What your sofa sitting position says about your relationship
Whether it’s a relaxed night in with a movie, or a box-set binge with a takeaway; chilling out on the sofa with our partners is usually when we’re most relaxed. But have you ever wondered why you and your partner sit just the way you do on the sofa together - and what it says about your relationship?
We certainly did! So we teamed up with behaviour expert Adrianne Carter to find out what your body language might be unconsciously signalling - and of course, recommend the perfect sofa so you can both cuddle up (or not!) in total harmony.
Cuddle Huddle
Cuddle huddlers can’t wait to get close. Whether that involves an arm draped over shoulders, a hand on a leg, or a subtle lean in, this sofa sitting position is a clear display of mutual intimacy and comfort. It also acts as an unspoken reassurance by telling each other, “We’re physically and mentally checked in”.
The Cuddle Huddle is most common at the start of a new relationship - the ‘honeymoon period’ - when a couple can’t get enough of each other. For couples who are a few years in and still doing the Cuddle Huddle, it’s a sign of a very strong relationship. Snug sofas, such as Cuddler Sofas, are the order of the day here, keeping couples close while also being a great solution for those working with a smaller space.
Mirror Image
A slight deviation from the Cuddle Huddle is Mirror Image. In this position, both partners sit next to each other with a small distance between them. In this instance, however, distance isn’t a sign of disconnection; it’s a sign of familiarity and closeness that needn’t be shown by touching each other all the time.
The body language in this position might include lounging out with feet up on a footstool or sitting side-by-side in a double recliner. Partners in the Mirror Image are likely to adapt and often subconsciously copy the other’s body language. For instance, sitting with arms crossed and feet up during a film or twisted with feet pointed towards one another.
The two people in this relationship prefer to show intimacy more covertly while also maintaining a degree of individuality. This is a common seating position for those in long-term relationships, but it can also be a sign of a new couple who understands each other straight away.
The Big Divide
The Big Divide seating position is designed around distance, with each person taking their space at opposite ends of the sofa. However, they’re not mirroring each other’s body language. Instead, they are treating the distance as an intentional gap to tease out extra space.
The Big Divide is an outward display of independence, with each person’s needs being prioritised. Physical priorities, such as getting in the most comfortable position and being in the best view of the television, are some of the core reasons for The Big Divide while seeking temporary separation from the other is another potential cause.
Separation isn’t always a bad thing, especially if both partners bee-line for their “spot” upon returning home. If this sounds like you, consider opting for a sofa with seat cushions featuring a foam core, which will keep their shape without the need to plump!
Boss Sitter
There’s often one person in the relationship who has the final say, and they are easy to spot when it comes to the Boss Sitter position. The “boss” takes up the most space with legs draped over or near the other person, often at a sideways angle to take up the maximum sofa surface area. While not quite as intimate as the Cuddle Huddlers, this position still keeps things close with physical touch, albeit with a more fluid approach to comfort.
The Boss Sitter position might look like a statement of power imbalance in a relationship, but more often than not it is a sign that a couple is relaxed, aware of one another, and happy with the status quo in their relationship. For the partner who is in a relationship with a Boss Sitter and is likely scrambling for space, consider a chaise sofa or a matching footstool to cover all your bases.
A Family Matter
This seating position is all about inclusivity, bringing in your loved ones – whether a pet or a child – into the family portrait.
For couples in this position, the sofa takes on a role akin to the family dining room table, where family time is paramount.
Pets or children are placed in a cocoon of care, with both parents enjoying an intimacy that isn’t just about them – but about the whole family unit. Corner sofas are often good choices for large families (or large pets!) as you can maintain that familial closeness without losing out on valuable lounging space.
Which category do you and your partner fit into?
Finding a sofa that suits both people in a relationship can be tricky, which is why we’ve launched a handy new tool to help. The Love at First Seat tool is an easy way to match you with your sofa style and product recommendations, so couples can share and compare results - and hopefully find their perfect sofa to keep everyone happy!
