And yet.
In the very back, a man and a woman were clearly in a relationship, because they sat there holding hands throughout the talk. No big deal. Then they got closer, arms around each other, whispering things on occasion. Normally I get a little paranoid when the students whisper, but these seemed to be love-whispers, not make-fun-of-the-proffie whispers. Whatever they were, they were still a little distracting. By the time the talk ended, they had even kissed a few times. And these weren't college kids--they were probably in their mid-thirties.
It reminded me of other times I've faced this problem. Last year, two of my students in a small class started dating (I felt like Yentl), and they were all over each other during class. Long ago, when I taught high school students, I actually had one who couldn't seem to remove her hands from her boyfriend's pants during class, nor he from hers, even after all the other students asked them to please stop.
So since that last post was a Big Thirsty That Nonsensically Falls on Friday, maybe this should be the real Friday Thirsty.
Have you had to deal with canoodling in class? Do you say something to your students? If so, how do you say anything without sounding like a creepy voyeur?
If it's obvious and they're doing it in public, noticing doesn't make you a voyeur. Or creepy.
ReplyDeleteRubbing your S.O.'s privates while in public -- they're called "privates" for a reason, people! -- is creepy.
The older couple in the back of the class were less creepy, but still rude. A kiss in greeting, or holding hands, is fine in public. Ignoring the presenter, when s/he can obviously see you doing so, is rude.
I ended class early when what was going under their desk became obvious. They withdrew soon after when the girl realized the whispers in class were about her. No, I didn't have my cellphone or I would have taking a pic.
ReplyDeleteStare, smile and take pictures. That should encourage them to stop. If not, post the footage and make $38.99 a month. (Or whatever internet porn is going for these days. I haven't the slightest idea.)
ReplyDeleteSpooky, Ben, because that's EXACTLY how much porn costs nowadays.
DeleteThrow a bucket of water at them. If that doesn't work, spray them with a fire hose.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a spray bottle of water? That works on cats. Or you could always channel last semester's response to the Occupy demonstrations, and try pepper spray, but that seems a bit extreme.
DeleteI have to admit I've never dealt with this one. Or maybe I'm just extremely unobservant.
You are lucky they sat in back. I once had a couple practically in each other's laps in the first row.
ReplyDeleteI had a dating couple once, and... they sat in the back. He sat with his arms crossed, and she always took notes. They failed the first exam. She came to me after that exam, and we met a couple of times. She got an A on the second exam. He failed, and was obviously incensed. Prior to the final, I stopped her as she was leaving, and asked if she wanted to meet again. He turned and GLARED at her. She stammered a no, telling me she would study on her own. She failed, as did he. I don't know what else I should have done. There was no physical contact in class. I saw no bruises, yet it appeared she was intimidated. I wasn't sure what to report in terms of facts. I've never had it happen since, but still don't know what else I should have done. Knowing something and proving it are two different things.
ReplyDelete