I have a question for all the New Yorkers and Chicagoans (Chicagans? weird word) out there - or anyone with regular access to a subway system for that matter. Do you notice a lot of couples snuggling up on the trains? After a month taking the TMB every day, I feel like I'm never more than 5 yards away from at least two sets of sweethearts, who make the status of their relationship very clear to everyone standing awkwardly around them.
Now, I'm not talking about full on public displays of affection that include cameos of their tonsils - it's more subtle than that. Most often, the male has one hand holding onto the pole and the other wrapped around his lady. Said female circles both of her arms around her man to simultaneously steady herself and convey affection. Insert periodic back rubs, meaningful stares, and spontaneous smooches as necessary.
No judgment being passed here. What the world needs now is love, sweet love, but I wonder if this is something Barcelona-specific, or if it's seen in underground tunnels all over the world. Perhaps in a crowded, lurching train surrounded by strangers who are all covered by a fine layer of sweat, it makes sense to gravitate towards the familiar and the adored. And maybe couples driving together in their cars act the same way, but we can never observe them way we do on public transportation.
As a side note, when searching for the photo for this post, I found a ton of engagement and wedding photo shoots done in the subway. It seems like there's a romanticism around being with your loved one, someone so personal and close to you, while being surrounded by the impersonal, public bustle of the subway and its strangers.
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