Why is it Called Spooning?

Have you ever observed someone speaking about how they enjoy spooning, but may have asked yourself exactlywhat 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 intimacy usually enjoyed in bed but it does not have to involve making love or sexual penetration. It is something women often speak nostalgically about because it is an intimate form of cuddling, where both parties lie on their side and one snuggles up against the other's back so that 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" appearance, where one is laddeling 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 comforting 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, so that the male is 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 characteristically the spoon. The woman trusts 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 advertised to 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 say that spooning is one of the things they miss the most - just going to bed and cuddling up with 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 where they say they like spooning, try not to get the wrong idea.