I think the OP means when there is already a cushion there. You know…like on a sofa?
So…fa? But seriously, I see. I’ve never seen anyone do this, in case it isn’t obvious. I mean, I’m sure I’ve seen someone put a cushion on their lap at some point in my entire life, but it has never been worth noting, and I can’t seem to think of any gender or age correlation. Carry on.
Well, I was taught in a Human Relations class that women carry their books with their arms crossed over their chest because they’re protecting their breasts. So, obviously, the cushion is an improvised chastity belt.
ETA: The only thing that kept this class from being totally worthless was learning the cues that a woman is interested in you at a bar. About the only one I remember is when a woman traces her finger around the rim of her glass while she talks to you, you’re getting lucky tonight.
I’ve seen this and done it when I was fat (on a couch with decorative cushions). It’s to hide the stomach or something perceived as unflattering when sitting. The issue is that younger girls seem to be wearing pants with a low rise and shirts that don’t totally cover the stomach, so when sitting, they get a nice roll of bare fat hanging out. Or their shirt is simply too tight and the roll of fat is still there, but covered. My sister, who is overweight, does this all the time.
Well, those stupid decorative pillows on couches are uncomfortable. I will sit down and grab the pillow and put it in my lap. This is so I am not putting it on the floor. If no one is sitting next to me, sure I’ll drop it next to me, but generally the couch is full.
I don’t do it for any other reason.
I do it all the time and always have. I think it’s just something to hide behind. Maybe to hide my belly, but I don’t think a cushion could really do that. Maybe it’s like crossing my arms, making myself a wee bit less accessible?
I was going to call bullshit, but then remembered sitting across from this guy over drinks, then absentmindedly (?) picking up the pepper mill sitting there, and suddenly yeah, we both stopped talking to look at the pepper mill.
whew, hot in here or just me?
I did this as a teen and 20-something. It made me more comfortable. It had nothing to do with my supposed belly (none at that time) and everything to do with me being uncomfortable and shy. Consider it a kind of temporary adult teddy bear.
When I first starting going to therapy (this was years ago–I no longer go), I noticed that I cradled a throw pillow on the counselor’s couch. I felt vulnerable and the pillow helped not feel so intensely.
There is a scene in Little Women where Jo moves a bolster on the couch as Laurie declares his ardent love for her, so perhaps all these women are unconsciously replaying Little Women in their heads and acting out. Doubt this last bit. :dubious: 
Don’t know a thing about tracing the tops of glasses in bars leading to sex. I thought it was the hair toss, the unnecessary touching, and the leaning forward that did that…
I do this all the time and it isn’t because I’m fat (I mean, I AM fat, but a pillow isn’t going to make anybody think I’m Kate Moss or anything). I like to sit cross legged, even on couches, so I stick the pillow in my lap and that makes my lap “higher”-- so it’s more comfy to rest my hands there. Extending my arms that little bit more if I don’t have a pillow isn’t as comfy as with.
I was eating a nectarine at my desk during lunch and reading this. Please send me teh monies for a new keyboard.
TYVM
I do this all the time, especially at my parents’ house (where nobody cares that I’m fat). I’m never wearing a short skirt or anything. Not sure why I do it.
I think it’s because it’s there…and it’s sometimes cold…and it’s something to fiddle with…and it makes it easier to rest my hands.
[Consults handbook] Pepper mill means you’re getting the shocker.
I first read that as “Please send ten monies for a new keyboard.”
I don’t think ten monies will cover it. Would you take twenty five monies?
Took the words right out of my mouth, or I guess out of my finger tips.
I’m not young or female (but I am fat). I often hold the sofa cushion on my lap (and not to hide an erection either). It’s more comfortable than sitting on it.
I used to do that a lot because I felt fat (I really wasn’t) and thought it hid my hideous thighs that spread when I sat down. Also, I don’t like the feel of a pillow, or what the OP called a cushion (the British way of saying “pillow”) between my back and the back of the seat unless it is arranged just so.
I used to do it occasionally, just out of absentminded comfort, not to hide anything.
These days many couches are made quite deep. I’m short, so I’ll often drop a handy cushion behind my back so my knees reach the right spot on the couch to bend down.
Maybe they can carry the cushions with them as they walk with their arms crossed and their eyes looking down.
I’m a dude. I don’t like the pillows under or behind me. I’ve also got some fat friends that sweat if the temperature goes above 60°, so the pillow can give me some warmth.