SHANGHAI — Keep your amorous hands — and chopsticks — to yourself.
That’s the message administrators at China’s Jilin University of Architecture sent students when they unveiled a new code of conduct aimed at curbing “uncivilized behavior.” This was defined as excessive public displays of affection like hand-holding, cuddling and kissing.
Tacked onto that list of unacceptable public displays of affection was a ban on students feeding each other with spoons, chopsticks or other utensils.
"Please be civilized at the dining table. Boyfriend and girlfriend are strictly prohibited from feeding each other," the new rules state.
The code of conduct was distributed to students on Wednesday and quickly spread online. A staff member at the university's administrative office confirmed to NBC News that it had been put in place but declined to comment further.
Reaction to the restrictions was immediate.
“Surely this must be a hoax?” wrote a user on China’s Twitter-like service, Weibo.
“I commend the administration for protecting the mental well-being of our single students,” another noted sarcastically.
Others asked why the administration felt the need to pass these new rules when PDA are uncommon among Chinese students. Some also questioned the timing just days before Singles Day on November 11, when some universities even organize events to help unlucky in love students meet each other.