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Printer-Friendly ModeKnowing the limits of PDA
November 22, 2010 —
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.” While this may or may not be true, how brave is too brave when it comes to showing PDA, or public displays of affection?
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for being in love. When you’re in love, you just want to proclaim your happiness to the world. It’s a truly amazing feeling, and PDA can be cute, adorable even. But we’ve all seen that couple that just cannot keep their hands off of each other, or at least above the waist.
I especially witness a ton of PDA here on our campus. Most of the time I’m able to ignore it, but there are certain acts that really frustrate me. For example, if there is an area designated for studying, then it should only be designated for studying. Please, girls, do not sit on your boyfriends’ laps right next to me and continually kiss. The sounds of lips smacking together while I’m trying to study is very distracting.
There should always be certain standards to follow when displaying your affection for another. PDA guidelines should be thought of in terms of parental guideline ratings. No PDA should ever proceed into the R- or X-rated range.
I have no problem with handholding. I think it’s adorable, and it doesn’t hurt anybody. The only thing hand-holding couples need to worry about is blocking the hallways or corridors, especially here at SVSU. If someone cannot get through because you’re taking up all of the walking space, please move.
Hugs are always welcome, as long as all hands stay above the waist. If I’m walking by, and I see any rear end grabbing, I’m going to be repulsed, and, yes, I will think you’re disgusting and have no sense of public morality.
Kissing is also all right as long as it stays within PG-13 boundaries. The occasional peck or smooch is acceptable. Making out, however, is very unacceptable. Nobody wants to hear you swapping spit with your significant other, so please confine this to the bedroom.
Necking is absolutely never acceptable. This is just too vulgar an act to commit in public, so please don’t do it.
Some common places where PDA is often witnessed are malls, grocery stores, restaurants and, especially, movie theaters. We all know the back row is designated for you overly affectionate couples, but believe me, we can still hear you, especially during the quiet scenes. Please keep the PDA to a minimum.
I am not trying to attack or offend anyone who is in a relationship. Just please remember that while some displays of affection can be considered romantic, others can be considered disgusting, obscene and downright dirty.