In the cutlery drawer of a relationship, at some point, everybody wants to hunker down into the fetal position and become a Little Spoon.
Science says that hugging is good for you, while progressive social politics have spurned the gender norms' antiquities.
We are essentially operating a free-for-all love in of the millennium, the likes of which have not been seen since the 1960s when your mother went to Woodstock.
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But still, out of the 20% of UK couples who do spoon, men who like to be Little Spoon are not quick to confess the so-called blight on their masculinity, with 55% of young males admitting that they're anxious about getting laughed at if they're emotionally open.
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So pervasive are the shackles of masculinity that they go against entirely natural human behaviors.
In fact, science has demonstrated that men who like being Little Spooned sometimes make much better partners.
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Steve McKeown, Psychoanalyst, and founder of The McKeown Clinic, told UNILAD:
"Men that prefer to be the little spoon are more likely to be submissive, sensitive, pleasing and in touch with their feminine side.
A male that is in touch with his sensitive side can be more compassionate and definitely a contrast from the traditional male.
Sensitivity is a very important trait as relationships tend to be complicated and can be problematic in today stress driven society."
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According to McKeown, it also increases emotional intelligence:
"So a male who is in touch with his feelings tends to be more emotionally intelligent than those who are not, which is a major plus point in any relationship as communication is key.
It is also considered men who are sensitive spend much more time with a woman they adore and love, and it’s acceptable to expect a lot more compromise."
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McKeown also stated it is an issue of ‘dominance and protection’ that can refer back to ‘the woman being in charge in the relationship; in other words, she wears the trousers.’
He added:
"The spoon position demonstrates a dynamic in which one partner takes a protective stance over the other. It a vulnerable position that says ‘I trust you.’
This type of protection has once been a stereotype of male dominance over the women but not anymore. Times have changed as women are now somewhat freer to assert their dominance in all aspects of life."
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Therefore, in the name of Little Spooning permissiveness, UNILAD asked several guys who enjoy cuddling why they're pro-little spoons for all.
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George, 22, said that he found being Little Spoon ‘comforting’.
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Stew, 26, joked with a very clear take on the bedroom activity:
"Every man wants to be a superhero… but when you have a naked woman as your cape, you jump right up the food chain of The Avengers.
At the end of the day, men like to be spooned for the same reason as women.
Pushing aside the patriarchal norms of society everyone wants to be safe, and nothing feels more secure than a good old hug."
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Sam, 25, picked up the detailed comparisons:
"I’d say that for the modern gent being the Little Spoon is much like a sit-down wee. It’s one of those things that isn’t normally done but is becoming more and more socially acceptable – particularly as a treat.
I think the stereotypical outdated masculine image is slowly being eroded and more men are becoming comfortable with the idea that sometimes even guys need their head petted and to be told they are pretty."
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Sam, who described himself as ‘shorter than the average male,’ also explained that being Big Spooned is not always a walk in the park.
He added:
"I’m actually just slightly shorter than the average male adult, so Big Spooning often means a mouth full of hair and sometimes difficulty breathing.
I think most of the time it’s not a matter of asking to be little spoon; you just sort of maneuver yourself into the sweet spot. It’s a lot like Ross from Friends and his ‘hug and roll’ technique."
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Apart from being a matter of the heart, spooning is a human right, so it should be enjoyed however one pleases.
Forking jokes aside, a recent report titled Love, Lust, and Loneliness, conducted by Status Online and the Family Stability Network (Fastn) paints a picture of the obstacles young men navigate in their quest for happiness today and reveals a lot of fears and worries.
A concerning 60% worry about being alone, 61% are scared they will be a disappointment in a relationship.
A further 55% are anxious they will be laughed at if they're emotionally open.
The participants describe what they feel to be vital in relationships below:
Reference: Unilad
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