To Cuddle or Not to Cuddle?

To Cuddle or Not to Cuddle???

We can all agree, cuddling is something you either love or hate … both of which have benefits. It is strange to think that not wanting to cuddle can make your partner feel like you are being distant, that you have intimacy issues and can go as far as to hurt their feelings.

Chelom Leavitt, a relationship educator and current Ph.D. candidate, conducted a study about the association between physical intimacy and relationships. The results found that physically intimate activities like cuddling lead to more satisfying relationships. However, she pointed out intimacy can be initiated in many ways including cuddling, but also communication.

Communication is key and it is all about the delivery. Don’t like to cuddle? Do you enjoy more personal space while you sleep? Be open with your partner about how your aversion to cuddling does not have anything to do with the way you feel. After all, there are benefits to not snuggling, such as less body heat, being able to move without waking your partner, more legroom, the list goes on and on.

On the flip side, great news for those of you who love to cuddle, cuddling actually has several health benefits! According to Feel Happiness many of these benefits stem from the fact that cuddling and any physical contact in general stimulates the release of Oxytocin also known as the “trust” hormone, which gives your brain a sense of intimate bonding with those you are with.  A few of the benefits include, a significant reduction in stress/cortisol levels, improved sleep, healthier relationships and improved emotional intelligence.

Cuddling may be the answer to those of you looking for new ways to become happier and healthier. For those of you who dread cuddling, the famous “hug and roll” from the ever-popular Friends TV series may be something that interests you.