Public displays of affection (PDA) have become the modern-day equivalent of the car alarm that goes off in the middle of your test: distracting, annoying, and frankly, always dragging on.

   We have all been victims of PDA before; whether while studying at a local Starbucks, trying to watch a movie peacefully in theaters, or taking the escalator, there always seems to be that one couple who can’t keep their hands off each other. I still remember sitting down at one of the few available tables at my local library. I had one AirPod in and was in the middle of pulling up my assignments on Schoology when out of the corner of my vision I saw a couple next to me. Normally this wouldn’t be a huge deal, but they were sitting on top of each other, shaking each other’s hands, snickering. 

   Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a complete downer on PDA; hand-holding, hugs, and pecks are perfectly fine, but time and place matter. I am not trying to have a sappy romance movie playing next to me while I’m out here studying for a final worth 20% of my grade. This is especially true when you could save your affections for the comfort of your own bedroom where there are no onlookers, but no. Instead, you make the conscious decision to go to the library during peak studying hours, taking up a much needed study spot to cuddle. Is it so hard to have a little decorum when I’m trying to analyze excerpts from “East of Eden”?

   Sure, I might just be “jealous” of these couples, but the feeling of being a bystander to a lovey-dovey couple is painful. The closest feeling I can attribute it to is the feeling you get after waving to someone who wasn’t waving to you. Now hold that feeling for the duration of that couple’s makeout session. It is so unbearably awkward for everyone around except the couple, who usually never seem to notice. It’s safe to say that in these situations, AirPods and a 180 degree turn in the other direction are your best friends.