A new study in UK points out that many women do not like bedtime cuddles. It says that it is the men who are really fond of nighttime hugging, while one out of three women force themselves into doing it, to avoid annoying their partner. This breaks the popular stereotype of women wanting to be hugged in bed.
Cuddles express comfort, support and a desire to share personal space. Hugging has proven health benefits, it reduces your blood pressure and stress while increasing your levels of oxytocin a hormone associated with bonding and other positive feelings. It's not only girls that like to cuddle!
Cuddling can be a sign that someone likes you, but it's not a definitive indicator. But does cuddling make you fall in love? Cuddling often signifies emotional closeness, trust, and affection, which are commonly associated with romantic feelings.
In addition to the health benefits of cuddling, nuzzling up to a partner can also help people stay warmer at night. People who get cold during sleep may find it helpful to cuddle with a partner, while those who sleep hot may want to maintain a little extra space or try positions with less contact.
Cuddling releases "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.
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.
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.
The focus of this blog post, however, is cuddling between romantic partners. 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.
Emotionally, sleeping next to someone means reduced anxiety, a sense of safety, improved sleep quality, and increased happiness. Sleeping next to someone can also create a stronger relationship bond.
This action is mostly due to the hormone oxytocin. As oxytocin levels are often higher in girls; hence, cuddling seems to be more beneficial for women. Cuddling is an excellent way to de-stress and create intimacy.
Frequent And Playful Touching
If she playfully pats your arm or rubs against you while you are sitting down, it could mean she wants to be closer to you. She also might want to hug you or be open to an invitation to be hugged. The more often she touches you, the more likely it is that she is interested in you.
Men need cuddling.
“Men Need to Cuddle More Than Women,” says L.A. Weekly. “Guys like to cuddle more,” says MSNBC. “Cuddling key to happy relationships—for men,” says CBS News. Don't bet on it.
Hold your girl close to your body.
Have your girl put her head on the fleshy part of your chest, and snuggle up at your side. Put your arm around her while she gazes out. Alternatively, you can face each other. Put your girl's head on your chest and wrap your arms around her.
She can lean on your legs, lap, chest, side or arms. But one of the best and most comfortable positions is to lay on your back and let her lay by your side with her head on your chest while your arm is around her and you're hugging her. This lets you relax completely and feels amazing for the girl.
Bedtime couple intimate activities include cuddling, massaging, kissing, and making love. Sleeping habits are also essential for couples, and couples should lie down together whenever possible.
Although more research is needed, experts believe pleasant touch from a loved one may stimulate release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is believed to promote social bonding and relieve anxiety. Gentle touch can also alleviate symptoms of stress and depression, which may be helpful if stress keeps you awake at night.
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.
According to a new study, the culprit is our old friend oxytocin, a.k.a. the "love hormone." Its levels shoot up whenever we make physical contact with someone important to us. It's widely understood that its reward system plays a crucial role in deepening the bond between two lovers.
There is nothing more intimate than a half-spoon cuddle. It involves one partner lying on their back and the other on their side. As you lay on your side, keep your arm over your partner's chest and your head cradled by the nook in their arm.
You can put both arms around his neck and keep one palm gently on the nape of his neck. If your arms are around his neck, run your fingers softly through the hair at the base of his neck. If your arms are around his torso, rub his back gently. A behind-the-back hug can also be a good way to hug a guy hello.
"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.