Rebecca Sadler
OP-ED EDITOR

There are some things in this world that just mystify me. From people putting ketchup on their Kraft dinner, to that random sticky stuff on the floor of theaters, even after they just cleaned it. But the one thing that completely blows my mind is couples who feel the need to publicly display their affection.

Every time I’m at the mall, I can’t help but notice many couples necking – playing games of tonsil hockey.

Do they not realize that they are not alone? That there may be individuals present who fall ill at this sight?

There is a time and place for this, and the mall – or any other public place – is not it. Public displays of affection (PDAs) should be private.

Please, if you feel the need to show your loved one how much you care about them, stay home.

Consider this: have you ever noticed that couples who display said affection often look like they are in a competition to see who can eat the other person’s face first? Are we that close to cannibals? It can be rather disturbing to witness; it makes me want to stay at home.

But even though I hate witnessing PDAs, there are some situations that make me smile and melt my heart. When an elderly couple is giving each other kisses and holding hands, or when I see a four-year-old kiss another for the first time, an “aww” comes involuntarily to my lips.

But when you see a teenage couple embraced, I can’t contain my high-pitched “eww.”

I understand the need to show affection to the people you love – it’s nature. But while you are in public, it would be beneficial for all if you kept it to a minimum.

On the other side, I understand some of these gestures could be described as romantic and “in spur of the moment.” Someone might have walked in on the moment where the boyfriend has just proposed, or the couple has just reunited after a year of being apart.

These situations are understandable, and justified.

But there are many different ways to show affection without making others feel uncomfortable around you.

Hold hands. That’s always sweet.

But if you feel the urge to do more, why not give a peck on the lips or cheek if you need to?

Please, think of the children – stop trying to see who can last the longest with no air.