It’s safe to say that, for most people, being held (by someone you actually like) feels nice. And cuddling doesn’t only feel good — it can actually do good, too.
Research suggests the benefits of cuddling may range from relieving stress to increasing libido to improving communication. All great things, right? The way this works is that cuddling can cause the brain to release both oxytocin (which can make us feel connected to one another while also possibly relieving pain and boosting our immune systems) and dopamine (which is one of the brain's major feel-good chemicals). Plus, cuddling after sex has been shown to lead to more satisfying sex lives and relationships.
Obviously, there are lots of reasons, not all of which are science-backed, that you’d want to cuddle. So why limit yourself to basic spooning?
Ahead, we’ve crafted a bunch of cuddling positions to try (or avoid, depending on your position preferences and/or your cuddling partner). Try these with a romantic partner or a friend — as long as they’re down to cuddle, too, of course.
The Standard Spoon
A traditional scoop-from-the-back embrace — it’s cozy, it’s comforting, it’s a classic.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The “I Still Love You”
This is a simple toe-touch — because you’re claustrophobic, or it’s too hot to get wrapped in sweaty skin.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Teaspoon & Ladle
This one is like spooning, except one of you is a very tall person and the other is a much shorter person.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Air-Mattress Mess
This one’s somewhat of a forced cuddle that occurs when the air seeps out of your air mattress and you both sink to the middle.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca
The Escape
This one’s for when a bed hog causes one of you to hang on for dear life on the mattress edge.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Threesome Touch
You plus two other hotties after the best night of your life.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Buddy-Comedy Pose
This butt-to-butt is a favorite among mouth breathers, couples who have been together too long, and fans of buddy comedies.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Walking-Down-The-Aisle Embrace
This one’s great for being arm-in-arm with bae while still taking care of your back.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Hard-On Hug
You know, when one of you has a sleep boner and the other one is trying to avoid it.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Winter Snuggle
Two words: body heat.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Teamwork Tangle
When you need a little space but still want to feel like a power couple.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Be-Careful-Of-The-Baby
For this one, you’ve got a newborn between you and your partner — who will hopefully sleep through the night. (Yeah, right.)
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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