Couples Who Show Love In Public, What's The Effect For Relationships?

Illustration of the effect shows affection in public for your partner's relationship (Freepik/nijieimuart)

YOGYAKARTA Shows affection in public, or called public display of affaction (PDA), is an act of intimacy for couples in front of others. This includes hugging, kissing, or holding hands. According to clinical psychologist Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD., there are several reasons why couples show affection in public.

First, it is often a sign that the couple are in the early phase of the relationship. That's why they are very excited and eager to be together. The second reason why couples show affection in public, to reflect a sense of security and confidence and intenseness with their relationship. This marks that the couple's relationship is recognized by each other and validates it openly. However, the third reason according to Romanoff, shows that pairwise relationships are not safe.

Although many factors encourage the PDA, it has a number of benefits for the relationship. Launching VeryWellMind, Monday, October 21, here are the benefits of showing affection for couples in public.

Stressing your bond and your partner in public indicates that you really want your partner. It also marks that your partner is important and valuable to you. In addition, it also helps build affection, intimacy, and closeness in the relationship.

Physical touch is a powerful way to make you and your partner bound. So being loving with your partner can cause both of you to experience a spike in oxytocin. These hormones are neurotransmitters that support bond relationships with your partner.

Touch can also increase stress. This can convince your partner about the relationship's commitment and even reduce stress hormone levels in the body.

If you and your partner are committed together, it is not wrong to hold each other's hands or hug each other. But because the norms in the country are very thick, it is also necessary to consider how the environment of both of you is.

In addition to the four benefits above, research shows that in a loving relationship related to the happiness and satisfaction of the relationship is greater. However, it is also important to be aware of the negative effects of showing affection in public.

According to Romanoff, certain conditions show that affection in public can also have a negative impact on a pairwise relationship. This is related to differences in preferences, for example if your partner does not feel comfortable and is more closed when in public. This will make your partner feel awkward, embarrassed, and disliked. Furthermore, many people are afraid to show affection with a physical touch (for example hugging, kissing, or handheld) can damage your reputation both socially and professionally. That's why couples want to keep love in private spaces.

Misunderstandings about showing affection in public may occur due to differences in preferences, culture, and values held. For example, being considered disrespectful, inappropriate, too intimate, so that it can make other people also feel uncomfortable. Therefore, seeing boundaries and recognizing the social and professional situations owned by important partners is also considered.

Romanoff's advice, before showing affection in public, two people who are committed to a couple's relationship need to be open to each other about their respective preferences. Are they both comfortable sharing love with a touch, feeding each other, and providing certain assistance when in public.