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Just Holding
WARNING!! This question and answer is of a mature nature. Parental discretion is advised.

Thomas Saturday, October 9, 2004

Question:

My wife and I are both in our 50's, and as often true in late middle-age, our frequency of genital intimacy has diminished somewhat. However, we enjoy "just cuddling" - holding each other close in bed.

I have 2 questions concerning this: First, is it sinful for us to "just cuddle" when we don't intend to engage in intimacy?

Second, is it sinful for me to touch my wife's body unclothed, such as cuddling together, when we don't intend to have genital intimacy?

My understanding is that spouses being unclothed together and touching is legitimate only when intercourse is intended. Thank you.



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM+


Dear Thomas:

Cuddling is a perfectly acceptable activity. Even non-married couples can "cuddle" (clothed and without "petting").

Married couples, however, can do more than cuddle, but may also, as I understand it, carass each other (clothed or unclothed), even when intercourse is not intended, AS LONG AS such carassing does not result in the man ejaculating outside of vaginal intercourse.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary


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