Public Display of Affection, or P.D.A, refers to expressions of love and kindness shown in public, gestures that are considered acceptable or unacceptable depending on cultural norms. Every culture sets its own boundaries for what kind of affection can be shown in public.

Some organizations even create rules to limit or prohibit P.D.A entirely. Showing affection in a public place, like a street, is more likely to be judged or criticized compared to doing the same thing in a private space where people share similar cultural beliefs.

Physical affection is defined as: “any kind of touch intended to evoke feelings of love in the giver or the receiver.”

In our culture and country, public displays of affection are strongly restricted due to religious beliefs, societal standards, and other reasons. It can even lead to punishment, as most people consider it inappropriate, indecent, or shameful.

How beautiful it would be if our streets were filled with happy couples, a mother embracing and tickling her child, partners holding each other close, and people feeling joy simply by witnessing love around them. When we see kindness, it often awakens the kindness within us too.

But sadly, our society’s rules are often against affection, and many people have grown up believing that showing love in public is something ugly, wrong, or unacceptable.

This photo collection was created in 2019.