Everyone’s got a different idea of what’s OK and what isn’t when it comes to PDA. Different cultures have different ideas about what flies in public, and the US sometimes has a reputation for being less open and liberal than other countries. It’s all a matter of where most people draw the line. Usually we break it down into lists of stuff that we don’t mind seeing vs. stuff that grosses us out. Here are some examples of how you might categorize them:

I don’t mind…

• Quick kisses or pecks
• Hugging
• Holding hands
• Putting arm around someone
• Sitting on someone’s lap

Grosses me out…

• French kissing or “tongue kissing”
• Making out
• Feeling each other up
• “Petting” (lots of touching)

So why does some stuff gross us out and other stuff doesn’t? Sometimes it’s a matter of decency – many people just don’t think it’s right to air private feelings in public. Other times we don’t want to see other people’s tongues, saliva, etc., anywhere near us! And finally there’s the situation where we feel kind of left out. We might feel a LITTLE jealous if we’re seeing totally in love couples acting like it, while we’re, well, not (especially if the PDA sighting is right after a bad break up).

Make it stop!!!!
Do you feel like you can’t turn the corner at your school without seeing a couple groping and making out? If your school is overrun by attached-at-the-mouth couples, it might be time to take action. You don’t necessarily have to go around with a hose spraying these couples down, either. Asking the couple to “get a room” or “take it outside” might give them a hint, but it might just make them angry with you. Instead, try to make a joke out of it. Ask the couple to come up for air so you can get to your locker, or joke that they’re distracting everyone. If nothing works, you’ll have to step it up a notch. It might sound a little third-grade, but if you want the make-out sessions next to your locker to stop, you might have to get a teacher or school administrator involved. Ask to remain anonymous – that way you’ll be able to get to your locker again AND avoid any awkward confrontations.

Are you the culprit??
If you’re one of those people making out during school-wide assemblies, or locking lips in the hallways during lunch period, you’re probably grossing some people out. Yes, believe it or not, no matter how cool, popular, or attractive you are, no one wants to see you sticking your tongue down your significant other’s (SO’s) throat! Out of consideration for those around you, consider toning down your romantic tendencies while you’re in public. Your SO might be surprised that you no longer want to swap spit during lunch, but trust us, it’s definitely the right move. And the good news is, this way you’ll actually get to know your SO better since you’ll be talking instead of kissing!