Now, I’m not saying that no one but my family would understand this, but I know that the families I’ve met since growing up are not like mine in this particular regard: PDA. Yep, public displays of affection. My family—or at least, my mom’s family—knows no bounds when it comes to PG-rated affection in front of the world. I spent my childhood being hugged to near death by aunts and uncles, and wiping wet smooches (and lipstick) from my cheeks. All of the women in mom’s family thought it was their duty to make sure my face was smudgeless. I can’t tell you the number of times one of them would lick their thumbs (or a napkin or a Kleenex) and then swipe it across my cheek to remove some phantom speck of dirt. They always added a smile and a hug afterward, so I knew they did it only so I could be as perfect as they imagined I could be. Lol! Who wouldn’t feel loved?
Now the problem is, I grew up thinking all families were like that. Instead, to my complete confusion, I married into a family who thought a handshake was a bit too much emotion to display in public. They accept my hugs and kisses because they love me but I know my actions are alien to them, even after all these years. Acceptance is one thing, but I never would consider licking my thumb to wipe a smear of chocolate from my mother-in-law’s face. 😉
So, who has made the greatest adjustment in our marriage? I have, of course. It’s a lot easier to tone down a learned activity than it is to begin one. I still get all the wet smooches and hugs from my mom and aunt. And when hubby and I are alone, it’s Katie bar the door. I might not wipe off a smear of chocolate on hubby’s face, but kiss it off? Oh, yeah!
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Dee
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I’m always fascinated by the differences in families. My aunts and uncles weren’t all that huggy, which ended up with my mom being known as “the kissing aunt.” My mom is affectionate, but not overly so in public, so that always amused me. Enjoyed your post.
Thanks, Sherry! Even with my family and Jack’s being so different, there’s a whole lot to love in both. I’ve been really lucky in the family lottery!
LOL…..our family is like that also…..my family is very outwardly affectionate, but my hubby’s family is not. If you’re greeted with a ‘hello/hi’, that’s gold.
The only exception are children under age 12….they are greeted with hugs and kisses. The first time I kissed my MIL and FIL goodbye, I think it was a shock, so I soon learned it was enough to simply wave goodbye.
Oh my gosh, Molly, are our husbands related?? LOL! It’s a shock to first encounter.