For: 

So you're in love. You're crazy for this person, passionately so. You can't keep your eyes off each other, so why keep your hands off limits? It's only human nature after all, and there's no happier sight than young lovers walking arm in arm, or snogging like it's going out of fashion. There's something almost life-affirming about it, and it beats witnessing an argument or a physical fight.

Just because you're not getting any action, why should everyone else have to behave like nuns in your presence? It's a way of feeling loved, adored, protected, and a partner who isn't afraid to express his/her feelings is guaranteed to make a greater impact than one who won't go near you for fear of 'what others might think'. 

Against: 

There should be a crawler lane for couples who can't keep their hands off each other in public. From the streets to the supermarket aisles, there's nothing more irritating than being stuck behind some sauntering couple who seem to be searching for lost change down the back of each others' pants. It's irritating and smug. Holding hands? No problem. A peck on the cheek? Bring it on! But do we have to put up with any more than that?

Is it really necessary to turn the bus into a mobile lap dancing club, especially if we're forced to watch but banned from interacting? If a single person decided to love him or herself up in public there'd be an outcry, most probably among couples, and rightly so. Legislating against this sort of lewd behaviour won't stop public displays of affection (PDAs), just respect for your fellow human beings.

PDA primer

• Do it because you're attracted to each other, not to attract attention. There's nothing worse than feeling that your other half considers you to be some kind of trophy.
• Steamy PDAs are all well and good if it turns you both on, but be considerate towards others (and mindful of the law). Losing your inhibitions at the back of the cinema might be your ultimate sex dare, but all that gasping and moaning is going to turn both heads and tempers.
• A PDA can leave friends feeling squeezed out, especially if they're alone with you two lovebirds, so think before you leap on each other, or invite them to join in, er . . . .(maybe not).

Updated: 08/12/2009