The Art of Snuggling

One of my favourite fantasy in the world is undoubtedly coming home to my boyfriend and cuddling with him.

I adore that feeling so much, I always feel forlorn when I think about how I'm not able to have it.

Even before I started work and had the luxury of time, I loved every single moment of it.

Currently, especially since I'm overwhelmed with my new job, this little activity is a rarity. It instantly makes my day better! Aaand, of course I eventually end up not doing any of the work I brought home but hey - my life before work, right?

Now, I also think there is an art to snuggling. Snuggling requires proactive action from both parties.

Awwww...

NO.

This is not the right way to snuggle. The bear is barely even doing anything. Look at him! He's just lying there, looking all smug.

Sure, I understand some people might get a little sweaty from sharing body heat and you might want to stop cuddling after a while. But tell me, how hard can it be to simply drape your arm over your beloved?

It's a splendid bonding activity with only benefits to offer!

1. Hugging can heal feelings of loneliness and elevate one's mood.

Self-explanatory. Unless you're hugging your nemesis, in which case this situation will never arise so this point is not valid.

2. Hugging boosts self-esteem. 

From birth, the cuddles we receive from Mom and Dad is imprinted into our memory and conjures associations of self-worth, telling us that we're loved and special. (So that's why the bear is so smug)

3. Hugging offers health benefits.

Hugs releases the stress-reducing hormone, oxytocin. With regular hugs and conversely lower stress, it can lower the risk of heart disease, boost the immune system and fight infections. 

You, the non-snuggler. You need to stop being selfish.

We give and we receive, and there is value in snuggling and cuddling - we learn how love flows both ways.

Snuggling is an investment into the relationship.

"Maybe if I hold her tight enough, she'll fuse into me and we'll always be together."

Anyway, sleep time.

Alone.

Gotta go get Mr. Bear.