Dear Amy: My spouse and I want to know: Is it socially appropriate for two adults (married to each other and in their 50s and 60s) to sit on each other's laps in a social gathering in a family member's home?

At a recent birthday party for a young family member, my spouse's stepmother decided to take a seat on her husband's lap while he was seated on a breakfast stool. Hands were held and placed on knees/thighs in a relatively innocent manner; there was no additional kissing, groping, etc.

Was it a clear instance of a teenage-style "public display of affection," or was it no big deal because the two people involved were married adults and that there were only family members and close friends present at the time?

TOUCHY-FEELY IN CHICAGO

Dear Touchy-Feely: In a casual setting at a family member's home, I think it's fine - sweet, really. But is it "socially appropriate"? No. It's also potentially chair-breaking behavior.

However, you ask about the propriety of these two older people sitting "on each other's laps." The man taking his turn sitting on the woman's lap makes this much more interesting.

askamy@tribune.com