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You are at:Home»Thoughts»Let’s Talk About PDA
Thoughts

Let’s Talk About PDA

Lenah HassaballahBy Lenah HassaballahMay 22, 2014Updated:May 22, 20144 Mins Read
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In the midst of everyone and their mothers getting hitched, whether it’s boyfriend/girlfriend or getting engaged or married, I’ve noticed that the PDA thermometer is at its highest these days. In fact, it’s about to explode (get your minds out of the gutter people, I’m still talking about the thermometer!).

tumblr_ks68e337Nk1qzdiqvo1_400_largeIt’s EVERYWHERE. I’d be happily chilling at a cafe and I’d look around to see couples on top of each other, literally. Now I don’t mind the usual holding hands, hugging, a little cuddling on a couch at a cafe is fine, too.

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But people, if you want to have a little foreplay, at least do it in a hidden place where you think no one can see you. Have a little shame! Or go to your house – but, oh wait, most Arabs who flaunt their PDA habits wouldn’t DARE to even touch each other if their parents were within a 50 meter radius.

Yet they flaunt it oh so courageously in public, which is even more hilarious to me because I imagine their facial expressions if a parent or relative catches them in the act. It has yet to happen in front of me, unfortunately, but seriously, that would make my life.

It annoys the hell out of me when it’s teens doing it, but when it’s people in their 20s, I just can’t. If you’re a 20-something-year-old woman, you should know a thing or two about self-respect and self-worth.

Now before you start thinking that I’m a bitter old hag, or God forbid you think that I’m jealous (ha!), I’m not trying to teach anyone how to behave in public (although someone needs to start a class or something ASAP). I’m just saying that it’s uncomfortable for the rest of us! I consider it eye pollution (talawos basary).

PDA
No.

Why should I have to sit at an outing and endure the sight of two people fondling in front of me? And OK, I don’t have to look, but it’s so hard not to! And when I look anywhere else it’s the same shit, so do I keep staring at the ground like a creep? No, I shouldn’t have to.

They should learn to keep their hands off of each other and sit down like civilized human beings. How am I supposed to have a civilized conversation with you with your head on your boyfriend’s shoulder or both of you hugging while still looking at me to continue the conversation? Do you have a mental illness? Seriously!

Now let me make one thing clear here: I am not a prude. You should know that I’m happily engaged, and yes, sometimes I feel like I want to jump my fiance in public. But I stop myself from doing so because simply, I am not an animal.

And also because I have self-respect. I care about how how I perceive myself and how I’m perceived in public. And don’t even start with that “you shouldn’t care what people think of you” bullshit. That only works when you’re deciding whether to take up art instead of engineering, for example – not if you’re deciding whether or not to be a whore in public.

PDA done right
PDA done right!

People here tend to forget that we’re in an Arab society. I’m all for doing what you want, BUT don’t be a poser, for the love of God, we have enough of them.

I’m going to end this article now because I’m starting to sound like my mom. But I am going to say this – to the girls especially – remember: If a guy is fondling you in public without a care in the world, he ain’t gonna marry you, honey. Men don’t respect cheap and easy.

 

WE SAID THIS: Thoughts?

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Lenah Hassaballah
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Lenah’s friends would describe her as easy going, chill and a straight shooter: she says it like it is. She adores her huge, loud and proud Egyptian family, including of course the latest addition; her wonderful fiancé who has somehow managed to fit his way into the crazy bunch. Her dream is to become a foreign correspondent, taking her baby along with her (that is her Sony VG-10 camera). She has a weak spot for greasy American food, witty humor, and sad romance movies.

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