September 19, 2007 | Sex Life

Nip, nip, hooray!

There's really no biological reason for men to have nipples. We don't suckle our young, after all. And they sure as hell don't shoot laser beams! Yet each one of us has been outfitted with these two round, somewhat sensitive dots smack dab in the middle of our pecs. Why?

Well, boys, isn't it obvious? Sexual stimulation! Most men like their nipples to be touched, and a cool breath against one will send shivers down the spine. They even become hard whenever something else (hint: it rhymes with menis) gets erect.

So consider this your prep course. Welcome to Nipple 101... 

There are only two parts of the nipple we need to concern ourselves with. The flat, round part is the areola. The pointy bit in the middle is the actual nipple. Simple, eh?

Why the heck is he still wearing his tie?

When first approaching a nipple, be gentle. Treat it like a timid kitten. If you charge in chomping and twisting, you'll simply scare it off. As it becomes accustomed to your touch, you can play a little rougher. Wait for your partner's moans, or screams, to determine if you're doing it right.

If using your fingers, glide them softly over your buddy's chest. Small circles work best. With each circle move closer to the areola, brushing passed while never quite making contact. Watch the nipple stiffen. Pause, lifting your fingers away. Wait. Then give the nipple a playful pinch.

Have a small pocket rocket or tiny vibrating butt plug? Awesome. Try turning it on and placing it against the very tip of the nipple. Ice cubes also work wonderfully. The frigid cold will cause goosebumps to flare across your partner's whole body.

Hungry? Play with chocolate, whipped cream, or honey. Dribble it on, then slowly lick it off. Again, as with your fingers, slide your tongue in gentle circles before flicking the nipple's tip. You can then tease the areola while leaving the nipple exposed to the cool air.

He's a nipple vampire!

A word about biting: be careful! Yes, there are guys into tit torture (TT), but let them dictate how rough they want you to be. This is also important when using tit clamps or clothes pegs to inflict a little pain in your sex play. But for your average joe, just brush your teeth against the pointed center. Some more timid men will even prefer it if you cover your teeth with your lips to soften the bite.

Adding a blindfold can improve any of these experiences. By keeping your partner in the dark about which nipple you are about to touch, lick, kiss, or bite you add an extra, and very welcome, thrill.

Befriend a nipple today! You'll be glad you did.