Hold out on your PDA: Five ways to keep it tasteful

We've all been through it – stuck at a party or in a restaurant with a couple that's getting too hot to handle. But we have news for you. Roving hands and lips aren't public displays of affection.

PDA can be cute, loving and most importantly, needs to stay within boundaries so your aunt doesn't faint when she witnesses it. We tell you what's acceptable and what makes people cringe:

1.Hugging

Let's start with baby steps. Hugging is always acceptable. A hug is a sweet way to show your loved one how much they mean to you. The best and most acceptable types of hugs last around a few seconds. This type of hug is fine in all situations. However, if the hug includes wandering hands and moaning noises, the PDA is getting out of hand and must stop. At once.



(Ashton & Mila get the casual love hug right)
2.Holding hands

From young couples to old, holding hands is one of the few things that don't make us Indians blink twice. However, give it a breather at times. Your hand-holding shouldn't become so all-consuming that you have to block pavements for pedestrians. Be ready to break away if you are coming in someone's way. If the handholding becomes a full-on hand/arm massage, that's taking PDA too far.



(Emma & Andrew say it with a crinkly-eyed smile)

3.Kissing

If done correctly, a quick peck on the lips won't have your friends rolling their eyes in disgust. A peck on the cheek or even on the lips, is acceptable as long as it is quick, no tongues are exchanged and your hands are kept to yourselves. But when it comes to kissing, remember it's a no-no in restaurants. Heavy PDA is an appetite-killer.

4.Baby talk

Words like "babe", "honey" or "sweetheart" are fine when used occasionally. The key to keeping PDA low key is to use only one of these words per sentence. Example : "Babe, how do you like the dessert? " Completely acceptable. Not: "Baby, is the dessert okiedokie for my honey poo?"




(Abhishek & Aishwarya stick to eye language.)

5.People watch

When it comes to PDA in India, you have to know your audience. Senior folks are usually a little apprehensive about PDA, so hold the kisses at family parties. Also, anything apart from hand-holding isn't kosher in front of children or coworkers.




(No heavy breathing, just sweet affection for Dhoni & Sakshi)