NEW YORK – In a city as densely populated as New York, spontaneous romantic encounters are as inevitable as gridlock on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. But while love may be inevitable, safety and fulfillment are not. That’s why the Department of Tenderness (DOT) has partnered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to launch a comprehensive new initiative: the Public Romance Signage Program.
Designed to guide New Yorkers toward healthier, more fulfilling romantic interactions, the initiative introduces a wide range of new signage across the city—signs that don’t just keep you from getting lost but help you find love, compassion, and emotional well-being. From "Consent Required" zones to "Flirt Responsibly" districts, this program is set to become a vital part of New York’s ever-growing affection infrastructure.
"Public signage has long been the backbone of safe urban navigation, but why should it stop at traffic?" asked DOT Commissioner Schuyler deVos during a recent press conference. "In a city where millions of people cross paths every day, it’s essential that we guide not just the flow of cars and pedestrians, but also the flow of emotions."
The first phase of the program will see the installation of thousands of new signs throughout the city, offering clear and actionable guidance for New Yorkers seeking romance. Among the new additions are:
Each sign is equipped with QR codes that lead to city-approved tutorials on how to engage in safe and respectful romantic behavior. By scanning the code, New Yorkers can access tips on body language, verbal affirmations, and appropriate distances for romantic interactions in public spaces.
The Department of Tenderness emphasizes that while the new signage program aims to encourage more romantic engagement, public safety remains a top priority. Each romantic zone will have clearly defined boundaries, and enforcement officers—affectionately dubbed "Love Marshals"—will be on duty to ensure that all interactions adhere to city guidelines.
"We believe that romance should be spontaneous, but never unsafe," said Love Marshal Coordinator, Officer Danielle Grayson. "Our new signage is designed to create an environment where New Yorkers can feel comfortable and secure while pursuing emotional connections, knowing that the proper boundaries are in place."
In addition to safeguarding the emotional well-being of New Yorkers, the program also seeks to reduce what officials have termed "affection congestion"—those awkward, overcrowded moments when multiple romantic advances occur in the same space at once. "Flirt Responsibly" signs and designated cuddle zones aim to ease this congestion by dispersing romantic energy more evenly across the city.
As the signage rollout continues, DOT is inviting the public to participate in the program’s evolution. Residents are encouraged to submit suggestions for additional signs and romantic zones through the official "TenderMap" app. The app, which allows users to track signage locations and provide real-time feedback, has already garnered thousands of downloads.
Early suggestions from the public have included proposals for "First Date Crosswalks" and "Breakup Benches"—special benches reserved for amicable partings. While these ideas have not yet been approved, officials say they represent the growing public interest in romantic infrastructure.
"This isn’t just a government initiative," said Commissioner DeMarco. "It’s a love letter to the people of New York, and we want their voices to help shape it. After all, no one knows the heart of this city better than the people who call it home."
New York’s Public Romance Signage Program is already drawing attention from other cities across the nation. Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland have all expressed interest in implementing similar programs to encourage safe and fulfilling romantic interactions in their own urban landscapes.
Federal officials have also hinted that New York’s program could serve as a model for national policy on public affection management. "We’re watching closely," said Federal Tenderness Secretary William Cross. "New York has always been a leader in urban innovation, and if this program proves successful, it could become a standard for cities across America."
"Love is universal, but how we express it in public spaces is a matter of careful design and thoughtful policy." – Commissioner Schuyler deVos
As New Yorkers adjust to their city’s new romantic landscape, one thing is clear: public love is no longer just a matter of chance encounters. Thanks to the Department of Tenderness, it’s now a coordinated, government-regulated affair—one sign at a time.
