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Holly3278
Guest
Hi everyone. Is fully clothed cuddling with a member of the opposite sex a sin? 
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Tantum_ergo
Guest
If you have to ask. . .
Just kidding.
Seriously now, it can be. It depends on the persons. It depends on whether the cuddling becomes more than a simple gesture of platonic or ‘agape’ type of love into something that arouses lustful desire.
I know people who can ‘cuddle’ for a couple of hours watching a movie and not have any thoughts of ‘lust’ or even the beginnings of arousal–others (yes, even fully clothed) couldn’t be 2 minutes ‘cuddling’ without wanting to go ‘further’, without ‘thoughts’, stimulation, ‘objectification’ of the other person, etc.
Usually, men being men and women being women, and ‘body contact’ (yes, even fully clothed) leading to thoughts of what ‘body contact’ can lead to (sexual thoughts/actions), it is not a really good idea to ‘cuddle’ (even fully clothed) for very long, and certainly not without discussing with the other person just exactly what your relationship is now and what you see it being.
If this is a ‘new’ boyfriend, say, and you’ve been out having dinner together, talking together, having a good night kiss, and then you’re sitting in your dorm room or your living room in the evening and you ‘cuddle’. . .well, most guys are going to get the idea that you want ‘body contact’ and that body contact will gradually build up (for most) into a desire for ‘deeper’ or more ‘arousing’ contact.
If this is a friend of long standing, with whom you have discussed your intentions (no sex before marriage, no being in ‘occasions of sin’, strong Catholic faith, etc.) and you are out on a cold winter night and you ‘cuddle’ together while standing quietly at your front door for 2-3 minutes before walking over to the coffee shop for a latte, that’s another story. You’re not in a position where it looks like you might want to go ‘deeper’, you’re not in an area where things could ‘heat up’ (like a living room, dorm or bedroom), and especially, you both know what to ‘expect’.
So now, you tell me. Is the cuddling you’re thinking of the kind that could lead to danger though the other party being ‘unknowing’ of your purity intentions, through ‘propinquity’ to the bedroom or a ‘private’ area where things could get ‘frisky’, or done with the intent to ‘tease’ or ‘gratify’ desire just for the ‘feeling’ and then for you to rear back, affronted, with “What kind of girl do you think I am” when you have been pressed up against him (even fully clothed) for half an hour, letting him get rather, uh, heated. . .
or is it a few brief minutes of ‘hugging’ for affection’s sake (and affection without any thought of lust or objectification or ‘what if’), in an area of safety away from bedrooms or areas that could indicate you don’t want to be ‘seen’ doing what you’re doing, done with both parties’ full knowledge that neither wishes to be an occasion of sin and both fully intend to refrain from immoral actions?
This is from the mother of two 20-something daughters, one 20-something son, and who was once young herself back when I was the “Dancing Queen”, LOL***
Just kidding.
Seriously now, it can be. It depends on the persons. It depends on whether the cuddling becomes more than a simple gesture of platonic or ‘agape’ type of love into something that arouses lustful desire.
I know people who can ‘cuddle’ for a couple of hours watching a movie and not have any thoughts of ‘lust’ or even the beginnings of arousal–others (yes, even fully clothed) couldn’t be 2 minutes ‘cuddling’ without wanting to go ‘further’, without ‘thoughts’, stimulation, ‘objectification’ of the other person, etc.
Usually, men being men and women being women, and ‘body contact’ (yes, even fully clothed) leading to thoughts of what ‘body contact’ can lead to (sexual thoughts/actions), it is not a really good idea to ‘cuddle’ (even fully clothed) for very long, and certainly not without discussing with the other person just exactly what your relationship is now and what you see it being.
If this is a ‘new’ boyfriend, say, and you’ve been out having dinner together, talking together, having a good night kiss, and then you’re sitting in your dorm room or your living room in the evening and you ‘cuddle’. . .well, most guys are going to get the idea that you want ‘body contact’ and that body contact will gradually build up (for most) into a desire for ‘deeper’ or more ‘arousing’ contact.
If this is a friend of long standing, with whom you have discussed your intentions (no sex before marriage, no being in ‘occasions of sin’, strong Catholic faith, etc.) and you are out on a cold winter night and you ‘cuddle’ together while standing quietly at your front door for 2-3 minutes before walking over to the coffee shop for a latte, that’s another story. You’re not in a position where it looks like you might want to go ‘deeper’, you’re not in an area where things could ‘heat up’ (like a living room, dorm or bedroom), and especially, you both know what to ‘expect’.
So now, you tell me. Is the cuddling you’re thinking of the kind that could lead to danger though the other party being ‘unknowing’ of your purity intentions, through ‘propinquity’ to the bedroom or a ‘private’ area where things could get ‘frisky’, or done with the intent to ‘tease’ or ‘gratify’ desire just for the ‘feeling’ and then for you to rear back, affronted, with “What kind of girl do you think I am” when you have been pressed up against him (even fully clothed) for half an hour, letting him get rather, uh, heated. . .
or is it a few brief minutes of ‘hugging’ for affection’s sake (and affection without any thought of lust or objectification or ‘what if’), in an area of safety away from bedrooms or areas that could indicate you don’t want to be ‘seen’ doing what you’re doing, done with both parties’ full knowledge that neither wishes to be an occasion of sin and both fully intend to refrain from immoral actions?
This is from the mother of two 20-something daughters, one 20-something son, and who was once young herself back when I was the “Dancing Queen”, LOL***
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chaz0426
Guest
Hell no. However it it leads to further things like petting and stripping which then usually leads to sex then you should avoid it. But if you are fine doing it and go no further and are in full self control it is not even nearly a venial sin. We are human beings and need affection. Physical contact/connection with that significant other is really important in a relationship. I say this out of experience.
Withholding from that can cause a lot of built up tension and anxiety in long term relationships. However should you do it on the first night? It depends on how comfortable you both are with each other.
I personally cuddle all the time and I really like it as a guy and find no reason how it could be nearly sinful unless it goes to far.
I’ve even slept with my girlfriend/ past girlfriends fully clothed and on a bed with no problem what so ever.
It all depends on your self- control. I’m fortunate to have pretty strong self control when cuddling.
Withholding from that can cause a lot of built up tension and anxiety in long term relationships. However should you do it on the first night? It depends on how comfortable you both are with each other.
I personally cuddle all the time and I really like it as a guy and find no reason how it could be nearly sinful unless it goes to far.
I’ve even slept with my girlfriend/ past girlfriends fully clothed and on a bed with no problem what so ever.
It all depends on your self- control. I’m fortunate to have pretty strong self control when cuddling.
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strngrnrth
Guest
If either of you has realistic reason to expect it to be sexually stimulating or arousing to either of you it is a near occasion of sin (lust) I believe.
If not, then as long as you avoid scandalizing anyone I don’t see why not.
I used to be young (no, really, it was in black and white then but I was), and didn’t think cuddling could have anything to do with lust, but I was naive. It’s astonishing how many divergent activities have the capacity to incite lust.
If not, then as long as you avoid scandalizing anyone I don’t see why not.
I used to be young (no, really, it was in black and white then but I was), and didn’t think cuddling could have anything to do with lust, but I was naive. It’s astonishing how many divergent activities have the capacity to incite lust.
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Wirraway
Guest
no. enjoy your youth. odds are overwhelmingly in your favor that cuddling will not derail your life, and that in the fullness of time you will develop into a God-fearing adult, happily married with enough common sense not too worry obsessively about ordinary human activity.
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editorofmylife
Guest
No, cuddling is not a sin, as long as you know that the both of you have full control over your body and minds. As long as there is nothing “impure” going on physically or emotionally then it is perfectly fine. I unfortunately have been in both situations and when I was dating 1 guy we could lay down and curl up on his couch and be fine for say 5-10 minutes and then forms of physical contact were made. I’ve dated other guys who I could sit on a couch with all night and possibly even fall asleep with and there would never be anything going through the mind or physical at all.
So It all depends on self control.
So It all depends on self control.
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Fierology
Guest
I’m a new member to this forum, so, 'ello.:whacky:
I’m a young man of 19 years, and what I’m reading here irks me slightly.
Be very wary of cuddling. The Catholic motto surely isn’t “Anything but sex.” It’s purity, in its purest sense. The sex part is taken care of I see, none w/o marriage.
But cuddling can be very dangerous! How you see it is a matter of how far you’re accustomed to letting your mind go. Some may not consider certain thoughts lustful, but these thoughts can still degrade a relationship. I admit, I’m not too experienced w/ this stuff. It’s too crucial to leave it to trial and error, but don’t, please don’t let the Evil one fool you,
The devil tells his targets that harmful things aren’t harmful, or aren’t significant. Just be critical, ask the Spirit for guidance, look to Mother Mary for her purity.
And it’s not so much these little “shouldn’t do’s” (though I don’t disregard their importance) as what you should do. Couples praying together is incredibly awesome and so important. It’s not a magic potion for keeping relationships together, (I know,) but it brings spiritual growth for two people loving each other.
It fosters respect and beautiful love.:hug3:
In this pure, beautiful, Godly romance the focus is on the other’s benefit in Christ, and when it’s mutual, it reflects back upon oneself. Whether marriage is the ultimate result or not, Spiritual Growth and Closeness To God is what is achieved.
-Michael
I’m a young man of 19 years, and what I’m reading here irks me slightly.
Be very wary of cuddling. The Catholic motto surely isn’t “Anything but sex.” It’s purity, in its purest sense. The sex part is taken care of I see, none w/o marriage.
But cuddling can be very dangerous! How you see it is a matter of how far you’re accustomed to letting your mind go. Some may not consider certain thoughts lustful, but these thoughts can still degrade a relationship. I admit, I’m not too experienced w/ this stuff. It’s too crucial to leave it to trial and error, but don’t, please don’t let the Evil one fool you,
The devil tells his targets that harmful things aren’t harmful, or aren’t significant. Just be critical, ask the Spirit for guidance, look to Mother Mary for her purity.
And it’s not so much these little “shouldn’t do’s” (though I don’t disregard their importance) as what you should do. Couples praying together is incredibly awesome and so important. It’s not a magic potion for keeping relationships together, (I know,) but it brings spiritual growth for two people loving each other.
It fosters respect and beautiful love.:hug3:In this pure, beautiful, Godly romance the focus is on the other’s benefit in Christ, and when it’s mutual, it reflects back upon oneself. Whether marriage is the ultimate result or not, Spiritual Growth and Closeness To God is what is achieved.
-Michael
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Simon_X
Guest
Hi Michael,I’m a new member to this forum, so, 'ello.:whacky:
I’m a young man of 19 years, and what I’m reading here irks me slightly.
Be very wary of cuddling. The Catholic motto surely isn’t “Anything but sex.” It’s purity, in its purest sense. The sex part is taken care of I see, none w/o marriage.
But cuddling can be very dangerous! How you see it is a matter of how far you’re accustomed to letting your mind go. Some may not consider certain thoughts lustful, but these thoughts can still degrade a relationship. I admit, I’m not too experienced w/ this stuff. It’s too crucial to leave it to trial and error, but don’t, please don’t let the Evil one fool you,
The devil tells his targets that harmful things aren’t harmful, or aren’t significant. Just be critical, ask the Spirit for guidance, look to Mother Mary for her purity.
And it’s not so much these little “shouldn’t do’s” (though I don’t disregard their importance) as what you should do. Couples praying together is incredibly awesome and so important. It’s not a magic potion for keeping relationships together, (I know,) but it brings spiritual growth for two people loving each other.
In this pure, beautiful, Godly romance the focus is on the other’s benefit in Christ, and when it’s mutual, it reflects back upon oneself. Whether marriage is the ultimate result or not, Spiritual Growth and Closeness To God is what is achieved.
-Michael
Welcome to the forms, although all advice I’ve read is right on, i must compliment you for such wisdom for your age. Not meant to be an insult, just very impressed…Good job!
Just a quick add on from some one a bit older. Cuddling between unmarried folks can indeed lead to the occasion of sin. But what a great blessing and moment of love it is between married couples and between parents and their children. I really miss those days when our kids were little and how we loved to cuddle and watch TV or read a story to them…
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Wirraway
Guest
with all due respect, you need to unwind.
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