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Physical effort: Medium Control

Intimate Link: sitting crosswise on him at the edge of the bed

The Intimate Link is a crosswise position at the edge of the bed. He lies on his back along the edge of the mattress, with his legs hanging off and his feet on the floor. She sits sideways across his pelvis, perpendicular to his body, facing away from the bed, with her torso upright and both feet on the floor. With one hand on his knee and the other free to touch her clitoris, she sets the pace. The angle of penetration is unusual and deep; there is no eye contact and little body contact.

Also known as: Anna · Criss-cross

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Illustration of Intimate Link: He lies on his back along the edge of the bed with his feet on the floor; she sits sideways across his pelvis, at a right angle to him, feet on the floor, and t
Anatomy and biomechanics

He lies on his back on the bed, close to and parallel with its long edge, head tilted back on the mattress. His legs come off the edge, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. She sits sideways across his pelvis, so her body forms a right angle with his, facing away from the bed. Her torso is upright, her knees bent and both feet on the floor, which carries part of her weight. One of her hands rests on his knee for balance, and the other is free between her thighs to stimulate her clitoris. She moves by rocking her pelvis or rising slightly on her feet, and so controls rhythm and depth. Because she sits crosswise, the penis enters at a lateral angle, which changes the sensation compared with the usual woman-on-top positions. Most of her weight rests on his pelvis; contact is limited to the pelvis and her hand on his knee.

Why this position works

She has the control and her hands free: she can combine penetration with stimulating her own clitoris, which many women find helps them reach orgasm. The crosswise angle produces a different sensation from the usual positions, and some people enjoy it for that very reason. With her feet on the floor, she can regulate how much weight she puts on him and how deep she goes. It's not a position for eye contact or kissing; its appeal is in the novelty and the freedom of movement.

Variations of this position

Variation 1: he stimulates her with his hand

She rests both hands on his knee or thigh for balance, and he reaches across with his free hand to caress her clitoris.

With both hands supporting her, she is more stable and can move more freely. He lifts his free arm and reaches between her thighs from the side; the crosswise position leaves the way open. Rhythm is still hers, while he takes care of the manual stimulation.

  1. Start from the base position, with her sitting sideways on his pelvis and feet on the floor.
  2. She places both hands on his knee or thigh.
  3. He brings his free hand between her thighs and caresses her clitoris.
  4. She tells him the pressure and rhythm she prefers while she keeps moving.

Variation 2: leaning forward over her knees

She leans her torso forward and rests her forearms on her own thighs. Her pelvis tilts and the angle of penetration changes.

Leaning forward moves her weight towards her feet and off his pelvis, and tilts her pelvis backwards, so penetration is somewhat shallower and the pressure falls on a different area. Rising and lowering with her legs becomes easier. Her hand can still reach her clitoris.

  1. Start from the base position, sitting sideways with her feet flat on the floor.
  2. She leans her torso forward and rests her forearms on her thighs.
  3. She pushes with her feet to rise and lower in short movements.
  4. If she wants, she keeps one hand on her clitoris.

Variation 3: a cushion under his hips

A firm cushion under his buttocks raises his pelvis to the height she needs. Useful when the bed is low or she is tall.

Raising his pelvis brings it closer to the height of her hips when seated, so she doesn't have to bend her knees as much and her feet rest flat. The angle of penetration becomes a little more horizontal. His lower back arches slightly, so the cushion should be firm and not too thick.

  1. He places a firm cushion under his buttocks, near the edge of the bed.
  2. He lies back with his feet flat on the floor.
  3. She sits sideways across his pelvis and checks that both her feet rest flat on the floor.
  4. If his lower back is uncomfortable, use a thinner cushion.

✓ Tips

  • The sideways angle puts more strain on the penis: she should move gently, without twisting her hips sharply, and stop at once if there is a crack, sharp pain or sudden loss of erection.
  • Use her feet on the floor to take weight off his pelvis rather than letting it all drop.
  • The bed should be at a height where both can rest their feet flat; if it's too high, a cushion under his hips or a low stool for her feet helps.
  • Use lubricant if needed, especially because the angle is unusual.
  • Use a condom to protect against STIs.
  • Don't hesitate to use your free hand: touching the clitoris is part of the position.

Key facts

Interaction type
Vaginal penetration with the receiving partner sitting crosswise on top, with clitoral self-stimulat
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina and clitoris
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal penetration at a lateral angle, with self-stimulation of the clitoris
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it a romantic position?

Not especially: there is no eye contact and little body contact. Its appeal is in the new angle and in the freedom she has to touch herself.

Is there any risk for him?

Yes: the penis enters at a lateral angle and her weight is on his pelvis, so a sudden twist can bend it. Moving gently and supporting herself on her feet reduce the risk.

Can he also stimulate her?

Yes: with his free hand he can caress her thigh or clitoris (variation 1). The position is very open to manual stimulation.

What if the bed is too high or too low?

Adjust the height so both have their feet on the floor: a cushion under his hips or a stool under her feet usually solves it.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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