Group Cuddles, would anyone be interested in that? If so, what would you want to get out of it?

HoodiesnugglesHoodiesnuggles
in General

Hi!

I am interested in hosting group cuddles here in Houston but I am not sure 1) people would be interested 2) what people would want to get out of the experiance 3) if it could be done safely (giving a group of people my address to host a cuddle makes me nervous.) . Would y'all give me some feedback on the idea. I am starting to think about it and have not really planned it out yet but I think I like the idea a lot. What do y'all think?

Comments

  • TxTomTxTom

    There is a Meet & Greet thread stickied at the top of this discussion forum. I would peruse that thread and direct your questions to those whom have hosted such events.

  • HoodiesnugglesHoodiesnuggles

    Thank you!

  • SolarisSolaris
    edited August 2024

    There are also cuddle parties and workshops in some areas. I've been to a couple here in Austin. Towards the end, there is usually a cuddle puddle that is like what you are talking about. If you can find one and go to it, you will see the measures they take to keep things safe and consentual.

    I found both parties on Eventbrite. You can DM me if you have other questions. If there aren't any in Houston, you come swing but Austin.

    Good luck! I think you can do it if you put in a little work up front. This is a good start here :)

  • HoodiesnugglesHoodiesnuggles

    Thank you so much! I love that! Austin is a short drive away. I'd love to join.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @Hoodiesnuggles
    Group cuddles are generally facilitated by people (sometimes two per group, depending on size or if one is still learning) who have gone through training of some sort...boundaries and consent training, first and foremost, often they are certified by Cuddlist, or certified by Cuddle Party, or at minimum, follow the Cuddle Party method and standards.

    Hosting a group cuddle may sound wonderful, but it can go south so many ways...sexual advances or God forbid assault, people showing up drunk, people coming just to hook up, people breaking down in tears, people with communication blocks, people with trauma, people in grief...it really has so many nuances to it that are difficult to facilitate and moderate, and there are a lot of people to deal with, at once.

    When I was new, I briefly considered getting an Air BnB and hosting a cuddle, but I quickly decided I didn't want to be responsible for anyone else's safety...because at the end of the day, you can't ensure that. 😔

    I have had a guy at a group cuddle ask if he could kiss me, I've had a guy at a group cuddle smirk and ask, "Does your boyfriend not satisfy you?", I've had guys who claim not to know the meaning of the word platonic, and the only person who has ever physically crossed my boundaries was straight out of a cuddle group, and still attends them regularly.

    I just want you to realize the gravity of being the person in charge. I, personally, wouldn't touch hosting with a ten-foot pole, and I deeply admire the facilitators who have the nerves of steel and wherewithal to do it!

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🫂 Enthusiast 🌄 Travel Fiend 🐄 Animal Lover

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    P.S. @TxTom has a good suggestion with the meet and greets. These are completely different from group cuddles, as their purpose is to get to know people without the pressure or purpose of cuddling. Sometimes people break off and cuddle, but the entire vibe is more like a family picnic than a group cuddle.

    Hosting a meet and greet would be a much safer, simpler option, and there are a good handful of threads for prior meet and greets, to jump-start a successful plan. 😊

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🫂 Enthusiast 🌄 Travel Fiend 🐄 Animal Lover

  • HoodiesnugglesHoodiesnuggles
    edited August 2024

    @SunsetSnuggles Thank you so much for your message. You made my face get hot fast. I do understand that there is a lot of responsibility. I have a partner who is willing to undertake the venture with me. I am still on the fence because of all the things you mentioned. I am thinking I may be able to get training and produce a screening process that may reduce my risks.

    Yes, meet and greets sounds like it may be more my speed at this moment. I think I may put the hosting as a long term goal for myself. I need the training. I didn't realize that was an option. I don't plan to charge so I am worried about how it would work since I am not sure that is common.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @Hoodiesnuggles
    Didn't mean to make your face get hot, just really don't want anyone getting into a leadership position that may initially sound like a fun and fluffy experience, but can actually entail so much more. 🤗

    As for not charging, I've never been to a group cuddle that didn't charge. They are usually providing lots of memory foam pads, pillows, linens, some snacks, and sometimes an actual rented facility, if it's not at their home or an open space like a park.

    I have been to "house cuddles", as I call them - basically small private group cuddles where nearly everyone already knows each other, and there is already trust established. These, of course, don't involve any charge. If you know a handful of cuddle friends already, this might be an option. (Though again, for me personally, I attend, but wouldn't feel comfortable hosting.)

    There are lots of options out there! You could also do a group outing or activity. I opted for that instead of the Air BnB idea, and got a little group of us together to visit a huge botanic garden. These types of things also tend to naturally come together, when people travel in for meet and greets. 🎡

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🫂 Enthusiast 🌄 Travel Fiend 🐄 Animal Lover

  • KindTonyKindTony

    Hi @Hoodiesnuggles! I have also attended some cuddle events in Los Angeles and in my experience they are great! As others have mentioned, there is a lot to think about as a facilitator and even as a participant. The ones I've gone to so far have a consent workshop that helps around safety and the facilitators want to know if anyone is making others uncomfortable or worse. Like @billiam I am happy to provide any information or even ask some of the facilitators I know and also share my personal experiences. Feel free to DM me.

    It also sounds like you will attend one in Austin and even have someone you'll know in @billiam. If your partner is up for it, him joining you can also feel supportive. Having a friendly face or two can help. If you end up going, I wish you the best of experiences and more going forward! Cuddling is amazing when done respectfully and good groups can build community as well, like here =)

  • SolarisSolaris

    I'll dm you when the next Austin one is posted. I'm sure the host would be happy to talk to you about the pros and cons and risks. He says he's done 50 of them, so he can probably give you a lot of info.

    You could also just invite people from this website who have a lot of good karma. I think that would cut down on the risk a lot. And I bet you could find enough people who would come.

  • TeddyCuddle45TeddyCuddle45

    I think it's an interesting idea, I don't think I'd like it simply because it would be far too overwhelming for me. I'm more of a one on one, but you should at least everything once, so I'd give it a go once.

  • WestsideMarcWestsideMarc

    I hope it doesn’t turn into one of those “no good deed goes unpunished” things.

  • HoodiesnugglesHoodiesnuggles

    @WestsideMarc 😓 I really don’t want it to turn into that! That’s why I’m going to take it slow and make sure I do this right. I’m convinced I can come up with a great screening process. As SunsetSnuggles said, it may be better to wait to get to know some people well enough before inviting them over to my home. I can do that. I can get to know a few people one on one first.

  • SolarisSolaris

    @RadiantHugs is the gentleman who has hosted over 50 of these. If you click his name here, it'll take you to his profile.

  • HoodiesnugglesHoodiesnuggles

    Thank you @billiam

  • BBW4U2CuddleBBW4U2Cuddle

    Yes! I have attended a few cuddle parties and made some amazing people! I loved the discussion of consent, I think everyone needs that! 🤗

  • KaaGeeKaaGee

    @Hoodiesnuggles
    I would attend either, assuming my schedule permits.
    @RadiantHugs and I have previously chatted about a meet and greet here but never moved on it.
    I'll help however I can.

  • BearBear

    I’ve been to multiple Cuddle parties or group cuddles. There are the benefits of the platonic touch, you also get to meet wonderful people in that type of community. As well as the benefit of interacting with them. I’ve done mostly one on one cuddles. I’ve also been part of a puppy pile. as well as receiving multiple caressing and touching , That was done for people under their birthday. Everywhere except the bikini areas. I’ve also been part of a Cuddle train, which was interesting. The first times I was cuddled by a guy. And then there were the puppy pile stacking I would call it. Because some people would like pressure. Lots of fond memories.

  • Jack62Jack62

    Woa! Bear, you da' man!

  • [Deleted User]TheDreamWeaver (deleted user)

    Puppy Pile!!!!! Yes please. Sign me up. There are Cuddle Parties (at least in Los Angeles) and I assume most large cities. They have cuddle parties where for the first hour they talk about consent and proper etiquette. The second hour and a half is free-range cuddle. It's not unusual for a group to form.

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