More Respect, Open Communication and Less PDA Please!

Have you ever been walking through the mall to come across two teens making out? Alternatively, how about enjoying a nice swim at the just to see two teens sitting in each other’s laps inside the hot tub kissing for what seems like an eternity?

If a parent should walk the halls of any high school, and unfortunately an increasing number of middle schools, malls, and other public places, they would most likely come across some form of P.D.A. No, I’m not talking about the electronic device, but rather public displays of affection. Teens have relationships, but an increasing number like to display their affection for one another rather inappropriately in the middle of public places.

As a teenager myself, I understand the desire to have a relationship. Teens have always had relationships while in at least the upper levels of high school. However, times have changed. Teens are becoming more and more open with their relationships. Twenty years ago, if teens were making out at every other locker and doorway in a school, a principal would probably have a fit. Today, it is common sight when walking the halls. While some enforce anti-PDA policies, too many are losing the fight.

Personally, I hate it when I come across teens showing PDA. At times, I have been walking the halls of high school just to turn the corner to find one side of the hallway blocked by two teens making out. Now, at my high school, L’Anse Creuse North, the halls are extremely crowded. If one side of the hall is blocked, the whole hall quickly becomes 21 Mile Road at 5 p.m. on a Friday with only one lane open! The teens that are making out simply look around at the growing traffic jam and continue as if nothing was happening. Not only is it unpleasant to look at, it becomes a hazard in the halls of a crowded school.

While some may simply say that there is nothing wrong with it, or they may just turn their head; I believe that this is an increasing issue and I know that I am not alone. In today’s culture, teens are pressured into relationships. They often feel the need to date in order to fit in. If a teen is single, they are often left out of groups during meaningful events such as Homecoming. They can often be left out at parties or social gatherings where couples are all together. Today, the pressures of being a teen are increasing and many turn to dating to help escape some of the pressure. I am not against dating, however, I am simply against showing off the fact that you are dating someone by being out in a public setting and openly making out. It is rude and unnecessary. Plain and simple: wrong place, wrong time.

Parents should to talk to their teens and preteens about relationships and dating. It is okay for most to date once they have attained a set age; however, at no age is it appropriate to make out in the middle of the mall or hallway at school. At no age is it appropriate to abuse your partner. Furthermore, at no age is it appropriate to date someone for the wrong reasons.

Some of the largest problems in teen relationships include using and abusing partners, PDA, and a general lack of respect. Teens both physically and mentally abuse each other, sometimes without even realizing it. They sometimes use one another to move up in the social hierarchy of high school or for worse. They have no respect for those around them, and sometimes for each other.

Teens, please stop the PDA! Don’t go around in public making out! Nobody wants to see that! If you want to do it, go somewhere a little more private! As a general rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t want your parents to see, then why are you doing it? Furthermore, show some respect for one another. Talk to your boyfriend or girlfriend and see how they feel about the relationship. Respect each other’s decisions. Don’t pressure each other into anything. If it is not meant to be, than so what. Odds are, it won’t last through high school anyway. Are you going to marry the person that you dated your freshman year of high school, or even senior year? Probably not. Show some respect, and talk to your parents. See how they feel. Finally, if you are ending a relationship, show some class. Don’t break up over text message or worse, Facebook! Do it in person, privately. It is just a little common courtesy. 

Teen relationships have always occurred, and l doubt that they will ever stop. However, just keep in mind that they should be mutually respectful. With summer around the corner, be prepared for breakups and new beginnings. Get ready to share tears and smiles. Lastly, remember to communicate. If we can all think and show a little respect, the world, or at least Macomb Township, will be a slightly nicer place to live.