When you're the “big spoon,” you wrap your arms around your partner while you're both lying close on your side; your stomach rests against their back. When you're the “little spoon,” your partner wraps their arms around you and your back rests against their stomach.
Start slow.
Place a hand on their shoulder, back, or on their waist to show your intent. Rest it there for a few minutes or give a light rub. Make sure that your intentions for cuddling are clear. You can place a hand on their shoulder, but that doesn't necessarily mean you want to cuddle with the person.
Sitting or lying side by side “is great for just letting your partner know that you're there, taking comfort in their presence,” she explains. Take this move a step further by holding hands or draping your leg over your partner's if intimate touch makes you feel more comfortable.
Spooning is the ultimate cuddling position. And let's be real: It can be sexual, too. Anyone can be the “big spoon” when cuddling, but it's often the larger or more dominant partner.
Place one arm under her armpit, in the lower half of her ribcage. Put your other hand on the general area of her shoulder blade. As the hug deepens, you can hold her waist or wrap both arms around the small of her back. Alternately, hug her from behind.
Spooning is the classic cuddle, with 31% of couples opting to nestle together like a set of flatware. If you're not aware, spooning takes place when lying down, with both people on their sides, facing the same way. The Big Spoon envelops the Little Spoon in a bear hug, tucking knees behind the little spoon's knees.
"Cuddling, especially with someone you like, gives you a sense of closeness and relaxed intimacy that's difficult to find in other activities. If you feel comfortable with the other person, it kind of just let's you relax and not have to do much physically.
Again, just be honest in your communication. If you're not sure about how far you want to take things, you can share that up front. In this case you could say, “I'd really love to cuddle with you sometime. If you like that idea, then let's cuddle together and see how that feels to us.
"Cuddling with someone you're in love with gives you a sense of closeness and relaxes your heart and mind. If you feel comfortable with this person, it lets you have your guard down completely. And I share this feeling with my girl.
If one or both of you tend to sweat in response to the shared body heat, many couples have found that a simple towel or cooling pajamas can be the answer. A layer of fabric that absorbs and then wicks away night sweats can make it possible to cuddle without discomfort and stop you from waking up in a puddle.
In the few reported studies on cuddling in committed romantic relationships, the average amount of time spent cuddling is about 30-40 minutes and occurs 3 to 5 times a week. Couples will typically cuddle in bed pre- and post-sex, as well as in the mornings.
For girls, cuddling means reassurance from their boyfriend that they are safe and can let their guard down. Cuddling also provides happiness due to the release of the hormone oxytocin. When the girl cuddles up, there is a release of a chemical called oxytocin in the brain.
Can cuddling make you fall in love? On its own, cuddling is unlikely to make you fall in love with someone. But, as noted above, because cuddling can cause your body to release certain hormones, like oxytocin, it can make you feel loved or bonded with someone that you're already falling for.
Lean back into your partner while sitting on a couch.
Have your partner sit up, then gently place yourself in their lap, facing away from them. Lean back into their stomach as they wrap their arms around your torso to pull you close. Snuggling in this position will give you a sense of security and calm.
"Although oxytocin levels fall after orgasm, cuddling and other contact behaviors help sustain the level of oxytocin in the system." So if you're looking to stay connected with someone after playtime is over, another benefit of cuddling is that it can help you retain intimacy.
When we touch – cuddle, hug, or holding hands – our bodies release “feel good” hormones. These hormones include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Once the hormones are released into our bodies we experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, improve mood, and lower levels of depression.
In a study that refutes gender stereotypes, researchers looking at couples in long-term relationships have found that men value cuddling and caressing as important for their relationship happiness more than women do.
Touch her knee against yours.
Make sure that you touch her knee gently and then linger, so she doesn't think that you are bumping her leg because you need more room for your legs. Flirting by accidental touch helps build attraction because it creates tension. Small touches here and there leaves her wanting more.
That depends a lot on what's comfortable for both of you. She might enjoy gentle caresses on her face and neck, or she might enjoy back rubs or having your arms around her waist. Experiment with different touches and ask what she likes or dislikes.
Cuddling and getting cozy typically indicates that a partner feels more comfortable being intimate and close with you. Some couples enjoy cuddling at night before they sleep or after they make love. Cuddling could also indicate they have deep feelings for you and want to be near you.