What is Spooning?

Have you ever read or heard people talking about how they like spooning, but have wondered exactly what they were talking about? Is it some unusual sexual position or could it simply be a form of affectionate or even passionate embrace? This article explores the concept.

"Spooning" is a form of embrace normally enjoyed in bed but it does not have to involve lovemaking or sexual penetration. It is something women often speak fondly about because it is an intimate form of cuddling, where both participants lie on their side and one snuggles up against the other's back and both of them have their legs bent forward so that the buttocks of one "sits" into the groin of the other. This in effect creates a "spoon" formation, where one is ladling the other, as it were.

The feeling that spooning can give a woman, of being tucked into her man's big warm body, his broad chest against her smaller back, his strong arms wrapped around her, is possibly one of her most enjoyable things in the world. She can feel so safe, warm, cared for and loved. It is very intimate yet comfortable. Some say that nothing beats it.

Whilst it is useful for pregnant women, the woman does not always have to be in the front, making the male the spoon. The one in front is sometimes called the spoon-ee and as such, is in a more vulnerable position, since the one behind has more control. This may be one reason why the man is typically the spoon. The woman trust him and is content to feel his warmth behind him.

The original meaning of spooning was dating. When a couple went out on a date they had to carry an overly large decorative spoon with them. This told everyone that they were on a date. Everyone watched them to make sure they "behaved" while out on their date. How times have changed!

There are a many men and women on forums and dating websites who that say spooning is one of the things they miss the most - just going to bed and cuddling up next to someone. If you read their profiles they just want someone to cuddle with and be with. A lot of people welcome spooning and cuddling with or without sex. It's only natural to want touch and comfort someone.

So in summary, while spooning can be part of a sexual encounter, it doesn't have to be and in fact, is not normally implied in the term. So next time you're reading someone's online profile and they say they like spooning, try not to get the wrong idea.