Two beings merge into one body, sharing one breath. Everyone can see them, yet they seem to notice no one.
Why do people display affection in front of others? Why do they kiss and hug in public spaces — parks, streets, and squares? It's counter-intuitive as intimacy is something of a private nature.
They don't care. You feel less socially anxious when you're in love. It seems that you're in a comfortable bubble. It creates the illusion of safety, yet it is still transparent.
They don't notice anything. When you kiss, you go blind. You close your eyes while passion blinds you metaphorically. Lovers' eyes are focused on the source of pleasure — the partner. Their faces are hidden when they face each other. Two bodies merge into a single unit. The tension between "us" and "them" is neutralized by building tension between our lips and tongues.
They want to be noticed. A lot of people are uncomfortable with public intimacy. But being affectionate in public not only shows a level of comfort with your partner. It allows you to be seen as a unit by others.
A city is a stage. A kiss is a message. Being a lover is performing a social role. Lovers are expected to behave in specific ways in particular situations. By holding hands, hugging, kissing, and cuddling, you send a message to society: "I kiss because I'm in love." You also send the message to your partner: "I kiss you in the middle of the street because I love you. My feelings are so intense that I can't resist kissing you. I'm ready to get over the embarrassment and anxiety. I'm not worried about who is watching or what they are thinking."
Lovers are like tourists. In "The Tourist: A New Theory of the Leisure Class," Dean MacCannell says it is an authentic experience that tourists are thirsty for, not an attraction. When visiting cities, tourists swarm to specific spots where they can take selfies to prove they've seen them with their own eyes. By kissing or hugging, lovers allow the crowd to witness and authenticate the sincerity of their feelings.
