What Are Inappropriate Displays of Affection?

Displaying affection in public may not seem like a big deal when you're in the heat of the moment. That said, acting overly affectionate with your boy or girlfriend out in the open can offend others or get you into trouble. The definition of an inappropriate display of affection may vary depending on who is using it. For example, the Hawaii Preparatory Academy doesn't consider mild affection such as holding hands or walking arm-in-arm to be inappropriate. The school does consider more intimate actions, such as mouth-to-mouth kissing, as inappropriate.

Not only are public displays of affection -- or PDAs -- inappropriate at school, but these intimate acts may also break the rules. Many public and private high schools have policies prohibiting displays of affection while on campus. For example, the Arts and Technology High School in Wilsonville Oregon states that it won't tolerate PDAs. The degree to which you can act affectionately at school is up to the school's administration or governing board. Some schools may not tolerate any type of PDA, while another may allow hand-holding or hugs. Post-secondary schools -- such as colleges or career training schools -- typically allow more in the way of PDAs. That said, going overboard and making out on your college campus quad is still inappropriate, even if it's not against the rules.

Unless you're standing at the alter saying "I do," PDAs at church -- or another religious institution -- are typically a no-no. While some religious organizations may allow teens and young adults to hold hands, some are strict and expect all members to keep distance between themselves. For example, the First Baptist Church in Thomas, Georgia, provides rules on PDAs for youth student ministry participants. These include no sitting on another person's lap, no leg or back rubs and no sexual touching.

While some places -- such as school or church -- have set rules that govern PDAs, other public places don't. If you're walking down a public street, you may wonder how inappropriate a display of affection is. Just because you don't find set rules about PDAs on a street, in a parking lot, or at the park, doesn't mean that the community views acts like open-mouth kissing, groping or other sexual touching as acceptable or appropriate. If you're not sure what is -- and what isn't -- appropriate in public, stick to the same rules that you would follow at school or church.