"Scissoring" is sex act that is often mentioned in jokes and popular culture. You may have heard about it in a raunchy sex comedy, or maybe one of your friends smashed two Barbies together to replicate the act in a crude way. 

However, scissoring is a real sexual position that not only feels great, but is an empowering and intimate way for two people with vaginas to pleasure each other. 

So, if you and your partner both have vaginas and have never "scissored" before, you're missing out on an incredible way to experience pleasure together. Let's learn what it's all about!

What is Scissoring?

Scissoring (also known as "tribbing") is a sexual act where two partners lie on their sides, face each other, and rub their vulvas together. To put it simply, the act resembles two open scissors pressing against one another, which is where it gets its common name. This sexual position is usually reserved only for two partners with vulvas, as anyone with a penis could suffer and injury trying to replicate it. Scissoring is a famous sapphic sexual position, and one that empowers women who love women.

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What are the Benefits of Scissoring?

Scissoring is a great way for two people with vulvas to become closer and pleasure each other in many ways, including:

• It promotes eye contact for more intimacy and a deeper connection

• It allows locking of the lips

• It's very versatile and offers many positions to hit the right spot

• It pleases two clitorises at the same time

• It can be modified to promote dual penetration with a dual-sided dildo

Sounds great, right? However, before you and your partner get started, it's important to remember that you should talk to each other about this position, especially if neither of you have ever tried it before. You should never introduce a new sex position to your partner without knowing their expectations, sexual desires and preferences, no-go zones and boundaries, and comfort levels. Remember, sex is only sex with consent, clear communication, and clear understanding of boundaries and comfort levels. Both parties should be comfortable before, during, and after any sexual position!

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How Does Scissoring Work?

Let's break down the steps to creating the best scissoring experience for both you and your partner:

• After clear communication and mental, emotional, and physical preparation, the first thing both you and your partner should do is to lube up. Scissoring can be physically demanding and even strenuous, so lubrication is important to make it as smooth, comfortable, and pleasurable as possible. There are many kinds of lube on the market, but we recommend water-based lube because it's body-safe, lacks chemicals that might burn or chafe you, and promotes hydration! Water-based lubricants also lack artificial scents or colors that might trigger allergic reactions, but it's always important to go through the ingredients and materials of anything you're going to use with your partner, asking them about their allergies and previous experiences along the way! With that done, lie on a bed with your partner. Make sure that both of you are positioned in the center of the bed. You'll be moving around, so starting in the center will help ensure that neither of you fall off the bed in the middle of scissoring.

• Now, both you and your partner have to lie down on your sides. Make sure that both of you are facing each other and get your bodies as close as possible. If either partner needs to get more comfortable due to preference or mobility issues, you could place a pillow under their hips for added support.

• Now it's time to let your vulvas meet! Your legs should cross over one another, ensuring stable leverage so that both of you can grind comfortably. Before moving on to the final step, both parties should take the time to warm up a bit. You can use your fingers or a sex toy to rub your vulvas and clits, doing this until they show visible signs of being turned on. For example, clits swell up with arousal. 

• The last and most important step is to grind! Scissoring is much more than just two vulvas hitting each other, you want to make sure that both your clits meet, rub together, and stimulate each other. Both parties should experience an equal degree of physical stimulation, but you can enjoy scissoring even further if you add another layer of stimulation on top of it. Why not use sex toys for added pleasure, like our amazing Pomi Wand? This amazing wand massager features 10 vibration patterns, giving you plenty of settings to ensure that your clits are absolutely spoiled for pleasure!

Scissoring Positions to Try

Once you've got the basics down,  you're now ready to try new and exciting positions to get even more out of your scissoring!

Twist It

This position puts a *twist* (pun intended) on the classic scissoring position. One of the partners should be facing the other end of the bed, almost like the 69 position but with both vulvas meeting in the middle!

Slide In

This is another refreshing take on the classic position. One partner lies on their back while the other lies on their side, fitting their body between their partner's legs. The partner lying on their side will have a lot of control over their movement, giving them a degree of control of their partner. This is the perfect position for a little dom-sub action!

Cross My Heart

This position may be a little harder to pull off than the others, but it's worth it! Here, one of the partners lies on their side while the other fits themselves between their legs, while also lying on their side. This position is for a couple that's experienced with scissoring, as it allows both parties to control their movements in a wide variety of ways!

Frequently Asked Questions  

Can you get an STI from scissoring?

It's always better to be safe rather than sorry. Remember, scissoring is still a sexual act, and you should always get yourself checked before engaging in any sexual activity. Remember to be considerate and mindful of your partner. Go to Mashable to learn more!

Is scissoring exclusive to women who love women?

While scissoring was originally created as a sapphic sexual position, it can be employed by just about anyone. Sexual pleasure should have no boundaries, and there are always ways to modify sexual positions so that they feel great for you and your partner!

Can I orgasm through scissoring?

According to Healthline, you absolutely can! However, it's important to remember that everyone's body is unique, so what works for some people may not necessarily work for you. It's best to keep an open mind and experiment with many different positions. Be patient and remember that there's nothing with your body if you don't like a position. Just keep exploring and you're sure to find the position that gives you an amazing orgasm! Who knows, scissoring might be the perfect one for you!

Should I stretch first before scissoring?

According to Cosmopolitan – yes, you should! Remember, any sex position is more enjoyable if you stretch regularly. Scissoring is a sex position that works more muscles than most. It requires balancing and staying in one position to pleasure both yourself and your partner. So make sure to warm your muscles up and limber up before you lube up! 

Conclusion

It's important to remember that, while scissoring has often been ridiculed as a way to demean lesbian women, it's still an enjoyable and empowering sex position that can be enjoyed by almost anyone!

Just remember that, to enjoy it, both you and your partner should be aware of what it entails and of each other's preferences, desires, expectations, and boundaries. If you have any questions or concerns about scissoring or any other sex position, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional or trusted sex counselor. Happy scissoring!