CEBU, Philippines – Falling in love is wonderful, and when it happens, we want the world to know. However, being too affectionate in public isn't exactly the best way to do this, and it shows a lack of general etiquette skills. When you and your main squeeze make out in front of people, they are likely to feel extremely uncomfortable.
Public display of affection, also known as PDA, may elicit a wide range of reactions. Some of the factors for tolerance include age, social norms, and local customs. If you're not sure whether or not an action is okay in any social setting, you should probably hold off until you are in a more private situation. Wouldn't it be nicer to have people rooting for you rather than running from you?
How much is too much?
Most people will agree that holding hands and occasional tender touches or glances are better ways to show your affection than groping. One rule of thumb can be that if the action isn't something you'd want your mother to see, it's probably too much to do in public.
Basic rules for public displays of affection:
. Kisses - There are certain times it's okay to kiss the person you love, such as when you are greeting someone or saying goodbye. However, you shouldn't have a long, drawn out kiss in front of an
audience unless you are acting on a stage. Even then it's questionable and should come with a rating.
. Touching - It's almost always okay to hold hands with someone, unless it's awkward, dangerous, or impedes traffic. An arm draped around someone is okay when you are sitting or casually strolling through the park. It is never okay to touch anyone else in the private part in public.
. Groping - Groping is never acceptable in public.
. Tastes and Nibbles - A face is not a lollipop, and you are not a vampire, so don't lick or bite the person you love in front of other people.
. Electronic Affection - You should never text, post, or communicate anything personal in a broadcast message or in a social network setting. Not only will your doing this make others uncomfortable, you may embarrass the person you love.
A more subtle touch or expression of affection can be much more romantic than an embarrassing PDA. A brief kiss on the cheek, a hand placed gently at the back, and an exchanged glance can get the heart pounding and let those around you know that you are a couple, without embarrassing them.
Where is it appropriate?
Remember that setting is an essential element to consider when you want to show your affection for someone. Most teenagers and young adults know not to make out in front of their grandparents. However, they may smooch at the mall in front of other people's grandparents, and that's just as bad. You also don't want to exhibit R-rated behavior in front of impressionable children.
Please be considerate of others who have just as much of a right to be in a public location as you. A heavy make-out session in a crowded place shows a lack of respect. If you start to feel the urge to do something you're not sure about, stop and put a little space between you and the other person.
Reputation
You may not realize this, but too many PDAs in certain places, like school, can damage your reputation. People around you may think that if you do a lot of heavy petting in the hallways of academia, you're doing quite a bit more in private. This may not bother some people, but in the future, you may look back and wish you'd held back a bit.
Embarrassed by too much PDA?
If you find yourself in the embarrassing position of having PDA right in front of you, there are several ways to handle it. The response you get will depend partly on how you approach the situation.
Here are some things you can do:
. You may want to leave the area to avoid having to watch the PDA.
. If leaving isn't an option, or you really want to be there, you may politely ask the couple to hold off until later. You can even make a comment, such as, "Ah, young love. I remember that. It's hard for me to watch now because it reminds me of how old I am." Even if you're not old, you'll send the message that the action is making you uncomfortable.
. Another thing you can do is let the couple know that their behavior is unacceptable in public. Since this is more direct, you may get a response that is equally confrontational.