Let’s talk about something that’s been driving me insane for awhile now—public displays of affection (PDA) at school. I know I am not the only one who sees it. Look, I get it, people are young and probably do not have their license or the ability to have a relationship outside of school. But there is a line, and lately, that line has been crossed way too often.
Bellevue East is supposed to be a place where we focus on learning, and I am tired of watching people drip in slobber all over each other between classes. Honestly, it is disturbing. And no, I’m not talking about holding hands or a kiss on the cheek—that is harmless. I am talking about the full-on, open-mouthed, hands-all-over-each-other type of PDA I see during passing period. It’s not cute. Where is the class? It is gross, distracting, and downright inappropriate in a setting where most of us are trying to get through the day without seeing all that.
First off, it is just plain awkward. You walk down the hallway, minding your own business, when you are suddenly face-to-face with two students making out like they are auditioning for a soap opera. Do they not realize that other people have to see that? Not everyone wants to witness you pin your girlfriend up against the wall while trying to make it to history class on time.
Let’s be real—your relationships probably are not that deep, and even if they are, it does not need to be shared with every student and teacher in the vicinity. It is a hallway, not a reality show. You guys have me thinking I missed an episode of Love Island, and I never miss an episode.
What’s worse is that PDA sets a tone that says it is okay to disrespect personal boundaries. Some people are uncomfortable with how much attention it brings, and that is so completely valid. Nobody should have to audibly hear how wet your kiss was, or avoid certain areas of the school just because a couple cannot keep their hands to themselves. I would honestly rather pour bleach into my eyes and permanently blind myself than walk down the B-wing stairs at the end of the school day.
It is also distracting. How are we supposed to focus on socializing with our friends during passing when there’s a full-on make-out session going on at the end of the hall? At this point, just crawl into his skin, girl, I do not think you could get any more close. It is not about being a prude; it is about maintaining a respectful environment where we can feel comfortable. If I hear a pair of students dirty-talking each other blocking the class I’m supposed to walk into, at this point I am deciding to take another lap around the hall. Also, how am I supposed to think the same of that student when the teacher puts us in a group together? I might just throw up in my mouth.
In short, if you want to show affection, save it for after school or in a private setting. People can all agree that love is great, but there is most definitely a time and place for it and the hallway between science class and the senior commons is not it. I feel bad for the deans watching the cameras because imagine your job is to watch that; I would honestly rather die. Keep the PDA to a minimum, and let’s make Bellevue East a place where we can all learn and exist without feeling like we are stuck in an episode of The Bachelor.
