OP here:

For the record, I’m not married.

Before I was willing to admit my marriage was failing, PDA of any sort made me really uncomfortable.

Turns out, I was projecting my feelings about my marriage/ husband onto those couples.

I have since divorced, and am not bothered by it now.

My husband and I aren’t overly affectionate but we do hold hand or put a hand on a leg or sneak in a kiss when we’re out. I feel like the people who take issue with a little PDA are sad they’re in marriages where the affection is gone.

I don’t do it in restaurants but if I’m in line or something it’s for soothing/entertainment.

I feel uncomfortable + annoyed.

PDA is nice, but for 30 seconds or last.

I don't care if there is a quick kiss or they are touching hands but when they start making out or are all over each other - you know it is for attention and to have others notice. To me it says these people are not secure in their relationship - hence the need to put on a show so everyone can notice how much they looove each other. It is very immature. You see it most often in teens and adults who haven't really grown up. I think when anyone needs validation from strangers that yes we can see you are all over each other - they are struggling.

I just look away, they can get the attention they crave from others.

Anonymous wrote:Were you alone? How do you even notice that stuff if you're dining with someone else? I rarely notice the other patrons.

I was alone, yes.

Were you alone? How do you even notice that stuff if you're dining with someone else? I rarely notice the other patrons.

Anonymous wrote:You mean something like this?

God, I sat next to Schmoopys on Friday night.

You mean something like this?

Annoying.

This thread reminds me of a couple I use to see at the gym. They would kiss (if I’m not mistaken) and hold hands as they went from station to station. I thought it was over the top.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hugging and kissing in public is weird to you guys? No wonder all the other threads are about your marriages being on the rocks...

Sitting at a restaurant bar? Why kiss every 5 minutes? It feels insincere and for show.

Because we’re in love. For show? We don’t even know you’re there.

long happy marriage is difficult. anybody can fk. that's the easy part.

Actually, when marriages are in their death spirals, people stop kissing before they stop f**king.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hugging and kissing in public is weird to you guys? No wonder all the other threads are about your marriages being on the rocks...

They are obviously unmarried couples out on a date or on their second day together having brunch.

As a married person who is affectionate in public, at home, and everywhere in between, who knows.

+1. Both DH and I are very physically affectionate. If we weren't touching regularly it would mean something was pretty wrong between us. We just want to be connected with touch.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hugging and kissing in public is weird to you guys? No wonder all the other threads are about your marriages being on the rocks...

Sitting at a restaurant bar? Why kiss every 5 minutes? It feels insincere and for show.

Because we’re in love. For show? We don’t even know you’re there.

You absolutely do know everyone is there. You’re at a bar!