not like it was midday at a suburban train station where they would be the only commuters on the platform. Not at all. It was just at the end of peek hour at the train grid’s central station. The shobangobang, totally unaccepted and definitely too far. I’m not against showing your feelings but come on, really? Do you really need to suffocate each other? There’s a time and place for everything, so take a breath and hold hands.
