One of the best things about this world is that there are about as many sex positions as there are flavours of ice cream. Basically, you’ve got a plethora of options. Sometimes all you want is to engage in the kind of daring, delightfully dirty sex positions that would make Christian Grey wonder what the hell he’d gotten himself into. Or the kind that requires you to push your body to its most flexible limits. But on other occasions, you may prefer something that feels a little more emotionally raw, like you and your partner have fused into one amazing-sex-having being. You know, the kind of intimate sex positions that make you feel as though you have melted into an Alex Mack-esque puddle of warm, fuzzy feelings.
Here, seven intimate sex positions to try when you’re craving the sexual equivalent of the heart-eyed emoji. If you’re not into that right now—if what you’re actually craving is the exact polar opposite—try these seven sex positions that require minimal eye contact instead.
1. Spooning
Spooning is a fan-favourite, and there are, of course, perks to playing either role in this glorified love sandwich. If you’re the big spoon, you get to play the role of the protector. As the little spoon, you feel enveloped in a cocoon of sexiness and security.
Another point in this position’s corner: When you’re on the inside, your partner can try manual stimulation, penetration, or both if that’s what you’re into. Double-duty is always a winner.
2. Wraparound
Change things up from missionary position by wrapping your legs around your partner’s back so you can draw them in deeper. Not knowing where one of you ends and the other begins can translate into sex so good, you’re tempted to walk down the street with a megaphone and broadcast it a love-filled play-by-play. (Maybe don’t actually do that, though? Or maybe do. I don’t know your life.)
3. Sideways
It’s the face-to-face version of spooning, so you have the added benefit of being able to gaze into each other’s eyes, thus getting one step closer to peak I’m-so-in-love-with-you sappiness. If you’re feeling inspired enough to turn your session into something sweeter than even the best of desserts, you can caress your partner’s face and whisper all the things that usually feel too intimate to say. Chances are, they’ll return the favour.
4. Starfish
Yes, Marnie had a bad experience with a version of this on Girls (remember Booth Jonathan and the horrifying doll he asked her to stare at during sex?), but it can still result in electric sex with the right person.
To get there, lie on your back, extending your arms and legs like you’re the prettiest, most radiant starfish in all the sea (you know you would be, were you a starfish). Ask your partner to lie on top of you, matching each of their limbs up with yours. It’ll feel like you’re touching every inch of each other, and as a bonus, you can do a lot of kissing. In this position, you can go for penetration if that’s what you like, or you can focus enjoying the friction this face-to-face sex position provides for, instead.
5. Modified doggy
Most people don’t immediately think of romance when they think of doggy style but trust me when I say it can work. Make just one simple variation to this popular sex position, and prepare to get closer to your partner—both literally and figuratively.
Start by lying flat on your stomach. Then, have your partner position themselves between your legs to enter from behind (they can also reach down to use their hand or a sexy toy). Perk number one: You’ll get full-body contact. Perk number two: An easy turn of your head makes it possible to kiss throughout the action. Who knew doggy could feel so, well, romantic?
6. Straddling
Ask your partner to sit with crossed legs, then settle down on top of them, wrapping your legs around their hips. You’ll both benefit from the eye contact, as well as the myriad opportunities for kissing this position affords.
One quick thing: If you’re having sex with a guy, it’s tough to do regular old in-and-out thrusting. But no matter who you’re trying this out with, you can definitely rely on grinding and friction to get the job done. It’s like switching from intense hip-hop to smooth R&B—except during sex, so it’s way more fun.
7. However, you like it!
Maybe you think the above moves are perfectly nice, but what really makes you feel so much more in love is submitting to someone else during role-play, or looking down into their eyes while you do your thing on top, or introducing your favourite sex toy into the mix.
More than anything, vulnerability is what ups the emotional ante during sex. Something that seems hardcore to one person might translate into major swooning for you, and vice versa. In that case, the only thing you can do to figure it all out is lots of experimenting. Who knew homework could be so much fun?
