Ah yes… Soaking…
As a Mormon (or Member of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) I’m not only familiar with this term, I went to BYU with friends who’d “soaked.”
As a Mormon, I want to make it clear: Yes, this is odd behavior…
My name is Max Pond, I own and operate this website. I am an active Mormon. I graduated from BYU Provo in 2015. Here’s a picture of me and my cute little family.
What Is “Mormon Soaking”? What does it mean?
“Mormon soaking” is a rumored practice where an unmarried couple engages in penetration without movement in an attempt to technically avoid breaking the Church’s rules around premarital sex.
Stated plainly and without euphemisms:
Soaking is when the male inserts his penis into the vagina, penetration occurs, but neither person moves.
Some people jokingly describe it as “intercourse without the course,” or refer to it as “parking” or “docking.” The logic—if you can call it that—is that without thrusting, it somehow doesn’t “count.”
This idea has made the rounds online, in comedy, podcasts, and pop culture.
Is Mormon Soaking Actually Real?
Here’s the honest answer: it exists, but it’s rare and fringe.
Yes, I went to BYU with people who talked about soaking. No, it is not common. And no, it is absolutely not a normal or accepted part of Mormon dating culture.
Most Mormons—especially practicing ones—find the concept just as strange and ridiculous as non-Mormons do.
Is Soaking Okay In The Mormon Church?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: also no.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches the law of chastity, which means no sexual relations outside of marriage. And that teaching is not based on technical loopholes or legal gymnastics.
Chastity isn’t just about avoiding thrusting. It includes:
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Physical restraint
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Mental discipline
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Emotional boundaries
Penetration alone violates those standards—movement or not.
The idea that soaking somehow keeps someone “worthy” reflects a misunderstanding of LDS teachings, not a clever workaround.
Why Do People Think Mormons Do This?
Because it’s a funny internet story.
Soaking has been referenced in:
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News articles about BYU students
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TikTok clips (Chelsea Handler included)
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Podcasts like Joe Rogan
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Comedy shows like Jury Duty (quite hilarious actually)
The problem is that these discussions often exaggerate the behavior and imply it’s widespread. It isn’t.
A tiny number of people doing something weird does not define an entire religion of millions.
Let’s Clear Up Some of The Confusion
Many of the conversations around the topic of “soaking” make it sound like a common practice among many Mormons. This is simply not true. It’s a fringe phenomenon, and it’s crucial to remember that the behaviors of a few individuals do not reflect the beliefs or practices of the entire Church membership.
It’s also essential to understand that many members of the LDS Church find the concept of “soaking” as baffling and odd as those outside the Church do. It’s hardly a standard part of the Mormon experience or an accepted loophole in LDS doctrine. The majority of Mormons remain committed to their faith’s teachings on chastity and are often just as surprised by the concept of “soaking” as anyone else.
Let’s recap. “Mormon soaking” is not an accurate representation of LDS teachings or typical behavior among Church members. Instead, it’s an obscure practice that has been widely blown out of proportion in popular media and discussions. Because yes, it’s rather absurd and hilarious. As a member of the Church, I feel it is crucial to dispel such misconceptions and to foster a better understanding of our beliefs and practices, which promote respect, love, and commitment in relationships.
If you’re looking for an accurate explanation of Mormon beliefs around sex, soaking isn’t it. LDS teachings emphasize respect, commitment, self-control, and the sacredness of intimacy within marriage—not technicalities.
As a Mormon, I think it’s important to separate real doctrine from viral myths. And if nothing else, I hope this clears up some confusion—and gives you a laugh along the way.