Keep it behind closed doors

PDA.

Three letters that stand for public displays of affection

Three letters that carry much more weight than the space they take up.

Three letters that when put into action, make most people say, “Gross” or “Get a room.”

Almost everyone who has been to a mall, has seen at least one couple making out right in the middle of all the action. That one couple who thought it would be a good idea to let the rest of society know exactly how they feel about each other. Maybe even a couple who are not only kissing, but are also having a public groping session.

What makes them think anyone wants to watch that?

People go to the mall expecting to shop, eat, enjoy themselves and go home, so when they encounter this type of behavior, it is understandable that they get a bit frustrated.

Martha Douglas, 57, told the story of when she found herself in this very situation at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, Calif.

She and her grandchildren, aged three, four and nine, were headed to the food court after a long day of shopping, when they came across a teenage couple, kissing heavily.

Douglas, who was disgusted and upset at the sight, said the scene was not only equipped with graphics, but audio as well because the two were moaning and smacking.

After considering her options for a moment, she said she walked right up to them, tapped the female participant on the shoulder and said loudly, “There are hundreds of people at the mall today who want to see you making out about as much as I do, which is not at all; not to mention the children here who have no business seeing this. If any of us wanted to watch strangers kissing, we’d rent a movie.”

Douglas said, being the rebellious teens that they were, the male started to say something, but she was two steps ahead. So just as he opened his mouth to speak, she asked a question that sent them packing, “Do your parents know you‘re here and what you‘re doing?”

The couple got up and walked away.

“They were holding hands as they left,” she said, “But that I can handle.”

Too bad there isn’t a big, bad Martha Douglas at every mall to throw down and rid the world of PDA. Although, many people who make-out in public probably aren’t as easily discouraged as these two were.

But maybe there is a happy medium to solve everything.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to PDA is keep it G-rated.

There is nothing wrong with showing affection by holding hands, giving one another a quick peck on the lips or some other non-tongue related activity, but that’s where the line should be drawn.
People in favor of PDA may present the valid “It’s a free country” argument, which means they can do whatever they want. However, instead of being selfish and looking at it this way, these people should consider the feelings of others and how comfortable their PDA is going make everyone else feel.

Plus, it seems like having hundreds of strangers watch while you and your express your love, just might be a mood-killer.

But maybe some people are into that. Who knows?

What everyone should know though, but surprisingly does not, is that the mall is not the time nor place for PDA, which raises a great question:

Is there a place for PDA?