What is petting
It is sensual touches without penetration. Passionate embraces, kisses, erotic massage, gentle playful touches, and even mutual masturbation—all of this relates to petting. Although the word is not often used in everyday life, most people have engaged in it at least once.
Many couples forget about this pleasant practice over time. And that’s a shame, as it brings just as much pleasure as sexual intercourse. Orgasm is harder to achieve here, but it is possible. It all depends on your sexuality and knowledge of erogenous zones—both yours and your partner’s.
What types of petting are there
Scientists distinguish The Encyclopedia of Sexual Behaviour, Volume 2 three types.
1. Necking
Any touches above the waist fall under this type, whether clothed or unclothed. The genitals are not touched during this.
Necking brings particular pleasure to those whose erogenous zones are located in the upper part of the body: neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen.
2. Superficial
This includes touches through clothing on any parts of the body, including below the waist. This option is ideal if you and your partner are in a public place. Although even in a home setting, such practice can be quite exciting.
3. Deep
Partners can touch each other naked, move below the waist, masturbate, and use sex toys.
Why you should engage in petting
1. You can practice anywhere
Unlike touches with penetration, petting is easy to try anywhere. In a café, cinema, dark corner of a park, or fitting room.
One could argue that people also engage in sex in public places for thrills. But if you are seen during sexual intercourse, it will be at least uncomfortable, and at most—could attract Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for lewd acts Resolution of the Plenary Session of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of December 4, 2014, N 16 "On the judicial practice in cases of crimes against sexual inviolability and sexual freedom of the individual" , for instance, if children see you. But kisses and embraces are unlikely to embarrass anyone as much.
2. Petting is very diverse
You can try a variety of options:
- gentle strokes on the back, arms, thighs, buttocks;
- slaps;
- pinching of nipples, arms, thighs;
- bites (just don’t overdo it);
- passionate embraces and kisses;
- kisses on the neck, face, chest;
- sucking on the earlobe;
- partial undressing of your partner;
- warming erogenous zones with breath and soft touches;
- scratching the skin;
- licking;
- massage.
There can be other touches; it all depends on the partners' imagination.
3. Petting is safer than sex
Without penetration, the chance of contracting STDs or getting pregnant is significantly lower. Only those who engage in deep petting and touch their partner's genitals are at risk. The microbes that cause venereal diseases are found Understanding Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in sperm, blood, and vaginal secretions, very rarely in saliva.
To be well prepared, here are a few simple recommendations:
- Wash your hands before petting.
- If you touch your partner's genitals, don't touch your own afterward and don't lick your fingers. After petting, wash your hands with soap.
- It's better to touch the penis with a condom, and the vagina with a latex sheet or cut condom.
- During deep petting, use lubricant to avoid friction and microtears.
4. It helps to discover your partner's erogenous zones
Many people don't even think that touches with fingers, earlobes, abdomen, or inner thighs can bring unreal pleasure.
Erogenous zones are different for everyone. To make your partner feel really good, you need to know them. Finding them is really only possible through practical means because sometimes even the holder doesn't realize certain zones.
Keep in mind that the same area of the body reacts differently to stimulation. For example, biting the nipples might cause discomfort, while gentle touches with lips and warming with breath may have the opposite effect.
5. Suitable for those who are not yet ready for sex
If you are unsure about your partner or for some reason don't want to have sex with them yet, prefer petting. It is a standalone practice Petting: what is it and what does it involve , and it doesn’t have to end with penetration.
Moreover, petting will allow you to get to know the person better. If in response to touches they immediately put their hands in your pants, and you don’t want that, think about whether to continue such a relationship.
6. It's a great reason to try sex toys
The selection is huge and certainly doesn’t end with dildo and vibrators. Of course, they can also be used, but pay attention to less common options for stimulating not just the genitals, but other erogenous zones as well.
For example, clamps or clips for the nipples, massage oils, handcuffs, satin ribbons, feathers.
What to buy
- Nipple clamps with a chain from Pipedream, from 1,350 rubles →
- Clips with tassels for nipples from Crazy Handmade, from 1,170 rubles →
- Leopard fur handcuffs from Toy Joy, 950 rubles →
- Leather spiked handcuffs from Shots Media BV, 3,190 rubles →
- Feather tickler from Pipedream, from 360 rubles →
- Satin eye mask from California Exotic Novelties, 2,310 rubles →
- Stimulating massage oil for two from Mixit, 595 rubles →
- White jasmine scented massage oil from Sunday Rain, 390 rubles →
