In It to Win It or a Losing Battle?
Couples display their love in all sorts of ways. While some follow a more traditional candy and flowers route, others are knee-deep in inside jokes and old movie references. However, some couples didn’t get the memo that gross displays of PDA are more of a private activity—that's why we're here to break down 10 cringe-worthy displays and 10 we always love to see.
1. Fight in Public
For the love of Mike (whoever he may be), please don’t fight in public. Regardless of where you are, and especially if you’re on a double date, arguments need to be resolved in private. Whatever you feel can’t wait definitely can.
2. No Independence
Couples need separate identities outside of each other. That means your own friend group, your own hobbies, and a little time alone. It's obvious when partnerships teeter towards codependence, and it puts everyone off. Above all else, it's usually a red flag that worries your friends.
3. Public Jealousy
Uh oh, someone made eyes at your partner. The rational thing to do is get upset! (We’re kidding, of course). Getting overly jealous is never a good look, and when you’re around other people, they notice the insecurity. To make matters worse, it also comes across as possessive, which makes everything even more uncomfortable.
4. Baby Talk
Ah, the cause of eye twitches everywhere. Whatever couples do in private is their business, but public baby talk should be retired immediately. It's really not cute, a lot of people find it immature, and it often makes others uncomfortable. Pwease—we’re begging you at this point.
Anastasiya Lobanovskaya on Pexels
5. Inviting Each Other Everywhere
Oh, hooray…your partner is here…even though they weren’t invited. It’s great that you love spending time with your significant other, but chances are your friends don’t want to see them at every outing. This is yet another reason why separate identities are so important!
6. Too Much PDA
A kiss on the cheek here, a hand held there—those aren’t the problem. Trying to inhale each other’s faces in public is the issue. There’s a time and place for everything and you can wait until you get home.
7. Identical Outfits
While small matching accessories or color coordinating can be sweet, wearing the exact same clothes is a step too far. You’re different people and there’s nothing wrong with dressing in your own styles.
8. Hurtful “Jokes”
It’s obvious when one partner makes jokes that hurt their significant other. Of course, there's nothing wrong with the odd jab, especially among playful couples, but constant teasing can go too far—and when it does, it makes everyone uncomfortable.
9. Going Too Far
We’ve already talked about excessive PDA, but did you know that some couples manage to take it even further? Plenty of people jump each other’s bones in public and it really needs to stop. Everyone can see you, kids can easily be in public spaces, and it’s just a bad look.
Luiz Gustavo Miertschink on Pexels
10. Feeding Each Other
Sharing is one thing, but the general public can probably go without couples who feed each other every bite. We're not talking about harmless taste tests either! No, we're talking about literal spoon feeding—it’s even worse if this one's paired with baby talk.
As cringe-worthy as some things can be, some couples’ behaviors are adorable and we never want them to stop. Let's dive into a few behaviors every healthy pair should adopt!
1. Have Inside Jokes
Inside jokes are sacred. They show everyone that you’re comfortable with each other and can enjoy the little things in life. Even if no one has a clue what you’re talking about—good! Relish in the silly jokes that are just for you.
2. Spontaneous Road Trips
Spontaneously hitting the open road is an adventure only true partners embark on. It doesn’t matter where you go, it only matters that you can enjoy life’s journey together. We’re all for couples who load the car and go wherever the road takes them.
3. Start New Traditions
Hey, Frank Costanza started his own tradition, so why can’t you? In fact, inventing new traditions with your partner is one of the best parts of being a couple. (Just try not to get too rowdy during the feats of strength.)
4. Be Weird Together
True partnerships allow you both to be your true, awkward selves. Whether that’s quirky behavior or laughing at the same inside jokes, embracing your partner’s inner weirdo is what a relationship’s all about.
5. New Forms of Communication
Though baby talk's off the table, that doesn't mean you can't think of new ways to communicate. In fact, inside jokes or personal texts only bring you closer together! You know you're close if you can solely, and thoroughly, communicate in GIFs.
6. Inventive Pet Names
“Babe” has been done—real couples think of inventive pet names for one another, and we’re all on board with the ones who do. It's even more impressive if you think of a new name every day.
7. Quote Things
Okay, maybe you both quote the same sitcom every day, but that’s okay! Those references are part of what makes your relationship so unique. It’s even better if the reference is outdated and only funny for you two.
8. Leaving Little Notes
Maybe you and your partner have different schedules. Maybe the kids eat up a lot of your time. Whatever life throws at you, leaving handwritten notes for each other is a simple gesture of love mastered by the greatest couples.
9. Mock Arguments
Real relationships can only go the distance if you’re willing to laugh together. Sarcastic couples who sass each other are often the talk of the town, for better or worse. But at the end of the day, you both know you’re joking, which makes that fake argument even funnier.
10. Invent New Words
Sometimes the easiest way to communicate with your partner is with words you invented. Sure, those portmanteaus probably confuse everyone else, but they don’t need to know what they mean—the important thing is that your partner does.
