First, friendly cuddling is generally more platonic and less intimate than romantic cuddling. Secondly, while both types of cuddling involve physical contact, romantic cuddling often involves more kissing and caressing than friendly cuddling does.
Platonic cuddling versus romantic cuddling
The partners are different - The main difference between platonic cuddling and romantic cuddling is who the partners are. Platonic cuddling can take place between friends or family members, while romantic cuddling is between romantic partners.
Platonic cuddling is when two people come in close proximity to one another without any sexual intentions or expectations. Cuddles is one of the ways to show someone you care about them.
No, platonic cuddling relationships do not have to involve spooning or cuddling in bed, though this is quite a popular activity. If you prefer, you could just cuddle side by side on the couch, or something less intimate. Some people may just feel comfortable with hugs, back rubs and/or head massages.
Of course. Friendship is friendship. There's a difference between “I'm cuddly because we're friends and I want affection and we're close,” and “I'm cuddly because I'm attracted to you and I want to be close to you.”
Yes, platonic friends – just friends with no romantic or sexual attraction – can experience physical intimacy like cuddling. You might also hug or hold hands. Being physically intimate with your friends can be one way to strengthen your bond if it's something that both parties are comfortable with.
Platonic kissing is defined as a kiss between two people who are not in a romantic relationship and do not have romantic feelings toward one another. As “kissing the homies” is normalized more within younger generations, students shared their opinions about getting more intimate with their friends.
It can simply be an expression of the care that you have for each other, and it can take any form that is consensual and desired by each person. Opening up your friendship to include more hugs, hand-holding, kisses, cuddling, and more can bring in a level of connection and vulnerability that is completely new.
It's often pretty rare for a guy to cuddle with just any girl. Many guys save cuddling for their romantic partners and may be unwilling to cuddle with someone they have no romantic feelings for. On the other hand, some guys may use it to communicate platonic affection between friends casually.
Two people lie sideways and back-to-back. It provides a sense of closeness without the discomfort of intertwining limbs, says Hess. Here, one person lies on their back while the other cozies up to their side. A hybrid of the classic "spooning" method, this position allows for room to touch and talk.
Friendly Hug. To tell when a hug is platonic, look for side hugs or an A-frame stance (with shoulders and upper chests touching but hips further apart), as well as brief embraces.
While in many Western nations this could be seen as unconventional social behavior, for them it's a perfectly normal activity. There is nothing sexual or specifically romantic about holding hands in India. Rather, it's an expression of platonic love between two or more individuals.
Of course. Friendship is friendship. There's a difference between “I'm cuddly because we're friends and I want affection and we're close,” and “I'm cuddly because I'm attracted to you and I want to be close to you.”
Cuddling is typically a sign that a person is interested or has affection towards you, but it doesn't necessarily translate into love. Regarding how they feel about cuddling, some people believe may see it as incredibly intimate, while others enjoy cuddling even in platonic friendships.
Don't Cuddle
Cuddling encourages intimacy, which is a no-no with your FWB. You want to keep things simple, and spooning can complicate them.
If you're in a romantic relationship with a guy and he cuddles you, it's likely a sign that he feels close to you and enjoys being physically intimate with you. Cuddling can be a way to express love, tenderness, and intimacy without necessarily engaging in sexual activity.
One study of 90 couples found that people mostly reported falling asleep while physically touching their partner, most commonly in a spooning position.
"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.
Some men or women like cuddling because it makes them feel your protector. They like to feel strong and make you feel safe and loved. Oxytocin, released during cuddling, has been shown to increase trust, enhancing the feeling of making you feel protected.
You can cuddle and not spoon, but spooning is a specific type of cuddling. Spooning can be platonic, but it can also be used before, during, or after sex. Couples may use it as foreplay before sex, or spoon after sexual activity.
This may blow your mind: it's also ok to cuddle to sleep with friend if you are not single! With any action, as long as the people involved are clear on what is and is not on offer here and gives enthusiastic consent, then it's ok.
Just because the practice of platonic kissing isn't familiar to you doesn't mean it's not common elsewhere. "Platonic lip kissing is found in cultures around the world, between friends, family, and sometimes even strangers as a means of greeting," says Allison Moon, author of "Girl Sex 101."
Platonic flirting is flirting with a platonic friend, with no intention of romance, and no desire for sex. You might find yourself giving your platonic friend compliments, touching their arm, or giggling with them. This can be natural and harmless, as long as both parties feel comfortable.
Platonic love is friendship without romance or sex, whereas romantic love leans heavily toward physical intimacy (sexual or otherwise). Though romantic love can begin as a platonic friendship, it can also start with sexual attraction and intimacy and, over time, develop into something deeper.