SCHOOL NEWS REPORT | Public Displays of Affection

Public Displays of Affection

05 April 2025 / By Flay Ming-Akori​

PDA: What is it?​

Contrary to popular belief, PDA isn’t just public displays of affection between two lovers. In fact, it can be between family members or even friends. You may ask, “How? Was I doing it without knowing?” Of course you have, allow me to explain.

You’ve Got the Wrong Idea​

PDA isn’t all about kissing. It can also be many other things! Here are some examples. If you see someone doing these, be sure to call them out.

Lovers

• Holding Hands
• Cuddling
• Kissing
• Pet Names
• Headpats

Family

• Holding Hands
• Cuddling/Leaning on
• “Cute” Names
• Headpats

Friends

• Holding hands
• Cuddling/Leaning on
• “Cute” Names
• Headpats

PDA means “Public Displays of Affection.” Public, also called: not private. Meaning it can be out in the open, like in school. In front of an audience. Displays, meaning the actions in the lists above. Lastly, affection. Affection is something you give to those you love, romantic or not. You can even give affection to your pets, like the Journalism pets.

PDA: Real World Examples​

Family PDA​

I’ve personally witnessed a few instances of family related PDA during class time. First, let's go back to Mx. Jahii’s classroom where I sat next to two sisters. For privacy reasons, let's call them Niki and Tsukit. I was minding my business, about to go into a lesson about gaslighting when I heard a whisper that deafened the whole room. It was Tsukit, calling Niki “Ane.” She said it in a very affectionate way. If I were to type it into words it would be “Ane~.” I told the teacher, but I don’t believe they were informed about what PDA was, so I hope they can read this blatant example.

Another example is of this boy and a friend or family or something. Let's call him Sonic’s Friend. Sonic’s Friend openly showed his unknown possible relative some affection during class. I can't recall exactly what it was. Could’ve been a long hug or something, but it was affection nonetheless.

Prelover PDA​

During school on the bench just outside of the nurses office I witnessed two determined lovers (obviously dating but never admitted it at the time) cuddle for the whole school day (not even kidding). They do it on the bench as well as the couches in the library right next to the window. Later it was announced that they were indeed dating, but I’m not too sure if the claim remains true. For privacy purposes, let's call them Neo and Adios.

I was walking past the nurses office, as one does, when I noticed Neo and Adios sitting too close for comfort. They faced each other, holding both hands tenderly in each other’s grasp. They stared into each other’s eyes and were so into it, they never noticed me. I stared for a good 5 minutes and they were oblivious.

What Now?​

If you see any of these things occurring in school, report it to staff. PDA makes other people feel uncomfortable and distracts students from learning. If you HAVE to show affection to people, do it in private. It won’t hurt, I swear.

 

[FireHawk]

WHAT DO YOU MEAN PDA IS ILLEGAL

professional door apple

 

[Vechozzz]

So sad I can’t pat pat @Benspudgydad in school anymore

 

[Benspudgydad]

WHAAAAT

 

[SilasWasTaken]

The fact that even familial pda "makes people uncomfortable" has always been crazy to me. I get two lovers being like "OH GOOCHIE GOOCHIE GOOO" or something but friends and family to is crazy

 

[howlyte]

free Neko and Tsukikyo </3

 

[wethecreature]

FDA is crazy

 

[Oliverium]

The fact that even familial pda "makes people uncomfortable" has always been crazy to me. I get two lovers being like "OH GOOCHIE GOOCHIE GOOO" or something but friends and family to is crazy

It's okay, Flay is just sensitive to affection