All about petting: how to practice it?
We have all heard of petting and we think we have practiced it at some point, but as with many of the terminologies related to sexual practices, it is rare that you ask two people what petting is and they give you a common definition.
As happens with the term messing around or hooking up, the limits of what it is and what it is not, are diffuse, since for each one it implies more or less sexual contact. However, this concept is very well defined and has a clear definition of what practices it implies, which includes and even a separation in degrees depending on their level of intimacy.
Perhaps many of you think that petting is a practice aimed only at adolescents and that it is part of other times, but after reading about it, you will see how it is part of your sexual habits more than you thought.
What is petting?
Petting encompasses all those practices or intimate caresses in which there is no penetration and whose purpose is to increase sexual arousal. The term was born in the 70s and comes from English, it is a derivation of the verb to pet . It has begun to become popular because its limits are clearer than when other terms such as coiling are used.
Although its limits are clearer, it encompasses a wide repertoire of sexual activities, ranging from caresses over clothing and kisses, to oral sex. Hence, a classification in degrees has been made.
This practice is usually done by adolescents who are entering their sexual life and are gradually discovering their sexuality. Also, for those people who decide to preserve their virginity until marriage but want to enjoy a pleasant sex life. And for almost everyone who has sex in the moments leading up to intercourse.
Petting guide: the bases of its practice
Petting encompasses all those practices performed by the hands or lips that do not include vaginal or anal penetration. Some experts include sexual toys and oils in these practices, but others consider that these exceed the limits considered by petting.
The objective of this sexual practice is to know one’s own and the other’s sexual mapping, improving the relationship with the sexual partner and increasing arousal. It must be agreed with the couple prior to practice to avoid possible frustrations or disappointments, because if one of the two wants to go further and the other is not satisfied, it can create discrepancies. As in everything related to sex, communication is fundamental and that each one marks their limits.
The three degrees of petting
Three degrees of petting have been differentiated depending on the intensity and level of sexual contact reached with its practice:
● Grade I: this stage might not even be considered a sexual practice by some, due to its subtlety and the little involvement of the genitals and erogenous zones. Specifically, it is based on establishing the first contact with your partner and beginning to create that feeling of closeness through shaking hands, hugging and, of course, kisses. Although it may seem something limited only to adolescence, it also works for the first phases of sexual arousal.
● Grade II: This phase is the most popularly known. Includes caresses all over the body, including the simulation of intercourse, but on clothes. It implies a further degree of sexual contact and intimacy.
● Grade III: In this phase, a further step is taken, caresses are performed under clothing or even without it. They also include the other’s masturbation and oral sex. In this phase, it must be taken into account that it is already necessary to use a condom, since with oral sex there is a risk of spreading an STD.
Why petting? all your benefits
Petting has numerous advantages. As it is a practice whose purpose is to know and stimulate the erogenous zones, it strengthens the bond with the couple .
As it does not involve penetration, it is a contraceptive method in itself, you will not have problems of unwanted pregnancies. This does not mean that condoms should be dispensed with , because although in petting the possibility of becoming infected by an STD is greatly reduced, by involving oral sex it does not totally limit contagion.
It also helps to discover pleasure beyond penetration, since many people only consider that they have had sex when there is penetration. It also serves as a stimulant in sexual intercourse, establishing penetration as something prohibited, favoring morbidity.
In addition, it provides alternatives to couples who have been together for a long time and who need to revive their passion, as well as those who have sexual problems that make penetration difficult or impossible, such as vaginismus or erectile dysfunction.
In conclusion, petting is a sexual practice that helps both to get to know yourself better and to get to know your partner. It has numerous advantages, since it facilitates the establishment of affective ties, helps to get out of the sexual routine and is also among the safest sex practices. Do not close yourself to new experiences and try to include it in your sexual routine.
