PDA – How much is too much? The timing and location determine the appropriateness of how much is too much
Indian society has laid down fairly strict rules for expressing romantic feelings in public. When these unseen boundaries are crossed, it draws varying degrees of protest. Dr. D. Narayana Reddy discusses some angles of this situation.
Physical affection has been defined as any touch intended to arouse feelings of love in the giver and/or the recipient. Studies have found physical affection to be associated with positive outcomes in romantic relationships.
According to the authors of Romantic Physical affection types and relationship satisfaction, physical affection can be displayed in various forms. It has been categorized into seven different types: Holding hands, Cuddling, Back rubs, Caressing, Kissing on the face, Hugging and Kissing on the lips.
Public Display of Affection (PDA) can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the context and the perspective of the observer.
Even in many Western countries, where PDA is taken for granted, it is not socially acceptable to be overly explicit in public, such as engaging in sexual activities. Kissing is more commonly seen in adult night life.
Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code states that "Whoever, to the annoyance of others, does any obscene act in any public place shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.”. The problem with this is: who defines terms such as ‘culturally appropriate’ and ‘obscene’? And when it comes to (PDA); how much is too much?
Surely the occasional hand-holding or a wife resting her head on her husband’s shoulder is not looked down upon. But people need to understand that certain etiquette have been prescribed by society for the well-being of all. Of course, it is necessary to share and show love to those close to us. However, the timing and location are central in determining the appropriateness of our decisions.
Let us try to understand why people resort to PDA in the first place.
The over-population in the cities of India, coupled with the joint family system, can result in cramped living situations for families. It is possible that newly-weds and young married couples prefer the semi-privacy of a beach or empty park to a house that is constantly buzzing with family members of different generations.
Another reason for public displays of affection in India may be the burning need to adopt all things foreign. When the youth of the country are exposed to media depictions of couples expressing themselves romantically in public places, such attempts are blindly made here, not realizing the consequences.
Couples can learn to express their love for one another in creative and pleasant ways while respecting fellow society members in public. Parents and other influences in society, such as teachers, must provide appropriate sex education to the youth and clarify their doubts on the subject, including those relating to the extent to which PDA is acceptable.
In addition, extended family can provide privacy in some form or other to couples living under the same roof with them.
And finally, when it comes to condemning PDA, the fundamentalists and fringe groups have no business to resort to violence.
LOVE: Find it; Share it; Enjoy it Within limits.