Public Displays Of Affection (PDA's)

It's obvious that a woman who wants to get her hands on you in private might want to get a little familiar in public too. The majority of women aren't going to demand a full-on make-out session on the street, but most will want at least the three pillars of public displays of affection: 1) hand-holding, 2) a kiss goodbye and 3) affectionate invasions of space. Of course, there will be others looking for more than just the basics, wanting you to jump through hoops to show the world exactly who you're with. We're talking about embarrassing nicknames being brought into public, expectations of constant physical contact, and the dreaded “I love you” requirement, regardless of the company.

To help you figure out exactly what acceptable public displays of affection exist, we've broken down some of the most common PDA attacks and their proper place in your relationship. Keep in mind that both you and your woman are bound by the limits of public propriety and should stick to the “acceptable” list to avoid making those around you uncomfortable, jealous or just plain grossed out.

Hand-holding
PDA meter: Acceptable

Grabbing your girl's hand in public, whether to lead her in the right direction or just to feel close to her, is fine in just about any setting. It isn't intimate enough to make the people around you squeamish, but it is intimate enough to let your girlfriend see it as a sign of affection and a declaration of your status as a couple. Proceed at will.

Kissing
PDA meter: Acceptable, within limits

As a greeting, kissing is most definitely on the “acceptable” list and is fairly standard in most relationships. Obviously, this extends to personal social situations, and can be bypassed in professional arenas. For example, it's likely that your girlfriend will expect a kiss hello when you meet at your favorite restaurant for dinner, but if she stops by the office to drop off a file you forgot at home, it's well within your rights to skip it. To keep kisses acceptable, keep them brief and abstain from continued tongue action throughout the course of an outing.

Declarations of love
PDA meter: Unacceptable

Saying those three magical words is a milestone in every relationship, and it's expected that your declaration is private and should be kept between you and your girl. Breaking out a public “I love you” is unacceptable in just about every situation, save for joyous, celebratory events, hospital settings and other highly emotional moments. Under no circumstances should your buddies ever witness you uttering those words to your girl, just as you should be the only one within earshot of your girl when she lets loose on the L word (www.askmen.com).