‘Power PDA’ trend embraced by Kourtney Kardashian, Megan Fox, leaves onlookers feeling ‘awkward’

There’s a new dating trend and, as someone who gets the ick, I’m not a fan.

It’s called “Power PDA” and it’s basically described as getting “handsy” with your lover – a whole lot of kissing and touching in public that makes onlookers feel super awkward.

I experienced it the other day on a plane from Melbourne to Sydney. The couple in front of me were fully making out, with tongues and light groaning completely oblivious to those around them. Especially me who could see them in the gap of the seats while trying to binge watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Highly distracting.

Now don’t get me wrong, after a few G and T’s, I too may have partaken in ridiculous antics in the back of a pub once upon a time, but on a plane, in the middle of the day?! Outrageous!

We’re seeing it more and more post-lockdown. Think Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Scott making out in front of their kids on Keeping up with the Kardashians, Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox frenching on the red carpet, and if you’ve stumbled upon Megan Thee Stallion’s latest Instagram post, you will see her butt in her boyfriend’s face while he’s attempting to play Mario Kart.

Now don’t get me wrong, if my butt looked like hers, I would probably get it on the gram as well … but the old prude in me still goes ‘eww, you use that thing to go to the bathroom! Not as a dinner plate’.

I’m not a heartless, non-affectionate person. I just prefer to keep the touchy-feely stuff to the bedroom. Or very briefly in public. For example, a few weeks ago I was on a road trip with a fella who makes my heart go va va voom, and we stopped at the service station to get snacks. He walked past me in the candy aisle and gave my butt a light smack. No one was around to feel awkward, but it certainly perked me right up. THAT’S how you do Power PDA.

I always question those who have to prove their overly-affectionate selves in public. Yes, the pessimist in me ponders why they are trying to hard.

Take for example Meghan and Harry. We watch her cling to him in public as if she will lose him if they don’t hold hands. Then take a good look at William and Kate. They stand tall, strong and independent – yet united. For me, that’s a sign of a sturdy marriage. Two people who can stand upright by themselves but throw each other an adoring side-glance when needed. No Power-PDA needed to prove their union.