PDA stands for “public displays of affection”. It is an open act of intimacy between people in a public place that others can see. Acts include kissing, hugging, hand-holding, etc. While it isn’t uncommon to see people participating in PDA, it is seen as inappropriate and distracting in a school setting. Schools, especially high schools, are hot spots for PDA. Students and teachers who deal with seeing it have formed strong opinions. 

Freshman Lillian Houchen has often seen acts of affection and wishes to see less intimacy. 

“I think some things are okay, but when you’re all over each other and doing too much it’s gross,” said Houchen. 

As more people break up and others start dating, many agree that there should be more rules about what is acceptable and what is not. 

“I think that it should not be allowed. Some things should be okay but other things need to be strictly gone,” said Houchen. 

For people who don’t want to see PDA, avoid observing too much in the hallways, especially during passing periods. 

Sophomore Jeffrey Metzler said some PDA is acceptable, but a lot is over the line. 

“I think it shouldn’t be done at school, maybe a little bit of touching is okay, but fully kissing, no,” said Metzler. 

Metzler has stepped in when PDA has gone too far at school. 

“It was during lunch; I went up to them and told them to stop. I said it was weird and inappropriate … they were making out and they gave me a dirty look,” said Metzler. 

Sophomore Mabel Wall has been made uncomfortable by seeing others be so open about their relationships. 

“[I feel] annoyed or disgusted because it’s just weird. I feel weirded out and like I am in the middle of something. I feel awkward too,” said Wall. 

Besides hallways and passing periods, lunch is another place where couples come together and show open intimacy. 

“I see couples cuddled up eating lunch, but I think cuddling up while you eat is unnecessary,” said Wall.