Lancer Express

PDA: how much is too much?

Friday, March 13, 2009 By Amanda Matteson

You can find them anywhere: the narrow halls of the 3000 building, the crowded lunch tables, the inside of the science building and any wall they can lean against. The culprits: the lovey-dovey Carlsbad High School couples who just will not keep their hands off each other. For whatever reason, far too many students seem to have deemed school an exceptional place to proclaim their love for one another and engage in five minute sessions of sucking face every chance they can get. Now, before I continue, one must understand I do not intend to condemn all forms of public displays of affection. I have no issue with hugging, holding hands or an innocent peck on the lips between couples; after all, we aren’t in elementary school anymore. In fact, we walk the line of adulthood daily. We constantly desire more freedom and responsibility, but, unfortunately, that freedom is being abused. Many people tend to shove the blame onto the administration, claiming the responsibility to monitor students’ choices, at least while on campus, lies on the school’s shoulders. Frankly, I find that not only unfair to the administration, but very insulting to our intelligence as students. If we have enough maturity to commit to a relationship, we certainly should have maturity enough to take responsibility for ourselves and respect those around us. The administration has far more important uses of their time than trying to yank teenagers off each other. The time has come for students to take some responsibility and learn respect not only for those who have to spend seven hours a day at school with them but themselves as well. It all comes down to manners. Groping your significant other while others try to enjoy their lunch is rude; making a student who wanders into a deserted corner of the school feel like they’re invading a private moment is rude. On top of that, extreme PDA is simply unnecessary (you will see your boo again after fourth period, I promise). Thankfully for everyone, there is a feasible, straightforward solution to the extremist form of PDA overtaking Carlsbad. Just stop. Or at least tone it down to level we all can live with. Teachers will sigh with relief, fellow students will rejoice, and those kissy-couples will have a greater appreciation for their time together outside of school.