That’s such a nice gesture @WestsideMarc and really supportive.
@sillysassy Thank you so much for your thorough and helpful response! I agree that Epilepsy is a tough disability because it's not like having an amputated leg. It's something that people can't see and is tough to even comprehend for some. I've been spending a lot of time on the Epilepsy sub-reddit recently. While I feel so nervous about attending the Cuddle Meetup, it seems like the timing and everything is a sign from the universe that I should attend. And it's totally something I'm going to be excited to tell my therapist I accomplished.
@WestsideMarc Thank you so much for your supportive response as well. Your offer to assist me is very unexpected and appreciated. My instinct is to say "that's too kind of you and I can't accept." But, when I'm ready to setup a session with a Pro in the near future, I'll send you a message to ask if you're still interested in helping.
@carrieanne Great idea! I've never seen it but I've heard good things.
@Briiyan as someone who also has invisible illnesses, I also can second attending group cuddle events where possible. They are how I got into platonic cuddling in the first place and are generally much more economic than doing one-on-one Professional Cuddling. Plus, they're a great way to network with other cuddle enthusiasts and perhaps find a partner or two to cuddle for free
If you're worried about health accomodations, most hosts are happy to meet up ahead of time to show you the space, discuss your needs, go over the event agenda, and help you feel more at ease. For me, this aspect (having a host present to facilitate and keep everyone safe, and act as a social anxiety anchor) was really what made attending events possible.
I don't think it's wierd, I think your just lonely. I hug pillows sometimes.
@Briiyan for the avoidance of doubt, cuddle events of various kinds are a big part of the wider cuddle world - Cuddle Comfort, and the things that happen here, are only one corner.
Well-run cuddle events are very familiar with nervous or anxious first timers. In fact, at events open to beginners, there is usually at least one. The events are not guaranteed to be a success for everybody, but they are usually very gentle. There is normally a sit-out area if you don't want to take part in a particular exercise, and it can be helpful to remember that you're free to leave at any time.
You don't have to go to the one tomorrow, it's probably too late anyway. There is no rush and there will be many others. But being nervous about it, in and of itself, isn't a reason for not going. And the universe is, as you say, making its intentions pretty clear!
@WestsideMarc's kind offer isn't as rare as you might think. Well, it's rare for it to be public. But it's not rare for experienced professionals to receive donations from clients for the purpose of subsidising those who could benefit. The professionals involved tend to be the kind who would cuddle for a dollar if they could, but have rent to pay and children to feed.
What are all the censored words? Can you not say sex? Or was it different words?
@WestsideMarc That is one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s time to watch it again. When I’ve brought it up, no one seems to know anything about it, and just give me a weird look. It’s so good.
@Briiyan I also admire your honesty and sincerity about a solution to your individual needs for cuddling. For me, i have wanted a huge polar bear stuffed animal to put against my back to help me fall asleep. I think it would work but very expensive! A weighted blanket has helped me so much! Imo it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of our personal solutions for problems as long as they don’t hurt anyone else. It’s not a joke.
@JasonCuddles Yes. Charlie_Bear said people were reporting the comments because they contained that word.
@Briiyan you are very welcome my friend. And much like a bed bath & beyond coupon, it has no expiration. Unfortunately, Bed Bath & Beyond is going bankrupt, but I will not. The money offer is good in perpetuity…..
Feel free to PM me anytime.
It seems like people flag comments if they see a certain word without reading the context of the message. It happened with the word "unicorn" because it had a sexual meaning, but the poster meant a rare person.
cuddle me instead !
@JasonCuddles It’s really when talking about sexual acts since that is not something allowed on here. There are plenty of places on the internet to talk about sex that are not platonic cuddle sites.
@sillysassy & @cuddlefaery & @CuddleDuncan Okay... I've decided to step outside my comfort zone (heh) and attend the meetup in Boulder, CO tomorrow. I was able to chat with the Host and she has assured me that it will be a great experience that I'll enjoy. Thank you all so much for your suggestions and support. I never expected so much positivity when originally creating this post.
@Briiyan let us know how it goes! Even if you end up just observing, as I've done on days I'm just not feeling it, it can absolutely be worth while! I tend to take a journal so I can just write if I need a sensory break. I've loved how supportive the groups have been, that there's never any pressure to participate or cuddle a certain way. It reminds me a lot of contact improv and ecstatic dance jams that way, which is another therapeutic touch modality people can explore if they're more interested in active movement - no dance experience required!
Wow lot of comments got "edited" by mods...what's up with that? why is everything so sanitized ?
Because there are forum rules. Because if people want non-platonic, they can go elsewhere. Because comments get flagged. Because posts break the forum rules. Because people can't read. Because people think they're entitled. Pick any of the above reasons, @Melancholy - that's why. [-Sid]
If i had extra cash laying around i might try something like that. But I’d be so secret I’d probably have to keep it in a separate house, I’d never want to explain that.
I don’t think anyone would believe i wasn’t having sex with it. Again, not to shame that but Itd be so embarrassing to discuss it. But that’s my hang up.
@Briiyan ~ I don't have anything new to add, but wanted to send an additional 'Go you!' in support of what you're doibg to practice self-care and for sharing it with us.
Glad you found some comfort in life!
@Melancholy Do you prefer not knowing what has been edited? Comments referring to sex are always flagged and modified. The difference is I have been making my edits visible instead of simply deleting text or entire comments. This method is more work but leaves the comments more intact. Personally I like this approach better.
@cuddlefaery
I learned as a teen that text imagery and roleplay is enough for me to build an incredible sense of connection and tactile sensation with others. Words really get to me.... I'm an avid, voracious reader with an overactive imagination so it's no surprise that virtual cuddling even by text works extremely well for me. Add video and voice and my mind can create the sensory experience almost as complete as actually being in-person. It's made long distance relationships a lot more bearable, and been super helpful during long illnesses and now the pandemic.
I am so jealous. I cannot do any of that in my mind. I got screwed when they were handing out brains. Apparently it’s called aphantasia and I wish I didn’t know what I have been missing out on.
@Melancholy the reason for the close attention of the mods to such things is external to the website. Sadly, there is a whole community out there dedicated to 'proving' that CC isn't a platonic site. Or perhaps even attempting to subvert it. As a consequence the admins (and by extension the mods) are paranoid about anything that has even an ambiguous whiff of non-platonic about it.
Religion and politics are de facto banned here because they just lead to trouble, it's not worth it. But matters pertaining to human reproduction can usually be discussed provided they are relevant to cuddling and it is done in a thoughtful manner.
I didn't see all the comments that were edited earlier in this thread, but I bet that in most cases the problem was not the sentiment but the language. On this forum you have to write things in a way that makes it hard for a bad actor to twist them into something that purports to be evidence for non-platonic activity.
The mods are not censors. They are guardians. They are ordinary members who give up their time and sanity to protect us.
I would love to see an account opened by one of these dolls. Let AI do all the talking. Lol im sure its just a matter of time.
Has anyone else watched the movie Her? Doesn't have to do with an adult doll, but the man creates a relationship with his A.I. companion.
@Lisa123 it Is an amazing film! I was surprised when I chose it on a bored night to fill time.
@touchstarved87 I also watched it on a whim, just happened to be starting as I was flipping channels to kill time. I've watched it twice since.
Remember all those news stories when Replika changed their engine to block NSFW content? A lot of people were coming out saying they had fallen in love with their chatbots and this was disrupting their relationships.
https://www.businessinsider.com/replika-chatbot-users-dont-like-nsfw-sexual-content-bans-2023-2#:~:text=Replika-owner Luka recently changed,hurt their mental well-being.
@CuddleDuncan Thank you. I’m mainly trying to keep the thread from turning into a discussion about the other purpose of “adult dolls” and so far it amazingly hasn’t taken that turn.
Since were on the topic of loneliness and relationships with the Artificial, another great movie can recommend with this concept is Blade Runner 2049.
The whole movie captures what the deep pit of depression feels like really well imo.
Also this track is a bangar: