Last week, as my dance team was practicing in the studio, a few people from one of the other dance groups came in, waiting for us to finish using the space. Thinking nothing of it, we politely told them that we would be done around 8 PM. There was still a half hour left, so we were a little bit surprised when they decided to stay and watch. …Or so we thought. Paying us (and our loud music and dancing) absolutely no heed, the guy pushed the girl up against the wall and they just…well, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. The best part? They didn’t stop.
Knowing that this example of PDA isn’t an uncommon incident on college campuses, this episode really got me thinking about the strange places on campus that people use to express their affection towards one another, and more importantly, the exceptionally awkward situations they create.
PDA, or “public displays of affection,” are considered any non-private exhibitions of love (or lust) between people. They can include anything from handholding to staring deeply into someone’s eyes, and beyond. All that these loving acts need to make them “PDA” is a witness.
Don’t get me wrong; sometimes a couple holding hands while walking around campus can be heartwarming, and the couple sneaking a quick peck on the lips before going their separate ways is adorable. PDA’s bad reputation comes from the actions that happen in completely inappropriate or unnecessary ways because of their locations, situations, or the actions themselves. These are the ones that we never want to witness, but can’t look away from if we do see them. They never fail to create an awkward tension in the air or a good story later on.
I asked some of the other Her Campus BC writers about the most extreme examples of PDA they have witnessed on campus and around town, and here are some of their stories:
“The other day in Lower, I saw a couple going at it up against one of the pillars. The guy kept pushing the girl up against it trying to be like one of those guys from a romance novel while making out with her. Every time she would try to walk away, he kept doing it and when she finally got away he grabbed her ass. I was just so happy I got to have a dinner and a show in Lower… I mean some people have to pay for that!” —Sophomore
“I once saw a couple grossly making out in the middle of a store… I want to say it was J. Crew, but I’m not positive. It was around Christmas so the store was packed and they were just a hassle to get around.” –Junior
“I swear there is always a couple making out in the omelet line at Lower. Always.” –Junior
When I asked what the most ridiculous settings for PDA were, the most popular responses were dining halls, the library, and just outside. But I also heard stories of couples stuffed behind vending machines, in the theater, while on the Elliptical at the Plex, and in the study lounges. I can honestly say, I had no idea how to respond to that.
What is the craziest PDA story you have heard during your time in college? We’d love to hear some more (just not see!).
Photo Sources:
http://data.whicdn.com/images/8265071/kiss,library,love,couple,kissing,reading-c9a5ce43141b29b5059ca285195b89f5_h_large.jpg
http://ressurrection.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/high-school-couple-holding-hands-300a-030507.jpg