# Aside from sex, what physical sensation makes you feel good? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 21, 2013, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425 "2013-11-21T14:03:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/41 "2013-11-21T18:07:46Z")
> [@dracoi](#): > > It’s so funny that you and several others like this so much. I’m the exact opposite. There are few things in life as nice as climbing into an ice cold bed with nice smooth, crisp sheets. When I was a kid, I used to stay at my grandparents house where I got a whole king-size bed to myself. I could wake up in the middle of the night, scoot over to the other side where it was still cold, and enjoy that sensation over and over again. Thank Og! I thought I was alone in my distaste for a warm bed. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/42 "2013-11-21T18:08:09Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > +1 > > Warm beds only work when the air outside is freezing. _Then_ they are heaven! > > (IMHO, it’s a gender thing. My wife likes warmth, I like it cool. From these 2 data points, I thus drew my conclusion. 🙂 ) Yeah, I love to wrap myself up like a burrito when it’s cold outside. In the winter months, I’ll purposely turn the thermostat down to 65 for that very reason. Sleep like a baby. I also love it when I’m laying on my stomach and my cat walks on my back. Then he’ll stat doing that kneading thing cats do on my shoulders giving me a little kitty massage. ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/43 "2013-11-21T18:18:18Z")
I’m somewhere between the hot bed / cold bed camp. I love getting into a cold bed and slowly warming up. Then when I’m warm I’ll stick a leg outside the bed and lay it on top on the cold covers. Once my leg is almost uncomfortably cold I’ll tuck it back in the toasty warmness. Lather, rinse… Freshly laundered Irish linen is a must for this technique. ---
**Author:** ![Macca26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@Macca26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Macca26)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/44 "2013-11-21T19:14:50Z")
See, I prefer a warm bed with a cold spot, if that makes any sense. I love moving into a slightly chilled spot after I’m already warm, as it enhances the sensation of being warm more. However, the problem is getting warm in the first place. I have been known to try and take a nap and after an hour and a half fully covered in bed, my legs and feet are still cold. Sometimes it is impossible for me to warm up my bed on my own, and there’s nothing worse than not being able to feel warm in bed (okay there are worse things but I am a pampered first world person). That’s your likely explanation for folks who want their beds already warm. ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/45 "2013-11-21T21:15:13Z")
When I have an upset stomach and the cat curls into it and starts purring. Makes me feel so much better. A good stretch. The kind that actually hurt a little while you are doing them but make you feel so relaxed afterward. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/46 "2013-11-21T21:55:40Z")
Knorf, I knew a guy whose answer would have been very similar to yours. I think his real answer though was “the combination of adrenaline and endorphins released in my body when I really injure myself.” All I can say is use self-discipline; he wound up in a wheelchair. Re hot/cold bed: I hate to be hot while I sleep, but there’s nothing like jumping into a really hot bed. It’s like slipping into a hot bath, it just leeches all the stress out of your muscles. PK, I used to keep the house pretty cool in the Winter, maybe 60 or 65 degrees. I would set the electric blanket on high, get the bed nice and toasty, and then turn it off right before I got in, so I wouldn’t be baking all night, just for the first 10 minutes or so. ---
**Author:** ![James\_Toothpaste](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e56c9b/32.png) [@James\_Toothpaste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/James_Toothpaste)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/47 "2013-11-21T21:59:36Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Hey, he said “aside from sex.” How is that sex? ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/48 "2013-11-21T22:03:30Z")
I like that feeling that I get when I climb the rope in gym class. ---
**Author:** ![jabiru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bbce88/32.png) [@jabiru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jabiru)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/49 "2013-11-21T22:18:11Z")
A hot shower after getting caught in the rain. A hot shower after three days camping in the mud with no facilities is even better. ---
**Author:** ![Wargamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df705f/32.png) [@Wargamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wargamer)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/50 "2013-11-21T22:21:06Z")
> [@lieu](#): > > When the barber puts hot shaving cream on my neck and straight razors’ it off. Preach it brother, preach! ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/51 "2013-11-21T22:29:59Z")
> [@TheFaerie](#): > > Having my back scratched (you ladies know the place, right where the bra straps rub all day). Mmmmm. The weird thing is I haven’t worn a bra in ten years but I still have that same happy feeling when I’m scratched there. Get it just right and I’d be shaking my leg if I was a dog. I do get that silly grin going though. My big one is tasting and chewing, especially alternating sweet and salty, crunchy and creamy all in the same sitting. It’s calming to chew. ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/52 "2013-11-21T23:12:28Z")
Feeling a baby’s fuzzy head against my cheek. Feeling a baby’s cheek against my nose. Having a baby fall asleep on my chest. The sensation of my teeth biting down on a thick piece of rare steak. Cool (not freezing) night air on my face after a long car drive in a warm car. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/53 "2013-11-22T00:25:39Z")
Lots of bed responses! I’m in the camp with the cooler bed being warmed up by my body heat slowly over time. Another bed-related one: feeling cool air, either from a fan or a nearby open window in the late fall, like now, breezing across my face as I’m all tucked into bed. Also, the accompanying white noise from a fan lulling me to sleep. Cracking my knuckles after a long day…peeling off my shoes and socks after a long day… One thing I am able to do almost at will that feels pretty…interesting is to send chills up my spine. Can anyone else do that on command? It almost makes my eyes roll back into my head and I shudder slightly when I do it. Really weird. Also, a huge gulp of cold, fresh, brisk air that fills the lungs to capacity on a cold day. What about textural and tactile sensations, like the wispy, tickling brush of grass blades on the palm of your hand as you wave it over the tops of the blades, or the way crunchy peanut butter echoes in your mouth and head when you bite into it? Perhaps the textural sensation of eating some seared foie gras with a cracked black pepper pineapple gastrique drizzeld over it resting atop a toasted slice of brioche that’s soaking up all the meaty, buttery, pillowy goodness? ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/54 "2013-11-22T00:37:25Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > Yeah, and the release of defecation is a good feeling too, especially when you are delayed in some way getting to the crapper. Yes, and this is going to sound bad, but when it is solid enough to stretch and hurt just a little bit. I’d be ashamed to say it but I’ve learned from the Dope that I am not unique in anything I come up with. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![brainstall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/35a633/32.png) [@brainstall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brainstall)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/55 "2013-11-22T00:42:35Z")
At the end of the day, taking my bra off and giving the girls an all over rub, especially where the underwire was. Not erotic, just feels nice to set them free. Slipping into a hot soaker tub when I’ve been chilled and can’t warm up. Next best is the hot pool at the local pool. The hot water feels so good getting in after a swim in the big pool. If there’s no one else there (happens sometimes) I love to float on my back and just drift until I bump up against the side. I swear I could fall asleep in there. ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/56 "2013-11-22T01:34:35Z")
Standing up on a motorcycle at 120 mph. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/57 "2013-11-22T02:39:51Z")
-Burying my cold face in warm kitty fur -Jumping a course of fences on my horse, and getting so in synch with him that it feels like telepathy -That first mouthful of hot, slightly sweet tea when it’s just a titch below the scalding point -Lying out in the sun on a spring afternoon when the sun is hot but the breeze is cool -The feel of writing with a soft lead pencil on really good paper ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/58 "2013-11-22T02:59:42Z")
Strangely, I like bonding with dogs and I get a kick out of being licked. Not in any kind of perverse sexual manner, but meeting a strange dog and being accepted by a few licks is a very pleasant experience for me. Not sure why. ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/59 "2013-11-22T03:16:19Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Strangely, I like bonding with dogs and I get a kick out of being licked. Not in any kind of perverse sexual manner, but meeting a strange dog and being accepted by a few licks is a very pleasant experience for me. Not sure why. It’s flattering, I think, because it goes beyond mere acceptance by a being not only a complete stranger but of a different species. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425/60 "2013-11-22T04:01:13Z")
Laying down in a hot bath and closing my eyes. Hugging my kitty. Feeling the sun on my face on a chilly day. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-sex-what-physical-sensation-makes-you-feel-good/674425.md?page=4)