I just read a post titled PDA in the USA by Jess Downey (she’s brilliant and so is her blog ‘Not What I Ordered’) and it totally inspired me to put my own thoughts down on the subject.
Personally I’m not a fan of extreme PDA. I can totally digest and handle the rudimentary basics such as hand holding; arms around the waist; a slightly longer than the average peck style kiss when meeting or leaving your partner; and general body contact.
I can’t for the life of me tolerate tonsil-sucking making out sessions combined with groping of all body parts – which should really be kept for the bedroom, bathroom, living room and even your kitchen – it’s NOT meant for the public eye !
I’ve always lived in multicultural countries where PDA is generally accepted as long as it’s not lewd or obscene. The UK and Canada are fairly tolerant and accepting countries when it comes to PDA. During my years in Dubai, UAE – I always ‘knew’ that excessive PDA was not permitted (after all it is an Arab country) and it was only recently after hearing of cases where people were fined / jailed for OTT PDA did I realize it’s actually slightly frowned upon.
Since living in India the past 3 odd years, I found it ridiculous that the Supreme Court deems PDA to be practically ‘illegal’ ! Seriously WTF ! The moral police are able to slap a fine or conviction on citizens if they are caught being overly affectionate. The government made a mountain out of a mole hill when Richard Gere pecked Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty a few years ago. I find it a bit of a sham that people are able to urinate, defecate and vandalize the city without any punishment but if a couple were to hold hands or be caught kissing, it could result in jail time !
PDA and tolerance of it varies from couple to couple; relationship to relationship; and society – so there’s no real way of saying No to PDA unless it makes you want to scream ‘ewwwww get a room folks’ ! If you’re gonna react that way to something then make sure you aren’t doing that out in the open !
What are your thoughts on PDA ? When does your PDA meter hit unacceptable ? Do you indulge in PDA or are you more of a private person ? Ever been told off or stared at for excessive PDA ?
Further Reading :
- The 3 Rules of PDA Etiquette by Tres Sugar
- PDA: What is Acceptable and Unacceptable for Spring/Summer 2011 by Hamsterdam.com
- Infographic from Chemistry.com: PDA in the USA by Jess Downey
- Puckerin’ Up in Public: When PDA Isn’t Okay by Shayla Batliwala
- Public Affection : How Much is Too Much ? by Jocyln Voo for CNN Living
- 5 Forms Of PDA That Won't Piss Anyone Off by Soo L for Manhelper.com
- Acceptable Public Displays Of Affection by Askmen.com
- How Comfortable Is Your City with PDA by SingleCityGuy
Amar Jajoo · 736 weeks ago
dazediva 75p · 736 weeks ago
Its really great that you hold on to your GF's hand - noticed that some guys are a bit blah like that out here; AND that you think of how society points at the girl hence stay within a limit. Hats off to ya on showing respect to the GF mate :)
Ve · 736 weeks ago
Then again, if the hormones are raging to the point that you just cant control yourself, fuck it all and do whatever feels right.. you can always look back and either regret it when the cops take you in, or reminisce years later about the crazy things you did back in the day when you were footloose and fancy free!! After all, who are we to point fingers eh?? haven't we all recklessly indulged our basic instincts at one point? Those who live in glass houses.... or lived in at one point... ;-)
dazediva 75p · 736 weeks ago
I'm all about looking back and reminiscing on the crazy things I've done .. so if a PDA incident is gonna score me story points with the kids/grandkids - why not LOL although possibly not the best example to set for them with that kinda behaviour hehe
Nivedita · 736 weeks ago
Anyway it is a Good post :)
dazediva 75p · 736 weeks ago
Manoj · 736 weeks ago
I think the term PDA is a misnomer if used in indian context, Indians are extremely shy, and hence if they are groping or smooching in public, it's only because they cannot afford expensive hotel rooms.
Most of the people I see on water front doing
PDA in Mumbai city belong to the lower income group.
dazediva 75p · 736 weeks ago
Sunil A. · 715 weeks ago