PDAs? No Thank You, We’re British!
Brits are keeping to their tradition of having the stiff upper lip this Valentine’s Day by refusing to indulge in PDAs (Public Displays of Affection) with their partner.
We’re famed for our reserved nature and even though it is the most romantic day of the year, we still won’t be showing more affection to our partners.
In fact, MSN found that 65 per cent of people won’t be showing any public displays of affection this Valentine’s Day.
You may have thought it was women that were more geared towards PDAs but apparently not!
Men are surprisingly more inclined to indulge in PDAs. Only 22 per cent of men said they felt embarrassed when their partner displayed affection to them in public.
On the other hand, 36 per cent of women said they would feel embarrassed, meaning they’re less open to the idea.
Although sex-pert Tracey Cox would like to think that men are in fact the more loving sex, she feels that it may just be a way of them marking their territory.
She said, “I’d like to think if people aren’t more affectionate on Valentine’s Day, it’s because they maintain a high level of affection all year round. But I suspect MSN’s findings are more a reflection of our cynicism about the commercialism of Valentine’s Day than anything else!
“Public displays of affection (or PDA) are not just fuelled by a natural desire to touch your partner. Some touches are for reassurance; others are to warn off potential rivals. Zoologists call these ‘mate guarding’ or ‘mate retention’ tactics.
“When one partner is über-affectionate and ‘all over them’ it’s usually because they feel insecure and want there to be no confusion that their partner is taken.”
So what are the most acceptable forms of PDA? Well, hand holding is considered romantic as it a kiss on the cheek but if you’re thinking of heavy petting then think again!
An astonishing 94 per cent of Brits believe that heavy petting in public is a big no-no and shouldn’t even be considered.
A further 90 per cent objecting to kissing with tongues and 89 per cent objected to bottom slapping/grabbing.
Tracey said, “Get a room’-style PDAs are too lusty and simply make people feel embarrassed. Sex is something most people do in private and most people are happy for it to remain so. Seeing heavy petting in public is a glimpse into someone’s intimate private lives that we often don’t particularly want to see.
“Bottom slapping and grabbing – usually done from male to female – reeks of sexism: it reminds us of the old scenario with the boss and the secretary. Done in jest it’s OK, but not too many women are happy with this one.”
PDA in order of acceptability
1. Holding hands
2. Kissing on the cheek
3. Arms linked
4. Arms around waist
5. Arm around shoulder
6. Kissing on the lips
7. Cuddling
8. Bottom slapping
9. Kissing with tongues
10. Heavy petting
Locations for PDA in order of acceptability
1. At a nightclub
2. On holiday
3. At a party
4. In a pub
5. On the street and at the beach
6. At a bus or train station
7. On public transport
8. At the public pool
9. At the gym
10. At work
What are your feelings about PDAs? Let us know by commenting below or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK