In relationships, the line between what is appropriate and what is not should be pretty simple to understand by this stage in our lives. However, one thing that can sometimes be unclear is how to act as a couple in public. Not just PDA, but everything. Many couples tip-toe this line every day, maintaining the romance and spontaneity in their relationship without making the general public want to gag. Some couples stomp across that line, defying social norms and making those around them blush. In high school, we all remember that one couple who made out in the hallway for five minutes between every class period or the couple that was just too touchy-feely in class. As we get older, we learn to flaunt our relationships less and less. What used to be seen as cute and fun may now translate to creepy. Though every relationship is different, here a few suggestions to take into consideration.
1. Nothing makes people feel more awkward than an entire conversation held in baby talk. No matter how cute your significant other thinks it is for you to speak like a child, there is a time and place for that — whenever and wherever there is nobody else to hear it.
2. When you are referring to your significant other, call them by their name. Do not call them your lover, baby, bebe, bubba, honey, babe, chick, etc., when you’re talking to someone else. If that is your cup of tea, call them that to their face. A simple, “hey babe” or “hey honey” is perfectly fine, but keep it between the two of you.
3. This one goes without saying — excessive PDA. A smooch here and there, hand holding, and general contact are obviously all part of a healthy relationship. It’s when these smooches turn into make out sessions in the dining hall and holding hands turns into cuddling while you’re hanging out with friends, then you need to reevaluate things. If you wouldn’t do it in front of your family, don’t do it in front of anyone.
4. Ignoring the other people you are around is definitely a no-no, even if you guys just get caught up in the moment, make sure you don’t zone out from the rest of the world. It only takes an “oh remember the time when…” to set a couple off, reminiscing about every date they’ve ever been on and how in love they are blah-blah-blah. We’ve all heard it before.
5. Don’t finish each other’s sentences. A couple is made up of two individuals and you should keep it that way. When you start finishing each other’s sentences or repeating the same thoughts, you morph into one and that’s not fun for anybody.
I mean, what happens in a relationship is between the individuals that are in the relationship. So, let’s keep it that way.