Samhain Publishing Ltd Weblog

Public Displays of Affection

Have you ever visited the mall and seen a couple holding hands or kissing? That, my friend, is a public display of affection. PDAs (public displays of affection) are a more recent thing, something that has occurred with the relaxing of social rules and less stringent attention to etiquette. It’s quite common to see people getting frisky and many couples like to have sex in public places because it’s naughty and risqué and a bit of a turn-on.

But how much is too much? Does watching a PDA make you uncomfortable or a little turned on?

I’ve been thinking about PDAs. I mean I’ve been known to do the odd PDA myself—not that I’m telling.

PDAs come in degrees.

• Hand holding
• Touching
• Kiss on the cheek
• Hugging
• Walking arm-in-arm
• Sharing a smile
• Pet names
• Groping
• French Kissing
• Naked with limbs going in all directions

I can live with the hand holding—nothing is cuter than seeing an elderly couple holding hands as they go for a walk. A hand on an arm or shoulder—that’s not too bad. We probably all do this with our friends of both sexes. A kiss on the cheek or a brief peck of greeting—I think that’s very acceptable too, as is a hug. I mean if men hug on the sports field I think we can put up with the odd hug in a public place. Walking arm-in-arm isn’t too alarming either and we’ve all shared private smiles with our loved ones. The pet names—I’m not so hot on this one, but it all depends on what the names are and how often the couple repeat them. One Snookums or Sugar Bear goes a long way! Groping—for me this is a clear no. French kissing, partial nakedness with limbs going in all directions, and full nudity are perhaps better kept for those private times.

I think the best rule of thumb is if your PDA makes your friends uncomfortable or gets in the way of other people then you need to dial it down.

Here’s a great video that, I think, sums everything up nicely.

Dating Humor:
How To Make Public Displays Of Affection

How do you feel about public displays of affection?

Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand and writes contemporary and paranormal tales. Her most recent Samhain release is TEA FOR TWO where there are no PDAs because the characters are dodging the tabloid press. Her upcoming release THE BOTTOM LINE (due out in April 2010) doesn’t have any either. Maybe it will be third book lucky? You can visit Shelley at www.shelleymunro.com