Sex Column: The Art of Spooning

When polling most of my friends and colleagues about their issues with sex, I did not receive questions about birth control or condoms. Nobody had an issue with hook-ups or relationships. Easily, the number one problem presented to me was what the hell to do after the Big O has come and gone and you’re staring awkwardly at each other unsure of what to do next.

A lot of people like to cuddle, but some do not. If you aren’t sure what your partner would like, throw an arm around them. If they turn away, you can always hug yourself.

If spooning seems to be what you want to do, there may be the problem of what to do with that extra awkward arm between the two of you. This has been called the “awkward arm,” “the moo arm,” “the tentacle” and many other absurd titles. One suggestion would be to use that lower arm as a pillow. That arm could be in charge of the remote, it could hold a phone or give the little spoon a much needed head rub.

Spooning is a lovely time to use for bonding. You can discuss your day, what you liked about the sexy time, some possible future fantasies or you can just skip the romantic stuff and talk about what you’re going to get for dinner.

Of course, spooning isn’t the only option after sex is over. You could just lie there,  grab some food (let’s face it, fornication works up an appetite), turn on the television or part ways because you’re late for class. I wouldn’t suggest leaving your partner to play video games, check Facebook or call your significant other. If none of this seems appetizing, you can always just shrug, get back in the saddle and go for another round.

Laura Elizabeth Donnelly is a senior writing arts major. She is also the president of Lucy/Vox and hopes her boyfriend takes note of this week’s column.