Students at El Camino College were recently asked about their opinions regarding public displays of affection on campus and how romantic expression might change as the holiday season approaches.

Those interviewed shared their thoughts on what is and isn’t appropriate, where to draw the line, how it affects those around them and whether behavioral trends will change in the near future.

Students were asked a handful of questions, shedding light on the divergence of perspectives.

Out of the thirteen students interviewed, all said they have witnessed some form of romance on campus, with six admitting to participating in PDA themselves.

According to Ricardo Gonzalez, the director of student development at ECC, the campus does not have any rules or policies that prohibit PDA beyond what is already defined by law.

Immanuel Robinson, a 20-year-old administrative justice student, who has witnessed “a lot” of PDA and has also been personally involved, was asked where the line is to be drawn.

“I think the line starts to get crossed when it gets obnoxious for everyone else around you; distracting,” Robinson said. “In the upcoming holidays, especially with Christmas, it should be more acceptable because it’s kind of trendy to do all the couple stuff.”

Jermaine Lewis, an 18-year-old psychology major, said he believes affection in public is fine up to a certain point.

“Say they get too deep into it, and it’s a very public setting, I think there should be a line for that,” Lewis said. “They shouldn’t feel embarrassed of having their way of showing love.”

Me’jhonni Bonner, a 19-year-old psychology major and Lewis’ girlfriend, said people should focus less on judging other’s relationships.

“People should truly get into the meaning of love instead of judging it,” Bonner said. “It’s not something to be ashamed of. There’s love in everything.”

Samuel Angulo, an 18-year-old business major, was asked whether he expects PDA — along with people’s reactions to it — to change with the approach of “cuffing season,” which is when singles look for short-term relationships during colder months, according to Merriam Webster.

“With the holiday seasons, there is a lot of connectivity. It’s a very love-centered time of year,” Angulo said. “Statistically, PDA will increase in one way or another. It’s really up to the individual on how they will perceive it.”