PDAS... WHAT ARE THEY?

Reactions to ... Public Displays of Affection (2019), define public displays of affection (PDA) as "using physical affection, such as kissing or hugging, [as] methods employed in a public space to confirm and maintain relationships." In other words, PDA can be considered any physical contact performed in a public space meant to arouse feelings of love in either the giver and/or the recipient.

Examples of PDA include:

• massaging

• caressing

• cuddling

• hand holding

• hugging

• kissing (on the lips) 

• kissing (not on the lips)

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Romantic couples often engage in PDAs as a means to confirm and maintain relationships (although PDAs aren't exclusive to those romantically involved). Public displays of affection can be considered informal rights, as they are at times not legally regulated but that is not always the case depending on the country.

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Although the list mentioned above are all ways to display affection, not all of them are considered acceptable in a public space given where you are in the world. For instance, kisses are common in the US. But within the country, what's considered "acceptable" varies. Some people will accept heterosexual couples holding hands but discourage sexual contact in public. Others will express disdain towards all publicized intimate affection entirely. 

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An example of PDA would be in the season 5 premiere episode of The Office (US) (attached below). SPOILER ALERT - After Pam accepts Jim's marriage proposal, they share a kiss in the rain outside of a public gas station. 

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