Hold me close: Embrace your inner cuddle buddy with this no-holds-barred snuggle guide

As titillating as trying new sexual positions can be, holding your partner without penetration can be just as exciting. Whether it’s a post-orgasm bonding opportunity or an intimate conversation on the couch, cuddling is an enjoyably tactile way to show affection. Here are a few to get you started, but half the fun is exploring your own. Find a bed, couch or blanket in a park and snuggle your partner until you find a favorite cuddle position.

1. The come to mama: Possibly invented by Sigmund Freud, the “come to mama” is the physical equivalent of comfort food. The first partner lies flat on her back, bends knees and opens legs to a mildly spread-eagled position. The second partner positions herself between the other’s legs so that she’s lying belly-down with her head nuzzled in the first partner’s bosom. Her arms should bend so that forearms are on the mattress and palms curled around the bottom partner’s shoulders. The first partner should use her arms to embrace the top partner, pulling her closer.

2. The pelvic pillow: Perfect for a movie rental date, the pelvic pillow is a classic couch position. One sits upright on the couch while the second lies down on his side, placing his head softly in his partner’s lap. The first partner strokes the other’s hair with one hand and places the other hand on her partner’s shoulder. The partner lying down can fold arms across chest or keep them straight with hands placed in between knees.

3. Spooning: In case you’ve been living under a rock since your pre-pubescent stage, here are some directions to the oldest cuddle in the book: spooning. Lie on your sides with one partner’s chest to the other’s back. The partner with his chest to the air should form a natural S-position, while the partner behind should contour his body to fit his partner’s shape. The partner in front should rest his hands under his face in prayer position. The other should rest one arm extended on the bed with the other arm wrapped around his partner’s chest, playing with the nipples if so he chooses.

4. The lazy Sunday: An acceptable position for any day of the week, the lazy Sunday is comfortable and easy to slide into. The first partner lies flat on his back with one hand resting behind his head. The second partner lies on his side, facing the other’s chest. The second partner bends his top arm and places his hand across his partner’s ribcage, while wrapping the other arm across his own chest so that his hand rests just beneath his shoulder blade. The first partner brings his free arm down around the back of his partner’s neck and across his back to hold his partner’s hand at the bottom of the shoulder blade.

5. The full-contact cuddle: For couples who are feeling distant, the full-contact cuddle could help bring you closer together. Lie on your sides, chest to chest with your partner. Intertwine your legs so that one partner’s leg remains on the bed and his other leg is between the other partner’s legs. The other partner will have one leg in between her partner’s, and her other leg on top of his. The partner with the higher legs should lift her arms over his head and wrap them around him, lightly squeezing to bring his chest and pelvis into hers. The other partner should embrace accordingly, with one arm under her body and the other around her side.