A study has found that 93% of straight British men have spooned with another man, while 98% have shared a bed with another man.

The study, published last month in the Men and Masculinities journal, was conducted by two researchers at Winchester and Durham Universities.

Among an (admittedly quite small) sample of 40 heterosexual men, the paper found: “In addition to cuddling, participants also engage in ‘spooning’ with their heterosexual male friends.

“Highlighting the prosaic nature of bed sharing for these participants, most indicated that it was not necessary to be close friends to share a bed with someone.

“Demonstrating the pleasurable aspects of being a man in this culture, we argue that the expansion of esteemed homosocial behaviours for heterosexual men is evidence of an expansion of changing conceptions of masculinity in contemporary culture.”

37 of the 40 men reported that they had spooned with – and 39 of 40 reported sharing a bed with – another man.

One of the participants said: “I love a quick cuddle, just so you remember your friends are about and are there for you.”

Another volunteered: “I feel comfortable with Connor and we spend a lot of time together.

“I happily rest my head on Connor’s shoulder when lying on the couch or hold him in bed. But he’s not the only one.

“The way I see it, is that we are all very good and close mates.”

More research into this field is definitely needed.

(h/t New Republic)