Hey cuddle bugs! 💞
So I started cuddling, after spending my first two and a half months here reading everything I could, asking questions, making friends from all over the country, having many talks with my boyfriend surrounding the subject, and just soaking up the concept. I wasn't even sure I would cuddle at all, and took my time contemplating it, and testing my comfort level as I started meeting friends from here for non-cuddle hangouts, the past couple of weeks. But cuddle I did, and it has been an amazing experience!
For those having a less than amazing experience, I will post a reply immediately after this, if you would like to check it out.
Making it Happen
First things first, I had to travel for cuddles. I was already traveling to my home state of Colorado to deal with some personal projects and see my family. I realized that I could finally dip my toe in the water and meet people in non-cuddle scenarios like at coffee shops. My travel dates also aligned with a group cuddle, which was exactly the manner in which I wanted to experience my first non-relationship cuddles. A facilitated experience with a heavy focus on boundaries and consent sounded perfect for me, and I am so glad I was able to start off, that way.
Group Cuddles
My first group cuddle had such a genuine and vulnerable environment, and I wish all of life and our interactions with each other was more like that beautiful afternoon. What struck me most was that to me, it simply felt like humans accepting humans. And it was wonderful. Gender didn't matter, relationship status didn't matter, we were all just there for one platonic reason, and it was amazing. I realized at this group that I was really only comfortable giving and not receiving, which is something I am now working on.
My second group cuddle was twice the size, and I had myself figured out a lot better, this time. I moved around from person to person, was a lot more social and confident, and through some help and a grounding experience by our lovely leader, I was able to ask not once, but twice, for exactly what I wanted in that moment. Overnight growth, literally! I am so grateful for the group events, because they really allowed me to explore my boundaries and ease my nerves in a totally safe environment.
Non-Cuddle Hangouts
Coffee, donuts, lunch/dinner, movies, walks, parks, scenic drives, shopping, tourist attractions, emotional support, hanging out at home...I did all of these with fellow cuddlers in the two weeks I was in Colorado, and guuuuys, cuddling is just one of the many awesome things you can do if you actually make friends with people from this site! Truly, you can have such an amazing connection without ever touching, but of course the platonic touch is the icing on the cake if you so choose. I had such a wonderful time getting to know people better, feeling heard and validated, laughing and sharing incredible experiences...and that was before all the dang cuddles! There is so much more to be gained here than just cuddling. I would encourage others to open up their age preference, their gender preference, and their expectations, and allow friendship and fun to just blossom.
Individual Cuddles
I was grateful to share individual cuddles with four (and a half!) of you. Each made me feel respected, safe, cozy, and accepted. I had communicated with each of these people through the internet beforehand, some of whom were already good friends, and I had met all of them in non-cuddle settings, before moving forward with individual cuddles. After waffling quite a bit, I decided that at this time, I am not comfortable with hotel cuddles, so most of my cuddles happened in parks (do what feels right, stick to your boundaries!). (Check out this thread for some pictures of the green and glorious cuddle spots!)
All of my cuddles were different and wonderful. Some involved more talking, some involved lots of shifting around, some were peaceful, others were emotionally vulnerable. Some I did all the comforting, and in some, I was comforted. I was excited to see that cuddling can be whatever you make it, whatever each person is interested in or needs in that moment, and everyone was very open. I thank each of my individual cuddle buddies for the time spent with me; it meant so much to be wrapped in your arms and feel accepted, and in turn to do my best to make you feel accepted, cared for, and respected. Thank you for trusting me and thank you for being trustworthy!
If You're Unsure
What I describe above about my experiences may sound like it's coming from a social butterfly of an extrovert...it's not. I am shy, I am socially inept in many ways, I grew up very isolated and have had to work very hard to be able to even have a one on one conversation with a taxi driver. I dealt with anxiety and panic attacks during my trip, before meeting people, before cuddles...this was not an easy trip for me, but I am so proud of myself for putting myself out there, meeting people, being brave, engaging in my true interests despite my body's fear responses, going after my own happiness, and just growing as a person. If I can do it, you can do it. Don't let introverted tendencies, shyness, social awkwardness, or even mental health struggles stop you from going out there and taking the cuddle world by storm. You are much more brave than you think, and you are deserving of cuddles. Go get 'em! It is such a rewarding experience.
Best...Thing...Ever
I feel like I have stumbled upon the best hobby on the planet... You mean I don't have to go take a sweaty hike to hang out with friends, I can lay down and snuggle and everyone is ecstatic with this?! 🥴 It's literally the best idea ever. I feel so grateful that I discovered this niche interest, and so happy to have made great connections on a personal level before I began meeting people and actually engaging in cuddles.
Of all hobbies out there, I never would have imagined that I could become involved in one that centered around another person actively touching me...but here I am, surrounded by lovely people who not only do it, but want to, and love it. Talk about feeling accepted. Heartfelt thanks to all of those who I shared cuddles with, both in the groups and individually, new and existing friends. I had beautiful moments with total strangers at the group cuddles, and meaningful moments with those I already knew. So thankful for all of them!
What Cuddling is Doing for Me
This experience has helped me feel more confident, listen to my boundaries and think before saying "yes", be hyper aware of asking for consent from others, truly experience how age is just a number, become comfortable not caring what strangers passing by might think, reconsider some of my judgements about married people, reverse some of my brainwashed upbringing about gender, and even broaden my personal identity. I do not attribute any physical healing properties to cuddling, but I can unequivocally say that this has deeply impacted me on an emotional and social level. I treasure the friends I solidified bonds with on this trip, both pre-existing from this site, and new ones that I met. From late-night coffees to group dinners to hanging out for ten and fourteen hours straight with some very special individuals, I appreciate all of my time spent with these lovely souls, and I can't wait to visit Colorado (and other states) again, and spend more time together!
Keep calm and get your cuddle on! 😋
~ Sunset Snuggles