There’s nothing quite like getting into bed and cuddling with someone you love to stay warm on a chilly night. But did you know that cuddling can also have other advantages? Cuddling not only strengthens the bond between you and your significant other, but it also causes your body to release the “feel-good” hormone, oxytocin. Among the numerous ways to cuddle, spooning is the most well-known and intimate. Let’s explore What Is Spooning and how you can become an A+ spooning partner.
The Essence of Spooning: A Definition
When we think of spooning these days, we usually think of cuddling. For those unfamiliar with this well-known cuddling position, spooning is when one person lies with their front to the back of another person, much like two spoons stacked in a drawer. It’s a comfortable and natural cuddling posture, ideal for getting comfortable with your cuddle buddy, friend, partner, or pet.
The Origins of Spooning
While the act of spooning has likely existed since the dawn of time (animals do it too! ), the name is said to have originated in Wales in the 19th century. According to Welsh tradition, men would carve spoons out of wood with elaborate designs and present them to their significant other as a declaration of love. Spooning eventually became a word used to describe flirtatious behavior between couples and potential suitors, and later a slang term for sex.
Benefits of Spooning
Spooning can be platonic or erotic, depending on how close you are to your partner. Spooning as a platonic act can offer warmth, trust, and love to a friendship, while also providing both cuddle partners with a beneficial amount of non-sexual intimacy. Spooning can also be extremely intimate for individuals in romantic relationships. It’s not only a common sexual position, but it’s also a terrific way to unwind after some bedroom fun.
Exploring Different Spooning Positions
The Classic Spoon
The best way to spoon is to lay side by side, with one person (the big spoon) cuddling another person (the little spoon) from front to back. This position is comfortable and intimate, but it may be too close for hot sleepers to be comfortable all night.
Spoon to Spoon (Reverse Spooning)
Consider this position to be a reversed version of traditional spooning. Both spoons lie with their backs against each other in this posture. Because it allows both partners to experience intimacy without becoming sexual, this position is ideal for platonic cuddling. The spoon-to-spoon position is also a great cuddling position for the summer because it produces less heat than the traditional position.
The Ball and Spoon
The ball-and-spoon position is similar to the traditional spooning position, except the small spoon lies with their knees pushed up towards their belly, similar to a scoop of ice cream in a scooper.
The Spork
The spork is similar to the traditional posture, except the big spoon interlocks their legs with the little spoon while draping their arms over the little spoon’s upper body.
Big Spoon, Little Spoon (Facing Each Other)
The little spoon faces the big spoon, front to front, in this posture. The little spoon then curls up in a fetal position, snuggling up into the big spoon’s chest and legs.
Spoons in the Drawer
In this intimate cuddling position, one person lies on their back while the other lies directly on top of them, resting their head on the other’s neck and chest, much like two spoons stacked in a drawer.
The Switch
If you and your partner are set in your ways, switch it up! Just because one person is bigger than the other doesn’t mean they have to be the big spoon every time they cuddle. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be the little spoon.
Beyond Spooning: Other Popular Cuddling Positions
Spooning is not everyone’s favorite cuddling position. It can be difficult to fall asleep in some cases, and some people find it too hot or too intimate. Here are some more feel-good cuddling positions for you and your partner:
Cheek-to-Cheek
This cuddling position is exactly what it sounds like. Two people lie in bed with their backs to each other, pressing their butts and/or backs together for a more intimate version of solo sleeping.
Hugging Legs
This cuddle position is ideal for cuddling while sleeping. Two people assume their normal sleeping positions in hugging legs, then one stretches out a leg and drapes it over the leg of the other, like a pretzel.
The Chest Pillow
In this popular snuggle position, one person lays on their back while the other lays on their side, wrapping one leg and one arm around the other’s body before nuzzling into their chest and neck.
Conclusion: The Best Cuddle is a Comfortable Cuddle
The best cuddling position is one that is comfortable for both you and your snuggle buddy. Whether you prefer the classic spoon, the intimacy of spoons in a drawer, or something else entirely, the goal is to create a connection and enjoy the warmth and comfort of being close to someone you care about.
Wondering if cuddling helps you sleep? Find out here.
