Why "Public Displays of Affection" are so annoying

If you're a barfly or a thespian like me, then you've probably witnessed all kinds of "public displays of affection" (aka PDA) which includes handshakes, hugs, kissing, nursing babies, and sometimes even dancing. These are all forms of physicality sharing love. So why is it that sometimes when we witness it, we are not feeling giddy and happy and joyous? Is jealousy in the way? Am I upset that the only couple in the bar who are holding hands and kissing is making me feel awkward because no one is doing that with me? Are you upset that a mother pulls out her breast and starts feeding her baby because you don't have a baby? Is the "green-eyed monster" (aka jealousy) making us feel awkward about witnessing PDA or is it "inappropriate" as some will say?

I suppose there is no absolute answer to these questions, which makes them more rhetorical, but I am trying to introspect here. My answer is attached to "a time and a place". For example, the bar I go to has a "couple" that everyone knows. They are always hugging and smooching. On a night when I have someone to talk to or someone to smooch on, I don't even notice it. I only notice it when I'm sitting alone, lonely and bored. Then it's like I have to decide if I want to get into the "live porno" or just let jealousy run the theme of my mood and pretend that they're not noticeable. Usually, I opt for the "green eyed monster" feeling so that I can hold up some sense of propriety and not get reprimanded for staring at them in some kind of "drooling dog" fashion. At a bar, this is pretty standard behavior so we all deal with it however we can.

But what about somewhere else? What would the church folks do or say if a couple was making out in the pews during the sermon? Or how would they act if a mother started breastfeeding a baby during a formal ceremony? That's not just two drunks feeling kinky, that's a mother nurturing her newborn. It qualifies for PDA, but the mother and child think it's much more than that. If that behavior is unacceptable at church, then it must be unacceptable everywhere, right? It's not a moral judgement, of course, the church will say. It's simply a matter of "place and time". The church is not going to condemn breastfeeding or a happily in love married couple kissing; They just don't want that behavior to steal the limelight away from the Pastor preaching about ruin and condemnation.

But the mother and child are not wanted at the bar either. Though we barflys have learned to deal with the sizzling couple kissing in the corner, things would get even worse if Mama showed up and started breastfeeding her baby while ordering a beer. I guess she can't go anywhere with that baby until he's done milking her.

Well, I know that deep down inside I like when someone shows me physical affection regardless where we are. But I'm also wise enough to know that depending on where you are, PDA could cause controversy and drama. It's sad. The Rainbow people (LGBTQs) have spent many days and parades and displays for the right to PDA. Yet it doesn't matter if you're straight or rainbow, PDA still causes an awkward feeling even at the most appropriate place - a pub.

As awkward as PDA makes me feel when I'm not the star of PDA, I still prefer watching that over dealing with one of those "Emotional Support" animals or "Service Dogs" which show up sometimes at the pub and/or the grocery store. That was tolerable when it was for a blind person, but now anyone can have one and it just makes the whole scene despicable. Ok, so now on top of having to worry that some drunk is going to misunderstand some statement and cause a fight, we now have to worry about a dog stressing out and biting someone for some weird vibes. Oy ve. Or instead of a pleasant walk through the grocery store to get some fresh bread at the bakery, we now have to wonder if that service animal is going to piss or shit on the floor next to the fresh produce? Oy ve.

You may think that service animals have nothing to do with PDA, but they both exploit a liberty of ours in a way that makes many uncomfortable. They are controversial for a reason. "Free Country" and "Liberty" does not mean "at the expense of others freedoms". I shouldn't have to worry about a dog biting me just so you can have a dog. I shouldn't have to worry about a beer bottle breaking on my head, just because you want to show the world how much you love your boyfriend at the bar every night. When will people ever grow up?