Foreplay is essential for arousal, intimacy and satisfaction for all partners. However, many couples shortcut this stage in anticipation of “real” sex. Lingering over creative, playful foreplay substantially enhances sexual experiences and connections. This guide provides 30 science-backed foreplay ideas to try for optimal arousal using the five senses.
Redefine Foreplay as Sex Itself
Foreplay is commonly seen as the prelude to intercourse. But this assumption is heteronormative and phallocentric. Broaden foreplay to encompass all erotic, intimate activities that arouse and gratify. By focusing on mutual “outercourse,” couples can escape the pressure to climax through penetration. The journey becomes the destination when foreplay is the main event.
Maximize Eye Contact
Gazing into your partner’s eyes releases oxytocin, forges bonds and conveys lustful intentions. Try extended eye contact before kissing or sex. Tantric eye gazing involves staring into one eye for several minutes while breathing deeply. You can also flirtatiously make eye contact from across the room. Blindfolding alternatively heightens mystery and sensation.
Kiss Thoroughly from Head to Toe
Passionate, expansive kissing elicits intense arousal. Gradually explore more than just your partner’s lips. Trail kisses down their neck, chest, inner thighs and other erogenous zones. Vary pressure and watch their response. Gaze into their eyes between kisses to communicate desire. Let makeouts build in intensity without rushing.
Undress Slowly with a Striptease
Stripping, whether mutual or for your partner, builds exhilarating anticipation. Perform a striptease matched to their favorite music. Move deliberately to unveil yourself inch by inch. Playfully dance as you discard clothing. Maintain flirty eye contact to convey how alluring you find them. Leave masks or stockings on for added intrigue.
Explore Naked Without Having Sex
Simply spending extended intimate time nude together can be highly arousing. Cuddle skin-to-skin without any agenda. Appreciate your partner’s body through languid touching. Groom each other by shaving, applying lotion or giving massages. Naked bonding cultivates enduring sensual energy between you.
Watch Each Other Masturbate
Mutual masturbation allows couples to observe techniques for optimal self-pleasure. Lie facing each other, take turns showing how you like to be touched. Not only is this exciting to watch, it also teaches your partner how to better satisfy you. Do this to learn fantasies or ease into intercourse after a dry spell.
Give Sensual Massages
Massages relax muscles, boost circulation and create intimacy through nurturing touch. Use a high-quality oil and request feedback on pressure. Take time to knead tension from shoulders to toes. Incorporate toys like feathers and fur. Arouse with tantric genital massages. Trade massages then cuddle in bliss.
Get Creative with Sensation Play
Consensually push boundaries through sensation play like spanking, wax, ice, claw fingernails or household implements. Discuss which tools and intensity levels to try, have a safe word. Thorough aftercare is crucial. This thrilling risk-taking together can profoundly deepen bonds and vulnerability.
Apply Lipstick and Makeup to Each Other
Making up your partner enables lingering face-to-face caresses. trail fingertips across cheeks as you blend foundation. Gaze into their eyes blowing on mascara wands. This sensuality reminds you of early dating rituals. Lightly kiss areas as you decorate them with color. Allow time together without sexual pressure.
Indulge in Oral and Manual Sex
Manual stimulation of genitals combined with oral sex provides direct arousal. But avoid rushing into these acts. Begin with parted lips grazing thighs and belly while breathing hotly. Circle closer as sexual tension crescendos. Use fingers and mouth to determine what most pleasures them. Let desire and sensitivity steadily build without force.
Incorporate Sex Toys
Toys act as erotic accessories by providing new sensations. Tease nipples and genitals with vibrators on low settings. Explore couples’ massagers. Rub plush restraints over bare skin. Shop for toys together to make choosing new toys flirtatious. Go slowly and communicate to learn each other’s preferences.
Take a Sensual Bath Together
Lounging naked in a steamy soak promotes relaxation and togetherness. Add a few drops of aphrodisiac essential oils like ylang ylang or patchouli. Wash each other with soft sponges. The intimacy of bathing someone often leads to arousal. Allow sensuality to build without expectations. Then help each other towel off after.
Give Each Other a Sauna or Sweat Together
Working out or sweating in a sauna fills the air with ripe pheromones. Catching a whiff of your partner’s musk can ignite primal lust. After exercising, lick salt from glistening skin. Wade into an icy plunge pool for exhilarating contrast. Shower together after to smoothly transition to slippery wet sex.
Read Erotic Literature Out Loud
Reading erotica aloud engages the imagination and allows couples to safely explore exciting new scenarios. Take turns picking stories that appeal to your respective fantasies. Use sexy voices and eye contact. Discuss favorite passages and any inspiration for your own sex life. This builds intimacy without pressure.
Listen to Sexy Music and Podcasts Together
Music profoundly impacts mood. Create a collaborative playlist with songs that make you think of your partner. Exchange suggestive tracks throughout the day. Put it on to undress each other. Additionally, expand your knowledge by listening to sex podcasts like Foreplay Radio together.
Record Your Sex Sounds
Creating intimate audio keepsakes can be supremely erotic. Subtly record your breathing and moans during solo sessions, then share clips with your partner. When together, use voice memos to capture the sounds of your lovemaking from kissing to climax. Play it back and reminisce over favorite moments.
Roleplay Elaborate Fantasies
Pretending to be someone else liberates hidden desires. Develop elaborate personas and scenarios to act out with costumes and props. A classic is sex worker and client. Or get creative like pirate captain and captured mermaid. Maintain playfulness and laughter throughout. Communication ensures both feel respected.
Incorporate Food and Drink
Feed each other chocolate-dipped fruit or sip champagne from your partner’s bellybutton. Surprise them by trailing whipped cream down their chest for you to lick off. Just avoid getting sugary foods in sensitive areas to prevent infections. Nibble a trailing line up inner thighs. Enjoy the tastes, textures and temperatures.
Focus on Outercourse Positions
Penetration often rushes foreplay and intercourse. Try positions allowing intimate touching without penetration. Rub genitals together in a modified missionary or spoon. Stimulate each other’s thighs while scissoring. Tribadism creates delicious friction. Grind your hips during naked cuddling.
Conclusion:
Prioritizing creative, unhurried foreplay results in better sex for all partners. Savor every inch of your lover’s body through all five senses. Communicate desires openly without judgment. Introduce toys, costumes, food and roleplay into your erotic repertoire. Most importantly, adopt a playful mindset valuing intimacy over orgasm.
Reference
- Adam, Laurie, and George Faller. “Foreplay Radio – Couples and Sex Therapy.” , Apple Podcasts, 2023, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foreplay-radio-couples-and-sex-therapy/id1083324677.
- Cherney, Kristeen. “Love Hormone: What Is Oxytocin and What Does It Do?” , Healthline Media, 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/love-hormone.
