How much public display of affection is too much?

By Netilie Marozva

We all indulged in a bit of public affection at some point as it is common phenomenon. But now the million dollar question is, ‘Just how much public affection is too much and where/when does it cross the line?’

Walking in the streets of Harare, one gets to experience a wide range of public affections. A city park such as the Harare Gardens is one of the public places being abused by devotees. School children pass by in the park witnessing the morally repugnant deeds. What message are the elderly broadcasting to our youngsters; that it is alright to make out in public places?

Holding hands is a classic way of showing a great deal of affection. It is always going to be acceptable to grab your spouse’s hand in public whether to show them the way or just to feel close to them. However, spouses must not hold each other suggestively lest people around them get comfortable.

My heart is overwhelmed upon seeing an elderly couple holding hands in a park or newlyweds briefly kissing, it is the romance in me that feels proud to witness such sincere display of affection. However, nothing equally disgruntles me and the public more than a couple who naively show their tongues in public places. Always keep your tongue in your mouth; it is just wrong keeping it out in public unless, of course, you are licking an ice-cream or something.

As much as couples would love to utter affectionate words to their loved ones, they preferably should keep it low. For instance, saying ‘I love you’ might seem a morally repugnant custom, but when whispered gently in the right ears, it’s regarded charming. The acceptable displays of affection vary between cultures, time and context. Many have blamed globalisation as the main cause of customary alternations in Zimbabwe; such as expressing affection publicly.