Public Displays of Affection or PDA, is a love language where couples show their love in public. PDA is all around and the majority of the school has seen couples perform different forms of affectionate actions. But how much is too much in school?
In a survey, sent out to students emails on PDA, 80% of students have seen a couple performing public displays of affection.
The most common form of PDA in our school is almost everyone walks with someone in the halls. Whether they are friends or in a relationship, walking with someone to class or around the school shows a minimal bond between individuals. Not an incredibly noticeable thing in school, the only thing people will assume is the obvious connection.
“I don’t mind it because it’s not my relationship and I can just look away if I’m bothered,” senior Zoey Walters said.
Another thing couples do when walking in the hallways is holding hands, showing a closer bond between those participating. It isn’t an impactful action, most students don’t even notice.
“The only times I’ve seen ‘PDA’ is when students are secretly meeting up and simply holding hands while walking to class,” freshman Araetha Campbell said, “I don’t have a problem as long as it’s not distracting nor in class.”
Friends who show affection to others by hugging and walking together are fine because they are just friends, and all love is platonic. Hugging can be backed up with many meanings, but when people hug it’s a comforting moment for those involved. When an individual sees people hugging, most don’t feel bothered because they are being appropriate.
Hugging in the halls, however, can stop people’s rhythm of getting to class by being in the way. This is getting to be too much in schools based on how close people can act.
“Go ahead but don’t slow down the hallways,” senior Liam Theodorakos said.
The bottom of the iceberg is kissing, this too much for school. One shouldn’t see a school couple’s lips lock in the hallways during the passing period. 51% of students believe that this is where one should stop when showing PDA to their significant other. It is inappropriate for schools, and MCPS Levels of Disciplinary Action describes that school property and land around is not a place for PDA to be displayed.
“Let’s stop PDA so that students can focus on their studies and not get traumatized by watching others kissing,” junior Elisa Deparis said.
While Public Display of Affection is a way couples express love and affection towards each other, couples should just be aware of the time and place, PDA can just be too much to display.
