PDA in relationships is where two completely different upbringings end up in the same parking lot. One person reaches. The other one doesn’t. And somehow that ten seconds does more damage than anything else that happened that day.

What does it mean when a couple making everyone around them uncomfortable is doing it on purpose? Dr. Laurie says some people in that situation are exhibitionists who specifically want the room watching. The discomfort is the point. The inspiration happening at the same time is a side effect they are also fine with.

The reason one person will not hold hands in public almost never has anything to do with you. Sensory differences, nervous systems, what got modeled at home and what did not. The wrong conversation makes it about rejection. The right one finds somewhere to land.

Topics: PDA in relationships, physical affection couples, relationship communication, nervous system and touch, affection and upbringing

GUEST: Dr. Laurie Betito | drlaurie.com

Originally aired on2026-04-17