All sorts of human interactions are monetized. We sell our bodies, emotions, intellect, and time in various ways because in this capitalist society in which we live money makes the world go ‘round. Housing, gas, and food prices are inflated disproportionately higher and faster than wages for the majority of people. Some of us (me) also have two gigantic teenage boys who won’t stop eating. 😂😭 Cuddling is not a typical, normal human interaction with strangers. A handshake, a compassionate side shoulder hug, and maybe, if you’ve sat and talked a long while, a hug. Those are normal human interactions.
For me, 85% of the endorphin boost I get from professional cuddling is being able to provide a safe, transformative space for people who need touch and don’t have an opportunity to get it or give it. There are many sessions where I leave and my client is rejuvenated, rested, and happy but I need to decompress, find ways of self-care that allow all those emotions I take on during a session to dissipate, to rest my body because despite the relaxation I give I am tense because there is always a part of me that remains on edge and alert being with someone I don’t really know. A professional cuddler is always putting the client first and making the experience worth the amount they are being paid - it is their time and skill, interaction and emotion, body and energy they are selling. It is a job. A wonderfully lovely job, but still work.
@compassionNcare YES! 100%!!!
@compassionNcare one of the best posts I've read on that point, thank you.
Sadly there are many inexperienced professional cuddlers who don't know any of that. Clients who have experienced only professionals of that nature are sometimes unaware of what professional cuddling is actually like when it is done well.
FYI @Iamcarlos01 @Miles93 @lonelytauros
@CuddleDuncan thank you for tagging me in this post. I didn’t realize it was still going on so I just wanted to respond. I don’t think that the previous post was well written at all. On the contrary I think it’s probably one of the worst post I’ve ever read. admitting that you are selling your body for what’s supposed to be a platonic service does not sound right to me it’s almost as if saying, I’m willing to objectify myself or my body as long as you pay me I know that’s an unpopular opinion and it’s not my mindset, but it is going to be perceived that way by some people that’s why I feel that “professional”cuddling will never be universally accepted.
Let me share a brief story with you and I won’t get into all the details but I worked in healthcare for three years where we basically took advantage of people and yeah, I did it for a long time but it got to a point where I just couldn’t do it anymore just didn’t feel right And I should’ve left along time ago but I needed the money it’s true but let me tell you something after I left and I switched careers. I’ve never felt better in my whole life. It feels good to actually be helping people rather than take advantage of them.
Studies vary but apparently 1-2% of the population is asexual, or doesn't experience sexual attraction. That doesn't account for people suffering with PTSD, those on the autism spectrum, or otherwise struggling with touch for other reasons. Pro cuddling allows someone to explore platonic touch in a safe way, without any risk of someone making things sexual or harmful. I joined as a pro to cover travel costs and for my safety honestly. When I was cuddling as a hobbyist and before I found this site, it was really difficult to set boundaries as a woman. When I would say I only wanted hugs, people would try and push that further. Having a contract in place makes me feel a lot safer. Every pro's reasons are their own, but the narrative that we don't care and its all greed is so harmful. Platonic cuddling still involves being in a vulnerable position, understanding what the other person's needs are, and being open and present in the moment. I've had people open their hearts to me during hugs because they needed someone to notice them, care for them and truly listen to what they're saying. It may not be direct therapy but it's absolutely therapeutic for a lot of people.
Lmao this dude is hilarious @lonelytauros most of us literally are paid to smile or be nice. Me and many people I know are different people off the clock to the point where it’s jarring to others to see the transition. We only smile and are nice at work PRECISELY BECAUSE WE ARE PAID TO. I work in sales. You really think I’m this friendly off the clock? Lmao. Get real. Do you think the car salesman is your bestie? Are you one of those people who thinks when the barista is nice to you, she must like you?
All human interaction is monetized… You can pay to rent a girlfriend in some places. Or rent a grandpa. Or even for a fake wedding ceremony. You can rent friends. It’s a free country, we can charge for what we want, and if you dislike freedom, I suggest you reconsider where you’re living.
Also are we gonna forget about therapy, where you literally pay someone to care about your problems? Lmao. Every interaction monetized, yet I only see criticism when it comes to women making money off of men. 🤔 Interesting.
If you’re bad at getting people to spend time with you willingly, just say that. But don’t criticize folks just making a living. 🤷♀️
@bobadevotee thank you for reminding me that this is a free country. It is sad when someone says something that you might not agree with or you might not even like and then let them know Well you know you might want to reconsider where you’re living. But I’m OK with that because I don’t know you and neither do I care to know you you do you and I’ll do me, but just keep in mind there are gonna be people out there that may not agree with you. They may not agree with me makes no difference to me.
I don't understand the argument that if we enjoy it it should be free...
You want me to sit there, stiff, hating every second with you so you get your moneys worth? How am I ever to be available to help people experience this service if I'm also working a normal fulltime job? Also I know not everyone does but a lot of us have education, how do I pay for that when I'm not asking for a fee. I hire an office so my space is perfect for relaxation, how do I pay for that if I don't charge?
I love this work but I provide a service and any client who respects my work, understands why I charge.