Public displays of affection are common in most cultures in the world. However, the level to which they occur can be dramatically different according to a culture’s specific expectations. This section aims to identify the "norms" that exist in both Russian and American so that a better sense of the cultures can be gained. Furthermore, this research will provide a way to better understand the outward communication that exists in romantic relationships.

Public displays of affection are witnessed in various manners and frequencies throughout different parts of the world. A method of communication for people in romantic relationships, public displays of affection can demonstrate deep emotion to a partner and people who witness them. Ranging from a pat on the shoulder or lingering handshake to the more extreme of deep kisses and groping, public displays of affection can signify a temporary fling or long-lasting relationship.

This report attempts to capture the general trend in both Russia and America for public displays of affection (PDA). Although differences exist between regions in a country or religious persuasion, the goal is to determine overall links between a country and the displays that are shown in romantic relationships.

Finally, I attempted to "chat" on-line with Russian students about their experiences with public displays of affection. I did not receive any lengthy responses, however. I believe that this result can be attributed to the desire to keep information about romantic relationships confidential. Discussing such material with strangers in another country can seem a little invasive. Other improtant factors, however, could be a factor as well. Perhaps this dilemma can be further explored in other LCC classes in the future.

Public displays of affection are considered to be a method of communicating between couples. Whether in Russia or America, PDA’s can be seen in various forms and sometimes can be considered offensive. Julie Hinds of the San Francisco Examiner states that,

"In the broadest sense, PDA is another basic thread, albeit a mushy one, in the fabric known as the social contract. To coexist peacefully, people must fall back on old-fashioned qualities like courtesy and consideration. That's why etiquette books advocate setting limits on public behavior."

One of the most notable differences in Russian and American cultures is defined by America’s sense of self and Russia’s sense of group. In terms of public displays of affection, the Russian’s sense of group can lead to public displays of affection that occur between strangers as well as people in romantic relationships. For example, Duane Goehner states that,

"The affinity for the group can still be seen today in everyday life, in group dating, and physical contact with strangers. Pushing and shoving in crowds bring no hard feelings. In restaurants Russians will not hesitate to join a table with strangers rather than dine alone. Men kiss men and show affection, women hold hands while strolling ... In general, in a collective society, everybody's business is also everyone else's."

The description of these public displays of affection, however, should not be taken to mean that PDA’s are necessarily tolerated. While little kisses and holding hands are proper, more graphic kisses are not. Goehner continues by stating that,

"Nyekulturny is the wrong way, uncultured, bad-mannered way of behavior. Some examples are ... public displays of affection ... "

These ‘wrong’ PDA’s are taken to mean groping, extensive kissing, petting, etc. While this does occur in Russia, it is generally not the proper thing to do.

In contrast, although documentation also exists for American public displays of affection, it does not usually occur between strangers. Instead, PDA’s are more limited to romantic relationships. The level of these PDA’s tend to be more graphic than in Russia although heavy groping is usually frowned upon. According to Dr. David Coleman,

"PDA comes down to acts of lust versus terms of endearment. We simply ask to be spared the public mauling, grunting, slurping and groping.

As part of the research for this topic, surveys were conducted on both Russians and Americans. One of the surveys that our group published entailed some questions about PDA’s. These responses, however, can not be used to generalize both cultures due to the low participation in the survey. Out of four females and six males in America, public displays of affection are not performed as much in front of family and friends as with strangers. In general public areas, though, some displays such as holding hands and light kissing are perfectly acceptable. In Russia, however, the only response mentioned that only holding hands would be alright in front of family and friends. No additional information was reported.

Public displays of affection can range from the obscure touch on the shoulder to very blatant physical motions. Although all types of PDA’s do occur in both Russia and America, the results of this paper seem to support that extreme public displays are considered inappropriate. However, in Russia, small displays of affection towards strangers is acceptable while Americans are more protective of their personal space with those they do not know well. Yet, Americans may tend to be a little more public about their emotions in the company of a romantic partner than the Russian counter-part. Americans and Russians did not appear to endorse anything more than holding hands or light kisses in front of family and close friends.

Obviously, PDA’s are a subject that could use more research in the future. One of the problems discussing the topic is the varying opinions that occur from people according to age, religion, region of the country, family life-style, etc. Actions that some would consider being fine, others are offended by. The best opinion I can give based on this research is that people should always be aware of their surroundings when publicly displaying affection. Once someone’s actions occur in public, they are then afflicted on everyone around them and courtesy should prevail.