@Mike403 Yeah, I have considered that, but when it comes down to it I just feel like what I am needing is a natural connection with another human and the idea of paying for cuddling feels like it would be transactional and artificial... not for me. I totally respect Pro's doing what they do and know that it's a service that is needed by many, just doesn't feel right for me
feels like it would be transactional and artificial... not for me.
Yeah a lot of people have said that and found out otherwise. Anyway, @Mike403 gave you solid advice. The chances of finding a female enthusiast on here are against you and you will be competing against guys with karma. Pros are a quick way to build karma and you might be surprised how much you like their sessions. But if you choose not to take his advice I have a prediction—you will start a thread in the future about not being able to find any enthusiasts.
Yes, we have seen this song and dance before.
@BoomerSpooner --
**But if you choose not to take his advice I have a prediction—you will start a thread in the future about not being able to find any enthusiasts.
Yes, we have seen this song and dance before.**
Yes, it's not bad advice at all...as I said, it just doesn't fit for me....I have already figured out that finding an enthusiast is unlikely...I still buy lottery tickets though too lol 😆
@JJoyfuldancer - Just try it once. Find a lower priced professional in your area who will accept one hour bookings and see if you like it.
@JJoyfuldancer Not artificial. Intentional.
Food for thought. I actually appreciate the extra layer of container set by the monetary transaction. You both agree to a set time, a set place, a set price, and platonic boundaries. The transparent definition of the container, that is naturally built into the pro cuddle sessions, feels really safe and nourishing to me. 🩷
✨Create structure so you can have freedom.✨ -Matthew McConaughey
(Interestingly and frustratingly, when I’ve tried to create the same container without charging, the container hasn’t held, in one way or another.)
I accept friends but I don't accept or give karma.
I'm sure most karma is true but some are embellished or even false.
There are many other ways to judge character and I end up with cuddlers who feel the same way.
@Erin_Elle_ Pro Cuddling explained so well. I’ve saved it! Thank you! (The benefits and extent of caring, nurturing, warmth from cuddling during the session should have nothing to do with transaction.)
@JJoyfuldancer many professional cuddlers will tell you that you pay for the time, travel, preparation, admin, training, risk, expertise, etc. The cuddles are free.
Do not fall into the mistake of comparing professional cuddles to enthusiast cuddles: it is a common and natural mistake since both involve cuddling, but it is incorrect. The correct comparison for professional cuddles is no cuddles at all.
Enthusiast cuddles are not 'better' than professional ones, or the other way around. They are just different. On many occasions I have had a choice, 'do I have a professional or enthusiast cuddle this week' and chosen professional.
@JJoyfuldancer If paying for cuddles isn't what you're seeking, that's perfectly okay.
As an enthusiast, I don't put much stock in Pro Karma's, unless I personally know that Pro, because I feel the odds of a Pro leaving positive Karma simply to try to gain repeat sessions are far too high. Money muddies the waters.
I have zero qualms getting to know, or meeting with, someone with zero Karma. We all start off with zero. 😊
~ Sunset Snuggles
I require a photo of their I.D.
@SunsetSnuggles - I won't leave good Karma for someone if they don't deserve it, no matter how much it could benefit me. There wouldn't even be much "benefit" anyway if they were unpleasant to have a session with. I wouldn't want to rebook them, even if they tipped. (I'm sure some pros share my stance, but you're probably right that some will do whatever they can for more money or a reciprocated Karma on their profile, which is unfortunate.)
@PixiePassions I love your perspective! 🤗
@Erin_Elle_ I was speaking from my own perspective about how I would feel booking a session with a Pro, not how Pro's offer sessions. I totally respect what y'all do and how you show up for your clients. I can imagine that it can be transformative for some people to experience Pro cuddling
I would be more likely to cuddle with an enthusiast with no karma than a pro with no karma, as one will result in me paying money, while the other doesn't really have me losing much of anything. Still in either case, I'd have to talk for a bit, see if they're really who they say they are and look out for red flags. I haven't met too many enthusiasts, but I don't remember if all had karma before we met. On the other hand all the pros I've met had karma before.
@SunsetSnuggles - Thank you 🥰
I'm traveling later this month and have been skimming the active cuddlers in two of my destinations...
Just dipping in to say I noticed my flow of clickage went like this...
click
No About Me, no Karma: back button
No About Me, lots of Karma: back button
About Me filled in, no Karma: stops and pays attention, possibly adds to Favorites or sends PM
About Me filled in, lots of Karma: stops and pays attention, possibly adds to Favorites or sends PM
In other words, I was reminded that for me, Karma is much less important than someone sharing about themselves. If they haven't bothered to write some kind of bio, I don't even bother to check their Karma.
This is just me, and I found it interesting. I'm not saying Karma is worthless...it's definitely part of the vetting process, and if I'm further in the process of getting to know someone, I will certainly check it out.
But click one, just skimming profiles...Karma doesn't get my attention, at all. Personality does. If you haven't shared any, I can't possibly be interested in reaching out. 🤷🏻♀️ Food for thought.
🦄 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Fiend 🐘 Animal Lover
@SunsetSnuggles I just read your post. I just realized I do the same. I check to see if they have a bio, otherwise I don't give them a second thought.
It's difficult isn't it because it gives me hope that many would not consider Karma as important enough to completely disregard someone, yet a few use it as a measure of how the experience would be. For us rookies, who have none, I would like to think that the human element would overcome the lack of Karma, seeing my profile and talking to me taking the place of the initial glance and seeing my lack of experience in this field. I would say, regardless of the Karma someone has, talking to someone you may have at first thought dismissed, may well lead to finding the one person you feel safe with and enjoy cuddling.
Now, the pros amaze me with the work they do providing what is obviously a valuable service and I'd like to think I'd hire one if the need ever became great enough for human contact. For now though, I'm looking for that one particular enthusiast, knowing of course the odds aren't necessarily stacked in my favour. One thing does strike me though is the flaws in the Karma system where, people can aim to build up a much better picture of themselves either through the mutual 'scratch my back' beneficiary of others or the more nefarious means. For me to meet someone, all it needs is a good conversation, some recent pics and maybe a video call if I'm feeling brave that day. But the art of conversation does it for me more than anything else. One last thing I would say, keeping in mind the precautionary elements in play for the obvious reasons, a sense of adventure is important in life. At times, I've rolled the dice for the sheer excitement of it and come out with a podium finish.