Public Displays of Affection: Why Can’t Some Celebrities Help Themselves? And How Much Is Too Much?

Celebrity couples: They are good-looking, loved up and know how to work it on the red carpet, but there’s an increasing number of A-listers getting X-rated when it comes to Public Displays of Affection.

For Justin Bieber & girlfriend Selena Gomez, a day at the beach turned into something of a love-in, but they are not alone. Many celebs have become experts in all types of public affection, so here’s a selection of my favorites:

First up and with plenty of cringe factor is The Steamy Smooch: Will Smith & wife Jada Pinkett-Smith were caught on a Jumbotron going for a Hollywood kiss at a basketball game, while J-Lo and Casper Smart have been snapped smooching anywhere and everywhere.

The Passionate Peck: Restrained and reassuring. David Beckham kissed Victoria’s nose after receiving his Order of the British Empire, while President Barack Obama seems to prefer the First Lady’s forehead.

The United Front is a favorite of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes: They love the show of solidarity, but Brad and Angelina manage to pull it off with a few more hands.

The Grope: Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis are offenders. Perhaps they went a bit too far at the MTV awards, thankfully it was tongue-in-cheek (they aren’t even a couple.) Brad Pitt was a little subtler at a film premiere, reaching for Angie’s derriere as they were photographed upfront.

Of course it’s not just celebrities displaying their affection for each other, so how far would you go?

You may find yourself cringing when you see your favorite celebs and their wandering hands, but new research actually shows that when we see people kiss and cuddle in public, it triggers positive emotions in the brain, leaving us with that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

And if that’s the case, well I say, smooch away!