Behaviors
It is common for women to engage in displays of affection, such as kissing on the cheek or hugging. However, such acts of intimacy are generally regarded as forms of greeting and not regarded as sexual, not being intended to generate erotic sensations or sexual excitement. A kiss on the lips or a prolonged kiss or hug or other forms of touching may, depending on the culture of the people involved, be regarded as sexual or sexually ambiguous.
Performing acts of physical intimacy, such as the touching of a partner's erogenous zones by the use of the tongue or rest of the mouth, or hands, may be regarded as an indicator of the partner's desire for sexual activity. It also acts as an erotic stimuli or turn-on, which generates erotic sensations or sexual excitement in both partners. Allowing such acts of physical intimacy, especially the stimulation of a partner's breasts and nipples, is an indication of either reciprocal interest in a sexual activity or, if unwelcome, of submission. It is the general practice to begin sexual activity with a kiss on the lips, which is usually associated with an indication of emotional attachment. The failure or refusal to give or accept a kiss is commonly taken as an indicator of desire to avoid an emotional attachment, and to dispel such an implication may require an explanation, such as the person having a contagious disease such as a cold.
A woman's mouth, lips and tongue are sensitive erogenous zones which are very commonly used by both partners during the preliminary stages and throughout a sexual activity. They are used for kissing, sucking, licking besides other acts. The stimulation of a partner's breasts is very common as a form of foreplay and throughout a sexual activity. The oral or manual stimulation of nipples is commonly performed on women by a partner, either for itself or as part of other sexual activity. Breast and nipple stimulation of women is a near-universal aspect of sexual activity where the woman is the recipient of sexual attention. The stimulation of a woman's nipples promotes the production and release of oxytocin and prolactin. During the stimulation of the nipples, large amounts of oxytocin are released, which would normally prepare the breast for breastfeeding. Besides creating maternal feelings in a woman, it also decreases her anxiety, increases human bonding and trust.
Oral stimulation of the vulva, clitoris, vagina or anus is commonly practiced between women and, like oral stimulation of the nipples, can include the use of teeth in addition to use of the lips or tongue. Oral sex that involves the stimulation of the woman's vulva, clitoris or vagina is called cunnilingus. The oral stimulation of the anus, called anilingus, is more rarely practiced.
Tribadism is a common non-penetrative sexual act between women. The practice is often known by its "scissoring" position, and is also referred to as frottage or in popular slang as dry humping. It involves a woman rubbing her vulva against her partner's vulva, thigh, stomach, buttocks, arm, or another body part, or the partner doing the rubbing. This may be achieved in a number of sex positions, including a missionary, a woman on top, doggy style, scissoring or other position. It may be accompanied by fingering or penetration with a dildo.
Fingering involves the use of the fingers to massage a woman's vulva, clitoris, vagina or anus. Massage of the vulva, and in particular the clitoris, is the most common way for a woman to reach and achieve an orgasm. Fingering may be self-fingering, one-sided, mutual, penetrative or non-penetrative. It can be performed in most positions, and massaging inside the vagina may stimulate a woman's G-Spot, which may lead to female ejaculation. For some women, stimulating the G-Spot area creates a more intense orgasm than direct clitoral stimulation. For deeper vaginal, anal or oral penetration, a dildo, strap-on dildo or other sex toys may be used.
On occasion, for variety, or on a more regular or routine basis, a partner may assume a passive role during a sexual activity and leave it to their partner to provide their sexual satisfaction. For example, a partner in a doggy stye position is passive and open to a variety of sex acts, generally at the choice of the active partner, such as fingering from behind, massage or stimulation of erogenous zones, such as the genitals, nipples, or buttocks, or receive a playful spank to the buttocks. The active partner can also introduce a sex toy, such as a dildo or vibrator, into the vagina or anus. To ensure passivity and to enhance the feeling of or actual submission, a partner may also take part in bondage or in other BDSM activities. During sexual bondage, the restrained partner is generally open to a variety of sex acts and is unable to interfere in the ensuing sexual activity. She is dependent for her sexual satisfaction on the actions of her partner, who can chose the type and pace of the sexual activity and can introduce sex toys. For example, a pecker gag can be used to gag the restrained partner as well as to require her to suck during sexual activity in a similar manner to an adult pacifier. The active partner has the role of treating the restrained partner as a sex object to be used for her own sexual satisfaction. In fact the active partner may derive sexual satisfaction from providing her sex partner with sexual satisfaction and bringing her to orgasm.
Orgasm in women is often associated with other involuntary actions, including muscular spasms in multiple areas of the body, a general euphoric sensation and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations. The period after orgasm (known as a refractory period) is often a relaxing experience, attributed to the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin.
Sex educator and feminist Shere Hite noted that one of her female research subjects had written, "Sex with a woman includes: touching, kissing, smiling, looking serious, embracing, talking, digital intercourse, caressing, looking, cunnilingus, undressing, remembering later, making sounds, sometimes gently biting, sometimes crying, and breathing and sighing together."
Read more about this topic: Lesbian Sexual Practices
Famous quotes containing the word behaviors:
“Numerous studies have shown that those adults who feel the most frustrated by children—and the least competent as parents—usually have one thing in common.... They don’t know what behaviors are normal and appropriate for children at different stages of development. This leads them to misinterpret their children’s natural behaviors and to have inappropriate expectations, both for their children and themselves.”
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