At first I was slightly offended. As my brother-in-law pointed to a couple all cozy and enveloped in the ocean waves, he made a joke about it being reminiscent of my husband, Steve, and me. I wasn’t sure how to take it – either being flattered or offended. Perhaps it was because Steve and I are often picked on for our occasional public displays of affection despite the fact that we always try to be respectful to those around us.
After just a few moments of mulling over his comment, I decided that I wasn’t offended at all. In fact, I was flattered. It was a nod of acknowledgment to the noticeable love that Steve and I have for one another. We are never inappropriately affectionate with one another in front of people, but we are also not ashamed to display tender hints of love no matter who the audience is.
Young Love
Public displays of affection, also known as PDA, are often associated with teenagers enthralled with one another and completely inappropriate with outward displays of their hormonal inclinations. But not all PDA is a shocking spectacular to shun and discourage. In fact, little demonstrations of love by two, mature adults that are committed to one another is something I find to be both encouraging and adorable.
Think about it – when you see a middle-aged couple steal a quick kiss in public, doesn’t it make you smile? Or when you see that elderly couple walking down the street hand in hand, how does that make you feel? For me, it instantly puts a smile on my face and warms my heart to see endearing exchanges of love like that, and I am sure most of you would agree.
Married couples tend to lose a lot of their youthful excitement toward one another over time. You get married, and it is like there is a sudden ban on all fun from your life. I’m not sure where this killjoy approach to married life came from, but I am not a fan. That’s definitely not how things operate in our house.
Life with my husband is more fun than ever. We make sure to laugh often, play hard, and be silly whenever possible. After all, we enjoy one another’s company, so why not act like it? Whether it’s savoring a night full of impossible games, oversized corndogs, and delicious junk food at the fair or just a night jam-packed with our favorite comedies, we know that laughter is the best medicine to our life and marriage. PDA is part of that fun we have chosen to incorporate into our relationship.
PDA is a continuation of that youthful fun that keeps things fresh and lively in a marriage. Again, I am not encouraging explicit behaviors in public that would be best kept in the bedroom, but small, innocent gestures in public can add some excitement to the relationship. There’s something thrilling and special about a light graze of the back in passing, holding hands, or a sweet kiss on the cheek while out and about. It communicates, “I love you, and I want the whole world to know!” It’s romantic! For once, married couples should take a lesson on love from youngsters, and spice things up with a little public display of affection.
A Mere Glance
PDA isn’t just physical. I remember being at a gathering with Steve; we were in a crowded room and had separated while we did some socializing. Both of us are pretty outgoing people, so it’s not uncommon for us to feel comfortable parting ways while we work our way around the room. At one point though, I scanned the sea of friends and family and caught Steve looking at me. There was something in the way he was looking at me that communicated admiration and love.
While just a glance, it was a powerful public display of affection in my eyes. Besides making me giddy like a school girl, it made me feel so special. Despite the distractions all around, my husband still made me the center of his attention. He was focused on me. That look let me know that while we were across the room from one another, I was still at the forefront of his mind. In that simple moment, I felt loved, adored, and admired. Something as minute as an adoring glance toward your spouse can be a magnificent conveyor of affection and love.
The Power of PDA
Public displays of affection can be quite powerful in a marriage. Feeling the grip of your spouse’s hand holding yours can give the strength to take on any situation you face together. A slight unexpected touch might ignite passion within you and your spouse. A loving glance can make her feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. An affirming kiss can make him believe he can take on anything. There are so many small gestures that, in public, add an extra zest and zing to your relationship.
When done appropriately, PDA can uplift, encourage, and inspire your spouse. It can be fun and exciting. It can make your spouse feel like a million bucks. It can communicate to friends and family the special love that you share and inspire them to follow in your footsteps. PDA may have a bad reputation at times, but at second glance, it’s a powerful instrument for conveying love and admiration to your spouse.
