These Sex Positions Are So Cuddly They’re Basically Just Hugs

The hug is one of the most beautiful forms of affection we humans do. It’s at once simple and impactful: In one mere gesture, you’re enveloping your loved one in care and support. Few things compare to being wrapped up in love in any situation. But that’s especially the case in life’s saddest or most frustrating moments; whether you lack the physical or emotional energy to hug your loved one back, you know they’ll still be standing there, hugging you just the same. Really, hugs are about as physically close as we get to unconditional love. So it’s little surprise that many of us have tried to recreate this intimate embrace by dreaming up the cuddliest sex positions imaginable.

Cuddling and sex already make excellent bedfellows. Spooning sex has become so widely practiced it has earned a sex position genre of its own. And other forms of cuddling offer easy segues into deeper kinds of connection. But cuddly sex positions aren’t quite the same as cuddling sex positions. You’d never refer to a standing embrace as “cuddling,” even though it’s undeniably cuddly. The same is true of any number of hug-inspired sex positions. They’re warm, loving and intimate — but they don’t (always) offer the same relaxed ease of cuddling.

What’s nice? There are any number of ways to integrate hugs into the bedroom — some of which call for energy and others of which invite only effortlessness. Cuddly, hug-worthy sex positions can transpire from just about any angle and in just about any place. Couches, chairs and beds can serve as the back-drop for seriously hug-worthy sex — and your floor can, too. Just as there’s never a wrong time or place for a hug, there’s never really a wrong time or place for hug-inspired, cuddly sex. (OK, there are definitely some wrong times and places for sex — but we trust you can discern that on your own.)

Lap Dance

Though most of us consider hugs a face-to-face endeavor, they can just as easily happen from behind. The Lap Dance fully understands this, offering you sex that’s snuggly and stimulating in equal measure. Start by asking your partner to kneel down so far their butt is resting on their ankles. Then, kneel on their lap, with your thighs straddling theirs. From there, they can pull you closer, wrap their arms around you, and shower you with kisses—all while you set the pace of penetration.

Thirst

The Thirst is little more than missionary sex turned on its side, so that both partners can enjoy the easy comfort of lying down. If you and your partner happen to be lying in bed facing each other, you’re already well on your way to nailing the Thirst. Simply pull each other closer, entwine your legs, and use your arms to wrap each other in a tight, intimate embrace. Find what feels good, and explore a little penetrative stimulation from there.

Drape

Put your comfiest armchair to good use by trying out the Drape, a seated sex position that involves all kinds of intimate closeness. Start by asking your partner to sit in a chair the way they normally would—just slightly tilted, so that their butt is in one corner of the chair and their knees are in the opposite corner. Then, climb on top of them, facing them, with one leg on either side of your partner’s body. From there, you can drape your legs over one of the chair’s armrests (since your partner is tilted, you should be able to get both legs over the same armrest) and under your partners armpits. From there, they can wrap their arms around you, pulling you tight and kissing you, while you determine the speed and intensity of sex.

Tango

The Tango combines the tight embrace of spooning sex with the immense comfort of missionary, making it as easy as it is intimate. Start by lying on your back, with your legs outstretched in front of you. Then, ask your partner to lie on their side, snuggled up next to you, facing you. From there, they can slide one of their legs between yours and slip one of their arms under your neck, cradling you in a tight embrace. You guys can begin to kiss and explore other kinds of stimulation, as you pull each other closer and snuggle up even more.

Fifth Element

The Fifth Element proves that power play and snuggly sex are far from mutually exclusive. Ask your partner to lie on their back, with their knees pulled in toward their chest—almost like they’re wrapped up in a tight little ball. Then, climb on top of them, facing them, with your legs straddling theirs and your chest pressed against their knees. From there, you should be able to wrap your arms around their neck and kiss them—and you can also engage in a little penetrative fun.

Tight Squeeze

The Tight Squeeze combines the inherent exhilaration of a from-behind sex position with the classic comfort of something a little snugglier. Start by getting on your hands and knees. Then, ask your partner to do the same, while spooning you. Their legs should be bent and tucked behind yours (so neither of you is straddling their other), and their back should be draped over yours in a tight embrace. From there, they can use one arm for stability and the other to hug your torso, and you can settle into a rhythm that feels good for the both of you.

Watering Can

The Watering Can is missionary, made snugglier—and with you on top. Start by asking your partner to lie down with their legs comfortably stretched in front of them. Then, climb on top of them, with your legs straddling theirs. From there, you can bend down to press your chest against your partner’s and you can wrap your arms around their neck. They can use their arms to pull you into an even tighter embrace, and you can kiss and make eye contact to your heart’s content.

Oasis

The Oasis offers passion, drama, and exhilaration—all the while ensuring cozy comfort. Start by asking your partner to sit down, with their legs outstretched in front of them. Then, climb on top of them, straddling them, with your thighs snuggled around their torso. Wrap your arms around their neck and shoulders, and then lean back so they can comfortably nestle their face in your chest. The result should be a position that’s snuggly but just adventurous enough to feel exciting.

Crab

Naming a sex position the “Crab” may summon visions of bent legs and sideways movement, but the Crab is really just a snugglier take on sex from the prone position. Start by lying on your stomach, with one leg bent and the other stretched out long. Turn your head to the side and get cozy—the way you might if you were about to go to sleep. Then, invite your partner to climb on top of you and mirror your shape; their head, back, and legs should all be in line with yours—though they can use their elbows and knees to elevate their body, hovering slightly over you. From there, they can stay lifted or press their body into yours to offer a closer, tighter embrace.

A version of this story was published May 2020.

Since you are your safest sex partner in quarantine, check out our favorite masturbation positions:

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