Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year! Everyone is celebrating and clinking their glasses together, but all you’re thinking about is how to kiss your cutie. We’ve all been there. The holidays are a time for celebration and love. All you want to do is share in the love without making people feel uncomfortable. So what’s acceptable PDA? And what’s down right gross? Well here’s the breakdown for kissing, cuddling, and all affection that’s appropriate this holiday season.
1. Holding Hands
WRONG
Holding hands is really cute and innocent, but when your fingers start twisting and twirling for the whole world to see, you’re making it really weird. This is especially the case if you are one of those couples that loves to show off the fact that you are holding hands. Just keep it to yourself. And no swinging of arms. You don’t look cute or sweet, you look ridiculous and childish.
RIGHT
A nice finger entwined hold is not only sweet but way more genuine. You are showing one another that you are happy they’re there without being too affectionate.
2. Getting Close
WRONG
As a couple, you always want to be close to each other. That being said, there is no excuse for couples laying in each other’s lap, laying on their chest, or any part of their body in public. It’s just too intimate for a public setting.
RIGHT
Who cares if you have been together for 2 years, a hand on the shoulder is a nice way to show that you want to be close to each other without being too close. Plus, it’s “PG” enough that people won’t feel uncomfortable talking to you.
3. Hugs
WRONG
Hugs are really cute, especially now that it’s getting cold outside. That doesn’t mean that couples should take a hug and make it into a long, sexual embrace. There is a place and time for foreplay, and it’s not outside in the park.
RIGHT
A hug from the front is a nice way to show that you care about each other and not make other people around you uncomfortable. People are even more accepting of nice hugs now that it is getting colder outside.
ACCEPTABLE
Hugs from the back can be acceptable in public, as long as it’s casual and brief. Know your boundaries!
4. Playing around
WRONG
Playing around as a couple is so much fun, but beware when playing around is approaching the point of “too playful.” If you are being picked up or losing in a friendly fist fight, odds are everyone is extremely uncomfortable.
RIGHT
Little jokes and fooling around is ok. It’s always adorable when couples tease each other in public. That’s the friendship part of the relationship.
5. Kisses on the Cheek
WRONG
Kisses on the cheek are sweet, but when the kiss lingers and trails down the the neck it’s time to get a room. You may mean it in a playful way, but it’s not fun for the people around you who have to listen to whatever sucking sounds are coming from this joke.
RIGHT
A quick peck is a cute affectionate gesture that will never be inappropriate PDA. When it is done sweetly and selectively it almost beats the best compliment you could ever get, because what’s better than a subtle way of saying “I love you”?
6. Hands
WRONG
If your hands are going up and down on each other you may hear police sirens in a few short minutes. It is never a good idea to touch each other in public. It may sound like a crazy thing to ask of people, but there are plenty of couples out there who don’t mind grabbing whatever, whenever. So to all you weirdos with no restraint whatsoever, “Keep your hands to yourself!”
RIGHT
I’m not saying that twirling isn’t weird, but at least the hands are away from the danger areas. No one will call the cops on you if you’re dancing, they’ll just think you’re high.
7. Kiss on the Mouth
WRONG
Kissing on the mouth in public is a tricky one. In most cases the best thing to do is just not kiss on the mouth. Even the smallest peck could make people uncomfortable. But, if you really want to kiss your cutie there are major guidelines.
RIGHT
No tongues. No face holding. No lingering. A nice peck on the mouth and a hug definitely does it for appropriate PDA. Use this one selectively, though. If you keep kissing your significant other, no matter how innocent, it will seem a little excessive.
So grab the mistletoe and raise a glass of champagne to ring in the New Year with your special someone! Being conscious of PDA this holiday season will not only get you brownie points with the public, but your friends too. Who other than your friends are willing to make gagging noises when you two are together? The best Christmas present you can give them is some good, old fashioned respect. So keep the tongues in and the hands above the waist. Santa isn’t the only one watching!