I'm all for affection and against anger.  Who would vote for anger?  I've got a bit of a temper myself, but I try to give others the benefit of the doubt, and make their lives better.  I'm thinking specifically of irrate drivers and affectionate couples.  I see the first daily (at least) and the second all too little.  If I were to judge the general attitude of people in this area solely from how they behave while driving, it would not be a good impression.  Honking, flipping off, glaring, etc. are all too common.  Sometimes it seems like every driver is driving like they're getting a woman in labor to the hospital.  I've looked, and seen no such women so far, but try to excuse them- maybe there is something deathly important going on (work at 9?) that I can't see from the street, so their rudeness may be somewhat justifiable.  Maybe it's just that I'm less uptight than I normally am.  That's part of my New Year's resolution- to unwind, and analyze less, and give people the benefit of the doubt.  I am grateful to take public transportation and not deal with the headaches of a car, especially in the current icy conditions.

PDA: I should begin by clarifying my unwavering support of it by defining PDA (to me).  I'm talking about the sweet "Have a good day, Honey," kind.  Not the "I don't let my kids watch PG-13 movies, I certainly don't want them to see this," kind.  I understand the need to respect others, so excessive bonding (especially in an enclosed area, like a bus) can understandably make those subjected to it uncomfortable.  And I may be more comfortable with PDA in general, because I like the philosophy of it, but maybe holding hands, endearing smiles, and warm, short kisses don't count as PDA?  It is so refreshing to see what appears to be two people genuinely caring for each other, especially after others so easily share their contempt or general disregard for those around them.  I encourage all who have the courage, to show some affection toady.  You don't have to have a 'special someone.'  Hug your roommate good-bye.  Smile at those you pass.  Give your fellow passengers a break by ending the conversation with your mom with, "I love you, too" at the beginning of your commute together.  We all have been blessed, and need to share that with others, not hog it.  I know sometimes I want to, thinking maybe I deserve it or need to hold onto it as long as possible, because it may never happen- but that's faulty thinking.  Recently, I've seen more of how easy I have it, or at least some of how I've been blessed.  I don't know why that is, except that God is good and maybe whatever lessons or fortunes I have now can be used later.