I am writing in reply to Gordon Lam's 'Less romance' letter (South China Morning Post, September 10). I was shocked and disgusted that someone could make such assumptions from seeing two people display their affection in public. I am a 15-year-old girl, and I am coming to my GCSE. I have many friends including boys. How can Mr Lam assume, from a hug and a kiss, that students are neglecting their studies, will fail their exams and eventually commit suicide? I have had more than one boyfriend and I have not neglected my studies or school work. He also assumes students are too young to understand the 'real' meaning of love! There is no law that says once you turn 18 you understand love and relationships. I know I have a lot of work coming up in the next year. Does he expect students to stay locked up in their rooms studying? Not going out and enjoying yourself once in a while is the most likely cause of suicide. It is not my generation that has hang-ups with open expressions of affection. We should not be stereotyped by those who do. SIAN JAMIESON Pokfulam