Not sure about the "bad for ________" bit, but definitely agree on the point at which "get a room" applies. There is a certain decorum one should wear while out in public. It's not denial - it's an abatement of flaunting.

There's an adage about one's right to swing arms ends where another's right not to get whacked begins. I'd say the leash thing crosses that line. There's an implicit compromise in a civilized society regarding what's ok to do in public. Doesn't mean the public doesn't approve of you, it means the public doesn't want to watch.