Feeling Uncomfortable

A.,
This is not normal behavior at this age. I do think it has something to do with your husband's absence. It may be that your son is trying to parent you and give you what he perceives is missing in your relationship with your husband. If something makes you uncomfortable, you need to say that. "In public" is irrelevant. Tell him it makes you uncomfortable all of the time and that he is to stop it. Also remind him that you love him as a SON. Dad is your boyfriend love and he is your son love and it is different. You can tell him that you hope he has a girlfriend when he is 18 with whom he can be so loving but that this behavior with you is inappropriate and must stop. Kids have fantastic imaginations, do not fuel his. I remember trying to kiss my dad on the lips and being told NO in no uncertain way. I still knew I was loved, it didn't feel like rejection. Just appropriate and inappropriate.
Hope this helps. The Oedipus complex is over by 6, by the way. 10 is an age to start pulling away from mom.
Good luck!
K.

A., It is a little old but if I were an outsider observing you and your son, I wouldn't think anything of it; in fact, I would only think that this 10 year old has a great mom and they obviously have a great relationship. The only think I would find odd is if he were kissing on the lips (however, doesn't sound like this is happening). Do you feel uncomfortable because you worry what others think of you two or do you just not like it. I really feel like this will pass as life gets back to normal for your family and he starts to feel more secure again. If it lasts more than another 6 weeks or so, maybe you can talk to a councelor about how to handle the situation. Maybe even his school councelor if $ is an issue. You definitely do not want to make him feel bad about this; it can have lasting negative effects.

He is your child, why would you care? I love the affection I receive from my boys because they will not be that way forever.

A.,
I agree with the other respondent in that if I saw you in public I would only smile at how wonderful it is to see. Today, too many children are emotionally removed from their family and to have a child that wants to love you is something to cherish. The details of your husband being out of the picture may or may not have anything to do with it. Just make sure your son knows you love him in your words and actions. And ditto for your husband doing the same to reinforce the family unit and bond with his son.

Have your husband spend more time with him and your other son. Bonding is important. Maybe, your husband is too strict or represents the disciplinary side of the parenting. Anyhow, ask him to keep an eye on the younger son while out, instead of focusing on you so much. Maybe, you and your husband might not be too affectionate toward one another while in his presence. Finally, be firm with him about cutting it out. It is probably just a habit that he has gotten comfortable with. I am just a mom, so take this advice as such.