Love bites, also known as hickeys, are a common occurrence for many couples. A hickey forms when someone sucks or bites down on the skin hard enough to break superficial blood vessels. This causes the skin to darken into a red or purplish mark that can last for days or weeks. While hickeys are mostly viewed as superficial marks of affection between couples, their placement does matter. Certain areas are seen as more acceptable places for love bites than others. This article will explore common locations for hickeys and social norms surrounding their placement.
Neck
The neck is the most common and socially accepted place for hickeys, especially on the sides and front area. This area is highly visible when the neck is exposed, allowing a love bite to act as a territorial “mark” that indicates someone is taken. Hickeys on the front or sides of the neck are the easiest to do since these areas have thin, delicate skin covering the neck muscles and blood vessels. The thin skin means hickeys take shape faster with less suction needed compared to other body parts. Culturally, neck hickeys are seen as symbols of passion and intimacy. However, extremely high hickeys near the jawline or throat are sometimes viewed as distasteful or over the top for public wear.
Shoulders
The shoulders are another common spot for hickeys, especially the junction where the neck meets the shoulders. The skin here has many blood vessels close to the surface, allowing for easy hickey formation. Shoulder hickeys are viewed as intimate but less overtly sensual than neck hickeys. They can be partially hidden by tops with short sleeves or covered fully with shirts. Some people find shoulder hickeys more discreet for work or school since they are less noticeable. Though intimate, shoulder hickeys are socially acceptable for public wear.
Collar bones
The shallow hollows above the collar bones, known as the suprasternal notch, is a discreet area for hickeys. This region has very delicate skin and is sexually stimulating when kissed or touched. Hickeys around the suprasternal notch are intimate but can be kept hidden behind tops and dresses. However, the hickey may peek out at times, so discretion depends on clothing choice. In general, collar bone hickeys are acceptable but viewed as an intimate location.
Chest
Hickeys on the chest area are seen as sensual due to the sensitivity of the breasts and pectoral region. However, love bites directly on the breast or nipple are strongly frowned upon. These areas are considered private and inappropriate for marking with hickeys. The chest muscles and skin around the breasts make better targets, creating a sensual but not vulgar appearance. Chest hickeys can be hidden relatively easily with clothing so are acceptable for some couples. But the intimate nature of the chest makes this region less appropriate for public hickeys.
Stomach
The soft skin and muscles of the stomach area allow for easy hickey formation, but stomach hickeys are controversial. On one hand, the torso offers a large “canvas” for love bites without being too overtly sexual. But stomach hickeys also cannot be hidden easily, especially with swimming and many shirts riding up. The appearance of a hickey-mottled stomach may be considered trashy or excessive by some. Stomach hickeys are best kept between intimate partners rather than on public display.
Hips
The hips or pelvic region contain thin skin with many blood vessels near the surface, perfect for passionate hickeys. Hickeys on the hip bones or just below can still be discreet while being sensual. However, hickeys anywhere near the genital or groin region are considered highly inappropriate and vulgar. The social norm is to limit hip hickeys to the upper areas, near the stomach and waistline. This more discreet placement keeps things passionate but private.
Arms
Arms are another common place for hickeys, especially the soft skin on the upper biceps and triceps near the shoulders. These areas make it easy to create hickeys and can be displayed discretely or hidden with clothing. Forearm hickeys are also possible but not advised since they are hard to cover up. Arms hickeys are playful, intimate marks that are socially acceptable in public. Just avoid the elbows and lower arms for more discretion.
Hands and fingers
Hickeys on the hands or fingers are strongly discouraged. These areas have thin skin but also many bones and ligaments close beneath. Sucking hard enough to cause broken blood vessels can damage nerves and joints in the hands. Finger hickeys in particular limit use of the hands until healing. For these reasons, hickeys on the hands, fingers, palms, and backs of hands should be avoided.
Wrists
The wrists contain many blood vessels and delicate skin on the inner and outer wrist. However, this area is also vulnerable to nerve damage from hickeys. Sucking too aggressively can strain wrist ligaments as well. For discretion and safety, it is better to avoid wrist hickeys in most cases.
Legs
Areas of the lower body like the thighs, knees, and calves allow for easy hickey creation but are controversial placements. While thighs and calves have ample muscle and skin, any hickey near the groin or knees is too intimate and suggestive for public display. The inner thighs in particular should be off-limits for hickeys. For discretion, the outer thighs and upper calves are better targets if placing hickeys on the legs.
Feet and ankles
As with the hands and wrists, hickeys on the feet or ankles are not recommended. Feet contain many fragile bones and joints that can be damaged by biting or sucking too hard on the skin. Ankles are susceptible to nerve strain and ligament damage as well from hickey formation. For these safety reasons, feet hickeys should be avoided in most cases.
Buttocks
The buttocks provide ample area for hickeys with thick skin and muscle. However, any hickey on the buttocks or close to the anus and genitals is considered extremely vulgar and inappropriate. Buttock hickeys cannot be shown in public and serve no purpose besides vulgarity. Keep hickeys off this region to maintain maturity and appropriateness.
Conclusion
In summary, the neck, shoulders, and arms are the most common and socially acceptable places for hickeys. Areas near the face, hands, wrists, groin, and feet should be avoided for safety and discretion. While hickeys are mainly playful love bites, their placement does carry social meaning. Keeping hickeys in mature areas shows intimacy without lewdness or vulgarity. With some discretion on placement, couples can enjoy this sensual experience respectfully.