Whether with your partner, your pet, or a pillow, cuddling is one of the best ways to release stress and build intimacy. However, there is way more than just holding someone to cuddling. Cuddling can be a way to show love, and physical touch is one of the 5 love languages.  

There are some who love to cuddle, and some who don’t like to cuddle. It’s ok to feel differently, but it’s important to try and meet each other in the middle. Cuddling may be reserved just for the bedroom for some, while others may want to do it all the time. However, men tend to like cuddling more than women. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy cuddling positions, and there are lots of positions to enjoy it! You may not be comfortable when doing some, but it’s a great idea to try out many positions to find what’s right and comfortable for you. You may be surprised by what you end up liking when trying these new cuddling positions.

How to Cuddle?

The spooning cuddling position

The spooning position is the original, comfy cuddling position that most people love. Either partner can be the big spoon or the little spoon. It can also be a sexual position, as when the woman is the little spoon, the male big spoon partner has easy access to penetrate. Many love this for early morning, lazy sex. The big spoon partner typically wraps around their partner with arms while you both lay on your side. The little spoon is the one being held, with their partners stomach on their back. If you are not a side sleeper, this position may be more uncomfortable for you, so read on for other ideas. 

The modified or half spoon

Some people find spooning very hot and cumbersome. If you find yourself sweating and not enjoying spooning, try the half spoon! This modified take on the classic cuddling position will give you just enough space, while allowing you to still be close and snuggly. This is also a great position if you aren’t a side sleeper. One of the partners will lie on their back, while the other is on their side, hugging the partner on their back. 

Cheek to cheek cuddling position

In cheek to cheek, we mean your butt. You both lay opposite directions, but your bottoms and lower backs touch. You still feel connected, while being able to touch each other, but you have space and can easily fall asleep. You don’t have to worry about getting hot, and it’s a more relaxed position.

The hugging position

You can also choose to face each other and hug. This position definitely gets warm, and if you’re not a fan of morning breath, it may not be for you. Hugging is very intimate and can help to create a feeling of intimacy and safety with each other. You are intertwined, with very little personal space. Some may love this to start out, and then eventually move into the cheek-to-cheek cuddling position. 

Sweetheart cradling

This is very similar to the half spoon. One partner lies on their back while holding you, and your head rests on their chest. Again, this is great if traditional big spoon/little spoon cuddling makes you super hot and sweaty, as you have more of your body free.

The leg touch 

 This is great if you really need your sleep, but still want to feel close. You simply rest one leg on top of your partners! However, make sure it isn’t making them feel uncomfortable in any way. You may need to adjust if your leg goes numb, or you feel uncomfortable.

Using their butt as a pillow

 Some people like to use their partner’s bum as a pillow. It can be comfy, but beware of flatulence! This is also a great position when laying together on the couch.

 Lap pillow position

When you lay your head in your partner’s lap, this is what we call the lap pillow. It’s a great way to maintain intimacy when watching a show or movie at home, since they can easily stroke your head, give you a kiss, and relax. 

Draping an arm

This is a modified hugging position. You have your arms around each other, but you aren’t fully hugging. Some find it distracting, as they don’t want to fully be staring at their partner, but others find it incredibly romantic. 

Benefits of Cuddling.

Why are cuddling positions good for a relationship?

Cuddling has been shown to be beneficial for a relationship by building a stronger bond emotionally and intimately. Being able to trust each other and get lost in each other’s arms is a sign of closeness. It also leads to higher sexual satisfaction, as that bond can make you more likely to open up and be vulnerable during sex, which leads to better, stronger, and more frequent orgasms.  

Cuddling can also be good for your health!

When you cuddle with a partner, oxytocin is released, which helps you bond and feel more loved and connected. 

It can also help you communicate more freely.

When you cuddle and build a bond, this fosters a healthier bond between each other to help communicate healthily and more effectively. 

It can help lower blood pressure

The act of touch is shown to have a calming effect. The calmer you are, the lower your blood pressure! Extensive research has been done that shows that hugging, hand holding, and other intimate things can lower blood pressure. Cuddling is among those activities, and can be great for those with high blood pressure, or who are often stressed. Speaking of stress, since cuddling helps reduce stress, it can be a great way to help relieve the tensions and anxieties of the day or week you or your partner may have had. 

It can be hard to find time to be intimate with your partner, but cuddling positions are the perfect way to recharge both of you and help you relax when you need it most. Don’t cut them off when you’re anxious – go cuddle! Snuggle up, kiss, try a new position, and build that stronger bond.