A public display of affection (sometimes abbreviated PDA) is the physical demonstration of affection for another person while in the view of others. Holding hands or kissing in public are commonly considered to be unobjectionable forms of public displays of affection; however, what is considered objectionable depends on the context. For example, in places such as bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs more extreme forms of public displays of affection are rarely considered to be objectionable. In these places, acts such as grinding and french kissing are common.[citation needed] It is traditional at the conclusion of a Western wedding for the couple to kiss.
While generally considered to be an American term, every culture has written and/or unwritten rules governing the display of affection in public. Individual and societal views on the public display of affection vary significantly. Such displays may sometimes be considered to be in bad taste, while in some jurisdictions such displays may even be criminal. Depending on the social values and context, extreme forms of public displays of intimacy may be considered indecent exposure.
If the partners enjoy being seen affectionate towards each other in public, it may be considered a mild form of exhibitionism. Alternatively, the partners may be indifferent that others see them, and therefore are not inhibited by it. Finally, the partners may prefer more privacy, but may simply tolerate being seen by others. Some may find it pleasant to view others public displays of affection, which may be considered a form of voyeurism.
In many societies, public displays of affection may be tolerated even less among minority couples. For example, gay couples could be at risk of encountering aggression from disapproving onlookers. While such public displays of affection could trigger hate violence, some gay rights advocates have used public displays of affection as a means of defiance, treating them as political acts. For example, at McGill University, the Queer McGill organization stages "kiss-ins" in which gay couples kiss in public areas on the university's campus. In many places around the world, couples of differing race, religion, or tribe may be subject to similar intolerance. Wikipedia said all this stuff!
ENOUGH OF THIS RIFF RAFF!! Now on to how I really feel about it....
To display publicly your affection for someone can happen on many levels. What I feel is indecent will be completely different than what Jamal of Slumdog Millionaire will feel as indecent. I personally am one who enjoys the random kisses, long hugs, and hand holds. In fact, seeing it makes me get all "a flutter" shall we say. Physical affection for years has been determined a way to express love for each other without saying anything. But with all that said, I must agree with my associate, Lady Mullins of Rexburgia, affection that is vulgar, skin on skin, hands touching all ghastly places, and sounds that make mourning doves blush is absolutely, positively, undeniably, inappropriate. To confirm and reiterate the early blog..."Take it inside, you twits."
