The ancient Hindus knew it. The Romans knew it. Everybody knows it, even if they don't always admit it: there's an almost infinite variety of ways to make love, so why do we settle for boring old missionary and doggy-style positions?
It's a real mystery, not least because the way you make love can totally change the experience, and millions of people miss out on life-changing orgasms simply by failing to experiment. Don't be like them. Use this simple guide to find a position that delights both you and your partner.
The first thing to note about sexual positions is that they are about much more than just finding ways to penetrate your lover more deeply. The way you position yourselves when you make love brings many other things into play. But, most importantly, you can either come face to face as you fuck or lose eye contact completely.
A good way to start is by choosing a position that lets you look into each other's eyes. Establish intimacy, smile with your eyes, then start moving onto wilder, more athletic techniques. Eye contact is the foundation stone upon which everything else gets built.
When you start to make love, don't leave it up to one partner to maintain momentum. Positions like the missionary require the guy to work harder, and limit the woman's scope to express herself. Mixing it up with some time in the Cowgirl position can give each partner a chance to shine.
Here's another weird trick that people forget: Sex doesn't have to take place on the sheets of your bed either. Standing positions like the "Ballet Dancer" can allow quicker, deeper penetration.
All you need to do is to stand, facing each other. Now, the female partner raises one of her legs as the male penetrates her straight away. It's quick, simple and great for quickies.
Another great idea is to experiment with different rooms of the house. For instance, the kitchen is a great place to broaden your sexual horizons. In fact, the height of work surfaces and tables seems to have been designed with sex in mind.
When you're in the mood, put down your spatula, shove away your plates and find a little space to perch. All the guy needs to do is turn off the gas and get to work.
If you've ever watched porn, you're probably familiar with some of the more physically demanding sex positions, but have you ever actually tried them?
If not, here's the thing to remember: positions like the Wheelbarrow are great fun, but they take strength and flexibility.
By all means try them, but do a few stretches before you do so, as nobody wants to pull a muscle at the crucial moment.
For many people, sex from behind is all about doggy-style, but that's ridiculous. Doggy generally involves assuming a crawling position, but you can also experiment with the Flatiron. In this case, women lie face down with straight legs, then slightly raise their hips, creating a sensuously curved profile that guys can't resist. It's a great variation on a stale old position.
When you start trying out different sexual positions, remember that your partner will be experiencing new sensations. You might be penetrating her deeper than ever before.
She might be reaching orgasm more quickly, or experiencing tightness. It could be uncomfortable if you thrust too hard and too quickly, so be attentive to what she says and find the perfect rhythm for each position.
Sex is really all about orgasms, when you get down to it, but here's the funny thing: most guys don't have a clue which positions bring women to orgasm the fastest. One way to do so is by working your shoulders into your sexual routine.
Try positions like The Fusion, which involves your partner putting her legs on your shoulders. If she gets tired, you can switch to The Spider, with her feet on the bed again. It's a great way to create variation in the sensation of penetration, which helps to create faster, more passionate climaxes.
Sometimes, experimenting with sex positions can seem weird, but don't assume that because a position seems strange, it won't work. Take the Snow Angel for example.
Here, you lie facing in opposite directions and the man penetrates "in reverse" as the woman sees his buttocks rising and falling. The reverse penetration is an amazing feeling, and there's always scope for a rimjob if all goes well.
Worried about the girth or length of your penis? Here's one great trick to compensate: Sex positions could be the answer, not expensive pumps or fraudulent pills.
Positions like the Flatiron or the Corkscrew that involve the woman tightening her thighs together can make up for smaller endowments by making her vagina seem tighter.
Sex positions also aren't just about full-on sex. The way you approach cunnilingus is also really important. One thing to remember is that women experience more pleasure when their vagina is tilted upwards and the man's tongue can approach at an angle.
So add a pillow underneath her pelvis to slightly raise her up. It makes a big difference. You could also ask her to sit on a chair and open her legs, Basic Instinct style. Then, kneeling on the floor, you can really stimulate her into a fever of sexual anticipation.
Nobody should limit their sex life to traditional positions. If you do, you'll be short changing both yourself and your lover.
Both men and women can engage their kinky imaginations and find positions that intensify their intimacy, lead to more pleasurable orgasms and are simply great fun. So don't be shy. Experiment. You won't regret it.