If you’re anything like me, as soon as the spring semester started, you began to feel an utter sense of dread and anxiety. With an influx of lectures, exams and papers headed our way, we’re going to need some ways to work off our stress.
Despite a variety of coping mechanisms, when I get anxious, I turn toward my tried-and-true method: an orgasm. As I’ve grown more comfortable and experienced with my sexuality — coupled with the input of some friends — here are some sex positions that can help you make your load feel lighter by taking in someone else’s.
Missionary
OK, I know most of us are familiar — and likely tired of — this classic sex position. And for a long time, I wasn’t a huge fan of it myself, never sure where to put my hands, where I should be looking or how to move my body.
However, since exploring it further, I think missionary is criminally underrated. It’s applicable to nearly any combination of genitals, allows you to be closer with your partner and has a diverse array of variations. Put your legs over your partner’s shoulders or behind your head — the latter of which is often known as the “valedictorian,” which is better than the 4.0 ball, in my opinion.
Doggy
I’m sure we’ve all heard of this canine-nicknamed sex position, in which one partner bends on their knees and, well, takes it as a dog would.
A fan of doggy myself, I understand that it can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable or tiring, which is why a variation — sometimes referred to as the “flatiron” — is a perfect solution. This takes the typical doggy position, only instead of sitting on their knees, the receiving party lies on their stomach, lifts their legs backward and enjoys.
Cowgirl
I lost my virginity to a self-proclaimed horse-riding equestrian girl, so I know a thing or two about riding. In all seriousness, I’m a huge proponent of cowgirl for the control and autonomy it gives me during sex.
While this position can be done from behind for reverse cowgirl, my personal favorite variation of it is known as the “cowgirl’s helper,” in which the party on top puts less pressure on their legs and moves their weight to their partner’s chest, helping alleviate stress (and some of the workload).
Standing up
I’m going to be honest: Having traditional penetrative sex standing up is a tricky one. Depending on the participating parties’ respective body types and autonomy, it can be hard to get things to line up and for lethargy to not take over.
My favorite way to have sex standing up, however, has often been referred to as “yourself on the shelf” or the “upstanding citizen”: The receiving party wraps their legs around their partner midair. While this position can get a bit tiring, its combination of passion and mobility may keep you coming back for more.
From the side
If I’m being honest, my favorite time to have sex from the side is when I’m already pretty worn out. Similar to missionary, however, this position allows for a variety of modifications, whether that be facing forward, backward or whichever direction you’re feeling.
In fact, having sex from the side while performing a 69 — in which both partners provide and receive oral sex simultaneously — is particularly helpful, especially if you have trouble reaching each other’s genitalia while lying down.
While there’s likely too many sex positions to count, here are just a few classic ones (and their respective variations) to try if you’re ever curious, stressed, bored or, above all, horny!
