We probably don’t have to tell you that orgasms feel amazing, but there can be so much more to sex than mind-blowing physical sensations. Sex can also deepen the emotional connection between you and your partner, especially when you do it in an intimate way, like the face-off sex position.
The face-off is all about getting close, physically and emotionally. Yes, you’re having sex, but you’re also kinda snuggling and gazing into each other’s eyes (and whispering sweet nothings, if you so choose).
“Face to face intimacy intensifies the emotional connection between the couples,” explains Dr. Valerie Poppel, clinical sexologist and founder of the Swann Center. “Another benefit would be a stronger orgasmic release due to the emotional energetic connection between the couples.”
Grab a chair—no, literally, you might need one for this position—and let’s explore everything you need to know about the face-off sex position.
How to Do the Face-Off Sex Position
The penetrating partner starts by sitting on a comfortable chair or the edge of the bed. The receiving partner climbs onto their lap, straddling them, and wraps their arms around the penetrating partner’s back. From there, the receiving partner can lower themselves onto their partner’s penis or dildo. From there, the receiver can go for a ride—and if they get tired, they can always hover while the penetrating partner holds their hips and thrusts into them.
FYI, the face-off works for vaginal and anal sex. Make sure you use lots of lube either way! “Regardless of the entry point, remember to slow down, breathe with your partner and gaze into each other’s eyes,” Poppel says.
When you’re in position, it should look like the illustration below. (Note that if you’re doing it in a chair, the receiver will be on their feet, not their knees.)
@alliefolino
If you like going fast, the chair variation may be your best bet, since the penetration partner will have support and stability for their back, Poppel says. The penetrating partner can make things more comfortable by putting a pillow behind their back. If you’re opting for the bed version of the face-off, the receiving partner can ease discomfort (and potentially open up new angles) by putting pillows under their knees, Poppel adds.
Face-Off Pro Tip: Try the Tantric Kiss
Face-to-face sex positions, such as the face-off, can be good entry points for practicing tantric sex, Poppel says. Inspired by ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions, tantric sex is a style of sex that promotes bodily awareness and connection between partners, among other benefits. (Sarrah Rose, founder of the sex coaching platform Tantric Activation, previously described tantric sex as ” a system of combining breath, sound, movement and focus to create longer, more intense orgasms, more intimacy, deeper connection, altered states of reality and transcendent experiences during sex.”)
When you’re doing the face-off sex position, Poppel suggests trying the tantric kiss: “Kiss your partner’s lips, but don’t suck or move your tongues for 2 or 3 minutes.”
Jordyn Taylor
Jordyn Taylor is the Deputy Editor of Content at Men’s Health.
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