Are You Anti-PDA?
PDA: Public Display of Affection—holding hands, kissing, hugging, and making-out.
Not everyone likes to participate in PDA. There are some people who get really uncomfortable witnessing it, and others consider it inappropriate behavior. Usually those who are anti-PDA are the people who are not getting enough sexual attention, have had a recent break-up, or have been single for way too long (not that being single is a bad thing!). An anti-PDA will find any reason to complain about affection. Just the sight of holding hands will cause eyes to roll. PDA has many levels—and yes, some people take it too far—not caring where, when, or how long they display their affection to the world.
For some couples, even the most public of places feel like their personal bedroom. These types of couples obviously have no boundary issues. Their form of PDA is more like PDS (Public Display of Sex). They don’t just stop at holding hands and kissing, they will also heavily grope or possibly dry hump (aka sex with clothes). Viewing something like this can definitely be uncomfortable, especially if you’re on a first date and you’re sitting in direct view of this PDS.
If you ever hear these wonderful words, “Wow, why don’t they just get a room already,” it usually means the PDA—or most likely PDS—is making others around you awkward, embarrassed, or alarmed.
When you’re able to show affection (not the ripping-off-clothes kind) in public, it’s a nice feeling. Not only does it state that you are “with” that person, it’s also a way of showing you care for each other. Holding hands with someone you care about exhibits love and security.
As long as PDA is not questionable PDS, the majority of people don’t care enough to say something or be bothered by the affection they are witnessing. Next time you’re out on the town with someone you’re dating, grab their hand when you’re walking or siting at a table. Pull them close and give them a hug. If the chemistry is there, lean over and give them a kiss on the hands, cheek, lips or forehead. Expressing fondness should never be hidden…as long as it’s not overboard.
