I've got a crush on a girl who I know is bi, but whenever I think about being affectionate with her in public I get so nervous just thinking of what other people would think. I want to be with her but I would be so self conscious all the time. I'm quite an anxious person generally but im not fully out and thinking about being with a girl publicly just makes me so nervous. Any tips?
I've been out for more than a decade and I'm still nervous about that sort of thing. I tend to avoid PDA in general, although I fear some girls might think I view them as something to be ashamed of. Does this girl even know you like her? Maybe if you get together you can discuss this issue.
I think it depends on where you live. I live in a very liberal and accepting city. I can show pda without worrying too much. I still do have to remember where I am because I generally know where it is safe. Since I am a teacher, if I am anywhere close to my school, I do not even hold hands. Even in the city I am in, the most PDA i show is a quick peck and very little hand holding. It was very hard at first; you'll feel more comfortable later on
Handholding seems pretty innocuous. (Mostly, thoughtbubble has a perfectly valid exception.) Girls get a certain amount more leeway with PDA than guys. (At least up here in North America.) Positive story: I was at a high-profile triathlon last summer. Two fit and attractive women were setting up their bikes, getting wetsuits on, and then gave each other a big full-on I-love-you good-luck kiss. Nobody raised an eyebrow. Made me feel happy. Things get better!