P.D.A.

P.D.A., also known as "Public Display of Affection" is the physical demonstration of affection for another person in public, and depending on the context can be objectionable. Picture this scene: you are out at an intimate dinner with a group of your male and female friends. Although it is a friendly group dinner, your one girl friend will not stop making out with her boyfriend thereby making everyone feel uncomfortable. Something you might whisper to your other friends is, "God, they are soooo PDA" or "Can they quit it with the PDA??" usually followed or proceeded by, "Get a room!"

In Spain the notion of too much public affection does not exist. Two weeks ago I went to Madrid and on the bus ride there AND back there was couple directly across from me (different couples) displaying SEVERE PDA. A 6 hr bus ride to Madrid is long, crowded and hopefully quiet. These couples however had no regard for anyone else. There was kissing, laughing, heavy breathing, spooning (yes it is possible on a bus) and intertwining of legs. Give me a break.

Yesterday I was going for a walk on the beach and passed by a couple aggressively making out on a bench. 45 minutes later when I was walking back that way I passed by them and they were in the SAME position as 45 minuts before. EATING FACE.

Aside from the fact that it´s kind of funny/gross/innappropriate, this trend sheds light on to an interesting cultural aspect of Spain. In Spain it is the tradition for children to live with their parents until they get married. Therefore, most of the hanging out, hooking up, and dating takes place outside in the streets, or on public transportation. Spaniards are not encouraged to bring boyfriends/girlfriends over to their homes so all of the "D. A." has to be public.

I understand the culture, but I cant help blurting out "GET A ROOM" every time I see a couple like this.