HE SAID SHE SAID

He Said: “I would say that holding hands and a good hug are super-duper and maybe a goodnight kiss -- but if you’re just mackin’ in the street, that’s not OK. ‘What would Jesus do?’” Ben Krall, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, said.

She Said: “I think making out and groping in public is a little too much. Holding hands and a casual kiss is cute and doesn’t make people uncomfortable,” Rikki Jensen, a sophomore majoring in university studies, said.

We have all seen or sat next to that couple who gropes each other at a party, gets all touchy on the sidewalk or makes out in the backseat while you are driving. Public displays of affection (PDAs) have been a “touchy” subject for centuries and in some countries, people can still be arrested for public loving today.

Webster’s online dictionary defines public display of affection as “physically demonstrating affection for another person while in the view of others.” A fine line exists between PD-Yay and PD-No way.

PDA No. 1: Save the pet names for your dog. PD-No way. Babe, Honey and Sweetie count as acceptable, but save the personal pet names for behind closed doors. Why? “Snuggleupagous” just sounds like a sneeze and “Smootchie Pooh-bear” causes others to feel nauseous.

PDA No. 2: I want to hold your hand
PD-Yay! Interlaced fingers, mitten-style and pinkies only -- they’re all OK for public.

PDA No. 3: Open up! Here comes the plane!PD-No way. As romantic as feeding each other an entire meal may appear in movies, in real life it is awkward, especially if you are at a restaurant. Chances are as you put a spoonful of pudding into your date’s mouth; a mother is doing the same thing for her three-year-old child a few tables down.

PDA No. 4: Can I get a witness? PD-No-way. Forcing a third wheel to observe your newest version of tonsil hockey is just downright rude.

PDA No. 5: XOXOXOPD-Yay, to an extent. Hugs generally do not offend those around you, as long as hands remain far away from X-rated areas. As for kisses, pecks on the mouth or cheek are totally fine. You will know that you have reached PD-No way status when the people around you begin yelling, “Get a room!”

Look around. Know where you are and who is near you. Also, abide by this general rule: Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want to see your grandparents doing.