Why are some people uncomfortable with public display of affection?

Question

Do you feel awkward showing affection in public? Or do you only not like it when other couples do it?

I tbh don't care as long as people don't go TOO far (french kissing and such). I personally like holding hands, hugs and light kisses (pecks) with my boyfriend 'cause we like showing we're a couple.

WillowofFeathers · Accepted Answer

I don’t mind other people showing affection in public. I just think they’re cute (unless they take it too far like french kissing to use your example)

I only think about it when it’s myself. I love to hold hands, kiss and hug because they’re small signs of affection and they can be done quickly. But I would be very conscious about it if it was sign of affection that lasted a while such as keeping eye contact and we were together with others like friends. Because I would worry they felt ignored or awkward.

And lastly I like to think that I’m the only one to experience this and have this moment with him for myself without worrying about other.

Madilyn · Accepted Answer

I think it's really cute and endearing, always makes me happy seeing other people express their love (and doing it myself)

But also, please people keep it to public displays of *affection*, not public displays of lust.

Kaneki05 · Accepted Answer

Not a fan. Lack of confidence and finds it awkward and typically when out my mind is on doing whatever I am out for. If we be going to the shop I am focused on just getting it done. If a concert I am focused on the music etc.
Now if on a bus or something I will happily cuddle. And I am a very clingy person.

Just part of been a introvert also, since when I go out it's more of a draining thing for me than relaxing. And I would rather be all affectionate when relaxed. Just the way it is for me, and you can bet anything that I am still thinking about how good it's going to be when we get back home so we can cuddle in bed.

ChicoFromThe305 · Accepted Answer

It's more on the making out, normal shit is normal but when people publicly make out and slap ass and grip balls it's just disrespectful to them rest of the people around them, shows lack of manners, they should keep it behind closed doors

johnnydeeeep · Answer

I'm unsure why some people would tell you they are uncomfortable with public displays of affection...
However, I tend to think with most that they're either jealous that they are not comfortable enough with their own body image/sexuality to similarly enjoy their partner wherever and whenever.
Further I think it makes others uncomfortable when it is going on and they are with their partner because they are worried their partner is going to be more turned on by the thought of that than they are by then...
I love casually fingering a woman when we are out for coffee or a drink at a bar, and allowing people to see and hear how good I make her feel... She wins I win and if the guy across from me is smart his girlfriend wins too or she will sneak over to me later to have her fun too

SportySpock · Answer

I’ve always done PDA and I like it because I like to show off my girl and I’m just an affectionate person. Never had a problem with PDA. And tbh the girls I date seem to like it lol I’ve been told we were the power couple, people envied us, etc. because I can be so affectionate in public. I’m just a really passionate person.

Anonymous · Answer

i have a SO and i think holding hands/hugs in public is the only thing that would be appropriate.

i don't understand the showing that you're a couple to people who literally don't care and you won't ever see again lol but that's another story.

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

Same as you if i was in a relationship, if we need more than i have my house and my bedroom for such things and people do not need to see erotic acts in public especially if there are kids, also our love to each other is the things that matters, idc if people can see it or not, what matters is that we both can be happy with each other...

AydenHazor · Answer

I appreciate appropriate pda, much like you described, but struggle with showing it some personally due to growing up without receiving much of any displays of affection and past toxic, abusive relationships where displays of affection were demonized.

Anonymous · Answer

I do not like it when it’s over a certain limit. I find it a bit weird and exhibitionist;
a little kissing, holding hands, a warm embrace - who cares, but when you’re like making out non stop for ten minutes and caressing each others bodies on a public train or something it gets uncomfy lol
I plan to keep mine to a minimum as well when I’m in a relationship and I will not feel restricted because I just see no need for it

Bricealan · Answer

For me, people necking and pawing each other, shows a lack of class, and that said, I did the same thing in Vail, after skiing, with a nurse I met there skiing that same day.

We were slobbering over each other (sadly, she did not fuck me) sitting in a booth in a bar in Vail village. Some customers made comments about us 'getting a room"

But... in retrospect, I see, now, how bad it looked to others.

CaptainOverthink · Answer

I just feel their positive, giddy emotions like an awesome shockwave. I love seeing othera succeed, I'll catch some of those beams radiating around them.

Mansearching · Answer

Depends on how far it goes. Getting naked and sex on stage at concert, totally mugging down, giving guy a bj, sucking on woman's tits, etc... are examples of going to far.

Holding hands, hugging, kissing (pecks), some french kissing, quick pinching of each others butts and girlfriend's boobs. Those are fine.

MikeTheBartender · Answer

I don't know the answer to the question, but I do know from personal experience, the women who have less public display of affection, were definitely worse overall in dating.

KostasKouvalis · Answer

They're prides. It's a cultural thing, because in some places it's everywhere. In my college once I saw a couple pretend fucking with all their clothes on and in my high school couples would real fuck. I've yet to witness any foot fetish stuff

Nikki1989 · Answer

Some people are so insecure they even affection from a loved one makes them uncomfortable. It is a sign of much bigger issues.

lightbulb27 · Answer

I agree. the reason is we watched scary movies that had such scenes and our parents /family members weren't affectionate in public.

JackCarter · Answer

I can't keep my hands off from holding hands or wrapping it around shoulders lol And I don't mind others doing it either

LiamJHayden · Answer

As you pointed out, it depends upon the level. Holding hands and the such, whatever. Basically dry humping in a place where kids are playing, not cool.

DB1973 · Answer

Some are what is referred to as Exhibitionist. They like being watched and “show off” there abilities…
I am not that and if someone wants to do that, there's a place and a time and other people that enjoy that.

elizamichale1 · Answer

Oh in music festivals i always go crazyy i even hav done sex in those... n tbh i always found people so cheering n fun in festivals but yea in streets sum people get uncomfortable...

sage2021 · Answer

My then boyfriend once started really making out with me in the big aisle at Walmart. He said he did it to show the other guys who were checking me out that I was taken.

Anemone978 · Answer

I feel uncomfortable doing public displays of affection.. but most guys like to do it, I think lol The light stuff is fine but I think the heavy stuff is disgusting in public LOL

love_conquers_lust · Answer

What you mentioned is fine as long as they're comfortable. Some people are hyper wary of other people I suppose.

Anonymous · Answer

I think it depends on my mood. Generally I’m not big on it.. I know we are a couple, she knows we are a couple.. if people get so angry about keeping sex and sexual things secret and in the bed room, I think the things that help lead to it should he kept in secret as well. Just like people don’t want to see people having sex in the streets, I don’t want to see kissing, hugging and hand holding. If we going to go the other way and allow sex, then we can allow the PDA.. it’s hypocritical.

Dareu2bb · Answer

Yep just like you say that about sums it up for me, each to their own love is the answer to everything but i still can't watch two guys neck in public yuk but in a nice way 🙏

TallAnon · Answer

I think it depends what people grew up with, if your parents are very reserved; You will likely be more reserved too. It probably boils down to religion, generations ago.

Anonymous · Answer

doesn't float my boat, Either to show affection or see others do it. it doesn't bother me either. i did take my gfs elbows as i recall when out on the town im kinda tired i might go to bed

Arik_jade · Answer

I am comfortable for things like holding hands, hugs and light kisses (pecks) but not the french kiss etc.. Hahahaha

Immyallan01 · Answer

Yeh there’s a difference between that and like being too far with it

Anonymous · Answer

I'm okay with the light stuff like you listed. And would be happy to do that with a girlfriend. But anything to heavy or to much kissing to me is uncomfortable in public. To me that seems like it should be left to be done in private.

Yellovv · Answer

If I am kissing one girl I don't care what other people thinking about it, I still kiss girls, also I did kiss few girls in bus and public transport, also I let them sit on me..

RingOfFire · Answer

Holding hands and hugs don't bother me (unless its two guys). But when it gets to the "get a room" stage, then that's over the line and disrespectful to other people.

Longshanks1968 · Answer

French kissing is too far? If you don't like it, don't watch it! More people in this world need to worry more about their actions and less about what others do or what others may think!

CubaPirate · Answer

Like you say holding hands pecks o the cheek etc is fine anything more then get a room

exitseven · Answer

Some people are uptight about relationships/

Still-alive · Answer

Im ok with it but do feel a bit awkward if its in front if or near my family. but strangers i don’t care

syncheart · Answer

I just feel depressed because I don't got what they got.

genericname85 · Answer

cause you should be uncomfortable with it. it's inappropriate.

Anastasiya_2565 · Answer

Yeah we do we start kissing more longer in public😅

Shiningtempest · Answer

@lisia I'm uncomfortable with public display of affection because I see it as creepy & distasteful.

AmeerX · Answer

I just don't like it. It feels fake 🤥

MaxUsefull · Answer

yes, if it is exaggerated, I feel uncomfortable

WhitneySnow · Answer

I agree 100% with you and Madilyn

Nifrayu · Answer

I've never been bothered by it.

Luckycharms12 · Answer

Time and place for them

eagle1951 · Answer

some are not comfy with it

BLP11520 · Answer

I am not.

Why are some people uncomfortable with public display of affection?

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