Cuddling Tips: 4 Cuddling Positions to Try

Cuddling is a form of physical intimacy in which the partners sit or lie in close contact with each other. They will often be side by side on a bed, facing the same direction. A form of relaxed physical contact, cuddling can take many forms and might act as a segue toward comfortable sleeping positions or sexual foreplay.

Cuddling has many health benefits. Cuddlers’ physical touching releases the feel-good love hormone oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone. Partners can assume different cuddling positions and take deep breaths to release stress hormones, such as cortisol, and feel at ease. Loved ones might also experience a hit of dopamine, which can reduce pain levels. The best cuddles can also decrease blood pressure since steady breathing in comfortable positions lowers heart rates.

Beyond the physical benefits it delivers, cuddling can help partners build trust. Cuddling before sleep or while watching television builds intimacy, affirming that you can just be yourself and be natural around your partner without worrying about appearances or engaging in other activities.

Couples can try out different snuggle methods to find the best cuddling positions for their preferences. Here are a few:

1. 1. Back-to-back: Partners can face away from each other while still having their backs touch and holding hands over their waists.
2. 2. Big and little spoon: A classic cuddling position, spooning has partners lying side by side with one spooning the other. Here, the big spoon will have their back exposed and their stomach touching their partner's back. The big spoon’s arm might slip under the little spoon’s neck to create a pillow for that partner.
3. 3. Honeymoon hug: Partners can face each other while cuddling and touching their noses or take turns snuggling their faces into each other’s neck while lying face-to-face.
4. 4. Leg hug: Cuddling partners often intertwine their hands and arms, but you can also keep your bodies apart and crisscross your legs instead as a form of cuddling.

Cuddling takes many forms, and each couple will find positions that are more comfortable for them. A simple way to try out cuddling is to spoon. Spooning is a common form of cuddling that gets its name from the curve of the two bodies, with one nested “inside” the curve of the other, mimicking how spoons stack in a utensil drawer.

Try lying side by side on a bed or couch for this method. The outer person (or big spoon) will have their chest touching the lower back of the inner person (or little spoon). The big spoon can weave one arm under the partner’s neck to create a cushion and rest the other hand on the bed or their partner’s waist. You can also try switching positions to see who prefers to be on which side.

If you are trying out cuddling with your partner, consider these tips:

1. 1. Communicate with your partner. Ask your partner what would be comfortable for them, and try that position. Discuss how it felt for each of you before trying again or moving on to a new position.
2. 2. Have enough space for cuddling. A small couch might not be optimal for cuddling. Try a bed large enough to hold you two comfortably if you move around or switch positions.
3. 3. Sleep in a comfortable position. Cuddling can be what you do before you sleep, but it does not have to be the eventual sleeping position in which you doze off.
4. 4. Take deep breaths. Sometimes cuddlers have to settle into a new position. Take deep breaths, relax your mind and body, and find what works for your body.

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