Big effing deal, you have a boyfriend. The rest of the world really doesn’t need to know how much you love each other, how much it hurts to wait five minutes between tonsil-hockey sessions, or… well, how much you’ve got him whipped. Sure, I’ve been in love before, but in a watch-the-sunrise-over-bong-rips kinda way, not a need-to-keep-my-hand-on-your-ass-to-claim-my-territory kinda way. Here are some of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to coupling up.
1. Making out in totally non-romantic places.
If I see the two of you pawing each other at the Trevi Fountain in Italy, I’ll forgive you. Now THAT is romantic. But seriously – to the couple who gets on the dirty, overcrowded subway and feels the need to look into each other’s eyes, whisper sweet nothings, and make out for all of three stops – save it. Same for the couple who starts going at it in the checkout line at Rite-Aid. Unless you’re buying condoms, why are you so worked up already? And if you are buying condoms, then save it for the bedroom.
2. Sharing a calendar.
Just because you’re a couple doesn’t mean you can’t be individuals. I hate the girl who’s there for you every time… as long as she’s single. Once the “relationship” label gets slapped on some people, they have to synchronize their scheds, and like, can’t even go to the bathroom without making sure it won’t disrupt Date Night (the third one this week). It’s great when a girl can bring her boyfriend out with her friends, and vice versa, but if it’s a “Girls’ Night” and Henry’s trailing behind… it’s effing annoying.
3. Lame-ass Pet Names
Seriously, I’m not really opposed by the use of “Baby” or “Babe,” that is, when it’s used in a nonchalant way. As in, “Babe, I’m going out tonight, I’ll call you later.” NOT “Babyyyyyy I wuv you thiiiiiis much!” But other petnames are semi-obnoxious. If you do have cute names for each other, it should be your special secret. I once dated a dude who actually suggested we do nicknames. I promptly started calling him “Snuggles” in front of his coworkers. When he put up with that stuff, I knew it was time to go.
4. Fighting in public.
This actually might be worse than PDAs. You know THAT couple who’s throwing beers at each other at the bar? Who break up about 5.4 times a day and then go back into cuddle-mode for the ten minutes prior to the NEXT fight. Seriously, girls, he DIDN’T mean to call you fat, he WASN’T checking out the waitress, and just because he wants to watch sports instead of go shopping with you it doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. And guys, STOP inadvertently calling her fat, REFRAIN from checking out the waitress, and if you’re going to hang with the boys, just TRY to do something for her to show that you care in the meantime.
5. Becoming a biographer.
It’s a group event. Everyone’s meeting for drinks/dinner/ whatever, and of course the significant others are invited. There’s often that couple… the one where one party decides to relay everything he/she knows about the other to the group for the entire evening. It’s usually the partner that doesn’t know the rest of the group. For example, Johnny brings his new girlfriend to meet his friends at the bar. While everyone else tries to talk about class, politics, last week’s episode of Lost, whatever, Johnny’s girlfriend can only contribute, “So, Johnny and I met at….” “I know Johnny is the one because….” “Did you know that when Johnny was in high school, he…” ETC. She’ll probably also comment on Johnny’s every move, like, “Ohhh, how cute does Johnny look when he orders a beer? Stella is his favorite!” Let people get to know you and your signif for who you are. They can figure it out on their own without a picture being painted for them.
If I sound like a bitter old hag, that was not my intention. I was very happy in my last relationship, which ended quite smoothly. And I’d love to be in another relationship, once I find the right guy. In the meantime, however, I’ve been nixing the dudes who seem like they will either follow the aforementioned patterns, or expect ME to follow them. That’s too bad, because I’m just not that type of girl. Anyone else have any pet peeves from the dating world? We’d love to hear ‘em!



Jes says:
Wed, 18th Mar 200911:29 am
When the cool couple suddenly becomes the obnoxious couple after getting engaged.
I mean seriously, HOW many status updates a day can you make about “how EXCITED you are to be picking out a venue, dress, cake, napkins, vests, forks, toaster ovens, etc.!?”
But its the LOOOOOOVE of my LIFE!!!! xoxoxo ♥ MUAH!!
Andrea says:
Wed, 18th Mar 200912:03 pm
I lol’d at “watch-the-sunrise-over-bong-rips.”
Mainly because that perfectly describes my relationship right now.
Anna says:
Wed, 18th Mar 200912:04 pm
I hate when people write poems/songs/love notes to their significant others in their AOL away messages or profiles. Like yea that was the thing to do in like 8th grade, but you’re an adult now.
Direct quote off my buddy list right now:
“Downstairs doing laundry.
& missing my baby
2 days babe ilysm xoxo
Laura says:
Wed, 18th Mar 200912:06 pm
This is my friend and her boyfriend x 10. Ugh.
Liv says:
Wed, 18th Mar 200912:09 pm
Oh God, I hear ya. This is ALL my close friends when they get boyfriends. It’s nauseating (even when I’m in a relationship too). Do I have to watch you and your boyfriend lay on top of each other and make out in my living room during my Sunday morning breakfast? I’m having a hard enough time keeping it down as it is.
Mel says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20091:04 pm
On #3…you may think “babe” is fine, but two of my best friends dated for two years (so I was around them a LOT) and they literally just replaced each other’s names with “babe”. Every single sentence started with “Babe…”! I wanted to kill myself.
allie says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20091:28 pm
Even worse, my friend has been seriously dating her guy since sophomore year of HIGH SCHOOL (she is now a junior in college, he is a senior) and every time he mentions the future in ANY WAY (even stupid stuff, like someday he wants a boat) she immediately calls me talking about how he must be planning to propose. SHE HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL.
by the way, I asked the guy about a week ago if he was planning to propose anytime in the next three years. He said no. I told her this, which she interpreted as he had told me that it was soon and I was just covering so that it would be a surprise.
Jes says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20091:48 pm
OMG @ Allie, I would totally have to bitch slap my friend… I dont think I could deal with that stupidity for that long!
Better yet, how does HE deal with that for that long?? lol
Brithny - Duke University says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20093:52 pm
also about pet names-
muffins are baked goods. not human names.
Amanda says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20094:39 pm
Of course you aren’t a bitter hag…I’m in a relationship and these things are all annoying!! I don’t like kissing in public period, no one wants to see it, and I don’t want to do it. A quick peck occasionally is one thing, but anything more, and I just can’t bring myself to do it.
I know someone who has her only interested on facebook listed as her boyfriend. Seriously, only interest? And all they do is write to each other about how they’re the “perfect couple” and “the most awesome boyfriend/girlfriend, and my snuggle bunny, and i can’t wait to see you and kiss you tonight.” Ew
Stella says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20095:20 pm
What would you do if a couple was making out constantly?
They literally make me want to throw up. Not only are they shoving their tongues down each other’s throats at every moment but they are also, well… kind of skanky. ((Really skanky))
Its at school so obviously not allowed and I’ve heard that all of their friends have told them its disgusting.
What would you do?
S says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20095:35 pm
I have started de-friending people on facebook b/c of their status’s. Seriously, are you that fucking whipped??? Gross
And I was having a conversation with my best friend, her boyfriend walked up and they started making out..right in front of me…and everyone else in the bar. It’s gotten so bad that if he walks up I have to leave.
The fighting is dead on. Girl’s just need to chill the hell out, quit freaking out about every thing he does/doesn’t do. Pick your battles unless you like coming off like a whiny bitch.
lakfjlakjdflakjf. I’m staying single FOREVER.
Jenny says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20095:44 pm
I admit it, the boyfriend and I are totally guilty of #3, but we keep it to ourselves. It’s a little embarrassing to do in public, lol.
I cannot stand couples who fight in public. I knew a couple who was either fighting or fucking, with no middle ground. =/ That sort of behavior just boggles my mind.
beth says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20095:47 pm
gross.
I agree about the engagement comment… I planned my wedding in 5 weeks and never felt the urge to give everyone a play-by-play.
I have a friend on facebook who insists on updating about 6 times a day with various wedding plans… Her fiancee proposed 6 months ago, and there’s still 6 months to the wedding- I don’t know how much more I can take.
Kelsey says:
Wed, 18th Mar 20098:03 pm
Totally agree with this article. I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost three years, and we still actually have our friends because we haven’t driven them away with crazy behavior. Props to you, girlie, for laying down the law haha. TBH, my boyfriend and I actually make fun of couples that are super PDA in public and put their personal life out there…like really? your relationship is SO strong that you have to show everyone in the world to prove it. Its called overcompensation!
tissue says:
Wed, 18th Mar 200910:53 pm
Commenting on the PDA thing, I had a teacher in HS that if she saw a couple making out in public sloppily, would stop them and go: that’s the wrong way to make out. If you don’t want me to show you, then get a room.
yeesh says:
Thu, 19th Mar 200912:34 pm
How about when one half of a couple is in a conversation and constantly keeps giving comments about what their “partner” thinks about whatever the topic is?
“John doesn’t like that…”
“John has a friend who…”
“John really got sick about…”
It’s like their own opinion doesn’t matter, or they’re not used to having a boyfriend/girlfriend.
Marie says:
Thu, 19th Mar 20092:11 pm
Just one note about number one.
Sometimes if you haven’t actually seen your significant other in a a few weeks to a few months, it can be kinda hard to tone down the love stuff in public. I’m talking love hand holding, eye gazing, not pda. Especially if you live in a city, early re-uniting will most likely take place near/in some from of public transportation. Yes, pdas/love flaunting is annoying if the people see each other 24/7 but sometimes there are situitions that the casual observer doesn’t think about before they judge.
Michael says:
Fri, 20th Mar 20091:15 am
iHave it the worst. this is how my roommate is with his girl friend. it’s disgusting.
suirat says:
Fri, 20th Mar 200911:13 am
omg!!! this is my b-i-l and my co-worker! not only do i have to hear about it while i’m at work, i have to hear about it in the privacy of my own home. i don’t begrudge them their relationship. they actually look cute together. but i don’t need to hear the sickening pet names or how it was sooo ka-yute how he did something while they were eating or that she looks like a beautiful angel as she slept. ok… i think i just threw up a little in my mouth while recanting that. and i get the fact that it’s a new relationship but geez! i want to spray them with the fire extinguisher whenever they come to my house with that crap!
J says:
Fri, 20th Mar 200911:53 am
I’m SO guilty of the fighting one. My last boyfriend and I and had to be removed by bouncers from the same bar at closing time on a nightly basis because we were too busy screaming at each other. Healthy!
eloahjames says:
Fri, 20th Mar 20095:10 pm
This so much reminds me of this girl I used to work with. She and her boyfriend had a pattern. It was pretty much a weekly thing. They would be all ooey-gooey for a few days, then he would do something SH*TTY to her and they would have a huge fight, she yelling on the phone (AT WORK) that she was done with him, wasn’t speaking to him ever again…and then the flowers would show up and she would just go all gooey again about how sweet and wonderful he was. I wanted to vomit. That is why, before I got married, I told my husband, when you make me mad, DO NOT BUY ME FLOWERS, as I am angry – not for sale to the lowest bidder. Blech.
katherine says:
Sat, 21st Mar 20099:51 pm
I’m a very private person, so not many people know details of my relationship and no one except my boyfriend (and a few doctors) know anything about my sex life. My biggest peeve is when I see people post long ass facebook satus’ like “I miss and love my coreyyy!!! Three more days! I love him <3!!!” Come. on. Facebook PDA is soooo much worse than real life PDA because you know what they’re thinking instead of just watching two people kiss. I’m a HUGE romantic, but I keep it personal and quiet. My relationship is private and wonderful.
Andrew says:
Mon, 23rd Mar 200911:07 pm
I know some couples that share an email address. Seriously? An email address? They’re unlimited and they’re free. So, I can’t send anything off color to my buddy because his wife might get it. That’s so much worse than sharing a calendar.
Dontthinkso says:
Thu, 26th Mar 20091:13 pm
Kathryn, sweetie, you sound like a jaded, stuck up, brat.
How did you get a column sponsor???
YIKES says:
Thu, 26th Mar 20097:27 pm
AHH! This is my friend and her boyfriend! They fight all the time, and she gets upset over the smallest things. And my boyfriend and I just kind of try to ignore it when they start making out in front of us and talking in baby voices.
Also, on a side note, I hate it when those type of couples make fun of you for not doing things like that with your significant other. Just because I’m not shoving my tongue down his throat in public doesn’t mean we don’t like each other…we’re just actually trying to be respectful.
Miss J says:
Sun, 8th Nov 20092:37 pm
People who FaceBook about their “great husbands” or their “great boyfriends” – look what he did for me…how did I get sooooooooooo lucky!” Guess my pompoms are at the dry cleaners. Hard to be a cheering section and going through 3rd Wheel/Only Single at The Party of Couples situation. I have a friend coming to see me today and is arriving early so he can bail me out of a couples purgatory party. PS to all couples, stop telling your single friends, “you’ll find the one…it just takes time…” – I find this thee most obnoxious. I know they’re trying to be helpful, but it truly is insulting and comes of very haughty like they were the chosen ones and so lucky. Lucky is finding that one person who really “gets you”…not completes you, rescues you, infantalizes you, but “gets you” and loves you for you…like a friend…the second part of the word after boy or girl. It’s not all about the PDAs or the role playing, the Alpha/Beta roles, the bullshit that couples spew that makes me envious. Couples fall into two camps for me…those I can stand to hang with because they have their own life and share it with another and those that I escape from because they can’t help blathering about their significant other 24/7.
Love is a leap of faith and the more you know yourself, the more you’ll feel comfortable with that significant other. The more private someone is about their relationship, I feel the more real the love is between two people. An empty cart squeaks the loudest! Shit changes on a dime and life situations can also have an effect on relationships. Tell me more about you, not him or her CONSTANTLY. Savor and respect your relationship moment to moment and stop shoving it down the throats of those that do not solicit – physically and otherwise.
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