PDA is apparently not really a sign of love at all

Our motives may be different to what you first thought

Public displays of affection. Some people love them, and some people hate them. And, no, we're not talking about virtual PDA. We're talking about when you're out and about with your significant other and an innocent hand hold, turns into an arm around your shoulder, which ends up as a cuddle - and before you know it, you're possibly making out at the back of the bus like a pair of hormonal teenagers. Soz.

But, a new study has seen that this kind of behaviour might actually not be because you're so madly in love that you just, in the words of Selena Gomez, can't keep your hands to yourself.

The University of Kansas questioned 155 young women and 194 young men about their engagements in PDA. The study defined PDA as 'kissing on the mouth, with or without the use of tongues, and fondling breasts and buttocks' and saw that 37% of men and 32% of women had engaged in it - although mostly while actual hormonal teenagers or young adults.

Why did they engage in such behaviour? 'To enhance their image or status by proving they were capable of making out with a particular person,' was the most popular answer, closely followed by wanting to illicit jealousy or envy in other people.

But, and there's always a but, there seemed to be a BIG double standard when it came to women.

While young men see PDA as a social currency to build up their status, young women were concerned that it would make them 'look like a slut'.

And, what this view does is build up a society where sexual double standards exist. Consider this a PSA to make PDA judgement-free, for either sexes. Although, maybe ease up on the 'breast and buttock fondling', please.