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#386 Intimate Medium

Narcissus

Gaze at your reflection in your partner's eyes during lovemaking.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. James Chen, Board-Certified OB/GYN
Narcissus sex position illustration - Gaze at your reflection in your partner's eyes during lovemaking.
Penetration: Medium
Stimulation: Gspot & Clitoral

About This Position

A face-to-face position where both partners maintain intense, unbroken eye contact throughout. Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, this position encourages self-reflection through your partner's eyes and deep emotional connection.

Best For

Deep eye contactEmotional connectionSelf-reflection

Anatomy & Physiology

Muscle Groups Involved

  • Glutes
  • Hip flexors
  • Core
  • Inner thighs

Angle of Penetration

Straight-on, medium depth with adjustable angle

Targeted Pleasure Zones

ClitorisAnterior vaginal wall

Body Contact Points

Chest to chestPelvis to pelvisHands on hips or chestFace to face

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Dim the lights and create a soft, reflective atmosphere — mirrors nearby can enhance the self-reflection theme of Narcissus.

2

Both partners lie face to face, eyes open, positioned so their gazes lock immediately — unbroken eye contact is the foundation of this position.

3

The receiving partner wraps their legs around the penetrating partner's waist while both maintain intense, loving eye contact — no looking away.

4

Enter slowly at a straight-on angle while the receiving partner sees their own reflection of pleasure in their partner's eyes — this mirror effect is the Narcissus experience.

5

Move with deliberate, slow rhythm — each thrust should be accompanied by maintained eye contact, letting the receiving partner see the effect of their beauty on their partner.

6

Combine physical movement with emotional expression — say what you see, what you feel, reflect the beauty you witness in your partner's eyes.

Safety & Precautions

Warnings

  • ! Communicate with your partner about comfort throughout.

Modifications

  • * Use pillows for support and comfort.
  • * Adjust the angle or depth based on your partner's feedback.
Flexibility: Medium Joint Stress: Moderate Pregnancy Safe

Generally safe during pregnancy — adjust depth and pace for comfort.

Medical References & Sources

The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by certified health professionals. The following peer-reviewed and authoritative sources were used in developing this guide:

Health Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying new positions, especially if you have back pain, joint issues, are pregnant, or have any medical condition. Stop immediately if you experience pain.

Pros

  • + Creates deep emotional intimacy
  • + Encourages unbroken eye contact
  • + Intensely personal
  • + Can be very moving

Cons

  • - Can feel too intense for some
  • - Requires emotional vulnerability
  • - May make some uncomfortable

Tips

  • * Maintain soft, loving eye contact
  • * Focus on the emotions in your partner's eyes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right technique, small errors can reduce pleasure or increase injury risk. Here are the most common mistakes couples make with the Narcissus position:

Closing eyes during climax

The entire point of Narcissus is seeing yourself through your partner's eyes. Closing eyes at the peak of pleasure removes the emotional mirror that defines this position.

Looking away from discomfort

The intensity of sustained eye contact can feel vulnerable. Looking away avoids the intimacy rather than working through it — communicate instead.

Making it purely physical

Narcissus is about emotional reflection through your partner's gaze. Treating it as just another face-to-face position strips the mythological depth.

Rushing the buildup

The slow, gazing approach builds emotional intensity. Fast, urgent movement breaks the reflective trance and becomes ordinary sex.

Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic Narcissus, these variations can add new sensations and keep things exciting:

1

Add a Pillow

Place a pillow under the receiving partner's hips to change the angle of penetration and enhance stimulation.

2

Incorporate Manual Stimulation

Use hands to add clitoral or other external stimulation during the position for enhanced pleasure.

3

Slow Down the Pace

Switch from thrusting to grinding for a more intimate, sensation-focused experience.

4

Try Different Surfaces

Move from the bed to a couch, standing, or against a wall for different angles and experiences.

Share this position

SM

Written by Dr. Sarah Mitchell

Certified Sex Therapist, PhD in Human Sexuality

JC

Reviewed by Dr. James Chen

Board-Certified OB/GYN, 15+ Years Experience

Last reviewed: July 2026 | Content medically verified | Meet our full team

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