What Your PDA REALLY Looks Like

As Valentine's Day draws ever closer, writer Jessica Saia and photographer Tom Kubik over at The Bold Italic are here to warn that the cute little public display of affection you and your special someone (or someones, no judgement!) engage in might not actually be so cute in the eyes of the outside observer. That is, what you think looks like a cute little kiss might actually more closely resemble an up close and personal game of tonsil hockey. Consider it somewhat of a PSA for TMI PDA.

If life was a romantic comedy, we might like to believe that our romantic interactions look something like the sweet smooches found at the movie's conclusion, when we're really far more likely to be mistaken for that awkward scene 15 minutes post-meet cute where the soon-to-be couple goes out on a date to disastrous results.

Now, before anyone accuses Saia, Kubik, or me of blaspheming holy Cupid, it needs to be noted that no one is telling you not to engage in some public hugs, kisses, cuddles, and what have you with your main squeeze; just that without proper tact, you'll come off looking less like the seductress you know you are, and more like a hormone-riddled, sexually-awkward college freshman.

The "Dos" and "Don'ts" of PDA are anything but an exact science. One person's holding hands is another's making out in the bushes behind your mom's house (Sorry, mom). Basically, everyone has heir own comfort levels when it comes to PDA. If it makes you happy, and you're comfortable doing it, go for it!

Who cares what you look like? Studies have shown that some of the happiest couples are the ones most likely to engage in some PDA (then again, the same studies also suggest that these couples are the least socially likable).

Should the mood strike you, go on and act out the spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp...

...sneak a kiss on the bus...

...or lovingly feed your main squeeze some movie theater popcorn.

After all, it is Valentine's Day.

Check out more from Saia and Kubik's series over at The Bold Italic .

Images: Courtesy of The Bold Italic