Tips on Cultural Etiquette: Part 5 - On Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Many of the websites and guides that I read prior to and when I first arrived in Singapore said that public displays of affection (PDA) were a flat-out, unequivocal, emphatic no-no. They should be avoided regardless of the situation. However, from my own experiences and what I've observed, I don't think that's quite true. Here's some quick tips for navigating the tricky waters of PDA with your sweetheart in Singapore:

1. Realize that attitudes about PDA seem to vary with age and ethnic background. You are much more likely to see a younger couple engaging in a sweet hug on the MRT. That action will sometimes draw looks of disapproval from older people on the train. It is very rare, but not impossible to catch a glimpse of a middle age couple being affectionate. As for the different ethnicities, I have seen more young Chinese couples being openly affectionate in public places. Most Muslim couples I've seen tend to be warm and kind towards each other, but are definitely hands off. As for Indian couples, they seem patient and understanding, but also largely appear keep their affection to themselves.

2. Know how much PDA is too much. Holding hands (or as Singaporeans like to do, grabbing each other by the wrist) or a light peck on the forehead or cheek are acceptable. Standing close to your special someone and lightly holding their arm is okay, too. Canoodling, swallowing your partner's face, yearning looks, long embraces and anything beyond that are definitely taboo. These activities will earn you looks of consternation and a personal bubble the size of an elephant (which in a place as crowded as Singapore might not be so bad. Note to self - engage in more unacceptable PDA). 

3. When interacting in a social group setting like at a company dinner or a birthday party, keep the PDA to a minimum. This helps with general group cohesion, which is important to Singaporeans, and makes it so that you don't have to give awkward explanations later. 

4. Understand that marriage is still a socially applauded institution here. Married couples get a little more leeway and some Singaporeans will even go so far as to praise your closeness (as demonstrated by a modest amount of PDA) if you are married.