Two people intertwine their hands, gaze seductively at each other and lean in for a gentle, unhurried kiss.
During this time of year, when love is at the forefront of our culture, so are public displays of affection. More commonly known as PDA, public displays of affection can be as innocent as holding hands or as racy as roaming hands.

Many students aren’t bothered by on-campus PDA, but this acceptance comes with limits.
Mary Krause, a 27-year-old Spanish major, has been in a relationship with her girlfriend for two years. She said she is accustomed to stares when she casually kisses her girlfriend good bye, but she has learned not to give heed to people’s reactions about any form of PDA.

“If I’m grumpy, I think ‘go get a room,’” Krause said of the displays of affection she sees. “If I’m happy, then I am happy that I am looking at some love and happiness in this world.”
Public displays of affection are often easier to observe in a college setting. Krause said for a lot of people, college is the first time they have been away from home, and they take full advantage of that freedom.

Maresa Giovannini is a freelance reporter for the Daily Emerald