Public Display of Affection. People hear that and get grossed out, but it is normal to show. That said, there is a time and place where it should be unacceptable, like a public high school.  

High school students have turned the time that you should be worrying about getting good grades, preparing for college, and creating a path set for a career into worrying about who is dating who and the kind of relationships others are in. 

PDA often provokes strong reactions, ranging from mild discomfort to outright disrespectful. The hate for PDA can be attributed to several factors, including cultural norms, personal boundaries, and social etiquette. In many cultures, physical affection is considered a private matter, best kept away from the public eye. This sentiment is rooted in the belief that such displays can be intrusive and inconsiderate to others who may not wish to witness intimate moments.  

Personal boundaries also play a significant role in the dislike of PDA. Individuals have varying levels of comfort when it comes to physical contact, and witnessing others engage in affectionate behavior can be unsettling for those who prefer to keep such interactions private. This discomfort is often amplified in public settings, where the expectation of personal space and respect for others’ boundaries is most important. The sight of couples engaging in PDA can be seen as a violation of this unspoken social contract, leading to feelings of irritation or embarrassment. 

Furthermore, social etiquette dictates that certain behaviors are more appropriate in private settings. Public spaces are shared environments where people from diverse backgrounds and with different sensitivities connect. Engaging in PDA can be seen as a lack of consideration for the community’s collective comfort. This disregard for social norms can foster negative perceptions and contribute to the overall disrespect for public displays of affection.  

With all of this said, I believe there should be a normal level of PDA like a quick peck on the lips, simply holding hands, or even a gentle hand on the thigh that is appropriate. At the end of the day, I live by the words “Would you do it in front of your mother” and that is how I know if it is okay to do in public or not.