We’re all for supercharged quickies and over-the-top acrobatics, but sometimes all you want is some good old fashioned sex. It’s nice to slow down, actually look into each other’s eyes, and feel connected. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, reuniting after time apart, or just feeling sweet, here are the 12 most romantic sex positions.
Vanessa Marin is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in all things sex.
Sit up, with your legs loosely crossed in front of you. Have her climb onto your lap, facing you. In this position, you’re mostly grinding against each other. It’s a slow-burn that can be crazily romantic. Nuzzle into her neck and kiss down to her breasts.
Have her lie on her side, with her legs scissored out. Get on your knees between her legs, and enter her. This position can be very tender, and it also frees up your hands to touch her all over.
Both of you lie on your sides, with you behind her. Lift up her top leg to give you more space to enter her. Once you’re in, lower her leg so it’s stacked on top of the bottom one. This is a really sweet, sensual position. You can kiss down the sides and back of her neck, nibble on her earlobes, and whisper into her ear.
Try this variation of spooning. Lift her top thigh and swing it around so it rests on your top thigh. You’ll open up more space for you to reach around and stroke her clitoris, and will give yourself a little more leverage to thrust into her.
Lie on your sides, facing each other. Lift up her top leg and drape it over your top leg. This is a great position for making out. Run your fingers through her hair, or hold her face in your hand.
Lie on your back. Prop your body up by tucking some pillows behind your back, or put your hands on the bed behind your body to brace yourself. Have her climb on top, facing you. She can wrap her arms around your neck. This is a great position for romantic eye contact, and you can both run your hands all over each other’s bodies.
Sit on the sofa as you normally would. Have her climb aboard. Your bodies will be pressed together tightly. She can rest on her knees for slower, more intimate sex.
Have her get on her knees, facing you. Get down on your left knee. Place your right foot flat in the ground in front of you, but out at an angle. Have her drape her left leg over yours, then enter her. This position requires a bit of balance, but the best way for you to get leverage is by squeezing her closer to you. Wrap your arms around her waist and graze your fingertips up and down her back.
You wouldn’t necessarily put Doggystyle and romantic in the same sentence, but this variation can be unbelievably sensual. Start off in regular Doggystyle, then have her lower down onto her belly. You lay down on top of her. It’s as if you were in Missionary, but she’s on her stomach instead of her back. From this position, you can play with the sensitive nape of her neck, whisper in her ears, and gently caress her back.
If you’ve been relying on Missionary a little too much, try this easy variation. Have her squeeze her legs together, then move your legs so they’re on the outsides of hers. You’ll get a slightly different angle and an even tighter fit.
You’re flat on your back again. Have her get on top, straddling you, then lean forward until her face is hovering above yours. She’s more in control here, but your hands are free to touch wherever you want. Try grabbing the hair at the nape of her neck and giving it a gentle tug.
And finally… if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! Missionary is just about as romantic as it gets. Your bodies are pressed together, you’re wrapped up in each other’s arms, and you’re making eye contact. There’s no better way to feel closer.
