Not any less for paying a professional massage therapist, chiropractor, or acupuncture. These are specialized services to help heal. My only disappointment is when a cuddlist isn't experienced or take their craft serious.
@Sixx_ One definitely has to be very cautious about who they select as their cuddler (most people here aren't actually a "cuddlist"; I need to reactivate my profile on there at some point). Experiences can range here from exceptional, to ok, to downright awful. 😔 If a cuddler isn't truly authentic in cuddling, you can actually feel them waiting for the session to be over. If they don't authentically have true empathy and acceptance, you can feel unseen or judged. If a cuddler is too salesy and money hungry, you can get manipulated like from a used car salesman. It's a tough world out there. And this isn't cheap! One of my most frustrating things is hearing people feel like they wasted their money with someone 😔 Be careful, but good cuddlers are out there, even if they're not super close. 💜 And I don't just mean me, but I'm awesome also. 😂
Not at all! I feel the opposite, actually......grateful to be able to afford to be a client, and quite happy to support cuddle therapists as they practice their art and offer services to many in need. It's a growing industry, and even if I become friends with a cuddler, I want to maintain the transactional element to both acknowledge their preparation/skills AND to support their business going forward. When I mentor cuddle pros, I always prepare them for the great client where a real connection can arise....but that they then expect to cuddle for free because they are now "friends". To me, it's those who try to get free cuddles from a working pro that should feel "a little pathetic"
Personally, I do feel like having to pay someone to touch you, let alone spend time with you, is more than a little pathetic. While YMMV, it's pretty much how I feel.
@gingerroot The feeling makes logical sense. 😔 I know for me, I'm busy as frick with different efforts of making money. One of my jobs is in the community and I routinely get requests to connect, not for dating, just to hang out and talk, be friends. I desperately want to explore connections, deep conversations, and learn about people (I am an INFJ, it is one thing we love so much), but no way do I have time (or the emotional energy) to add onto my already full plate, without removing something else, which I can't afford to just give away. Honestly, paying me for cuddle sessions is a way for me to be able to say "yes, I CAN afford to take that time". I greatly appreciate the support from people who cuddle with me, not just because it helps me meet my financial goals, but because it affords me the opportunity to give time towards the best thing ever, connection. 💜 I wish I could afford the time to give that connection to everyone who asked me. 😔
@ubergigglefritz I definitely understand the feeling. 🤗🫂
@LadyVel 💜🤗💜
@ubergigglefritz And no one is asking you to. I'm just speaking as someone who thinks it's sad that we've managed to commercialize basic human decency and compassion.
@gingerroot I think you misinterpreted the tone and message of my response. 🫣💜
@ubergigglefritz Maybe, maybe not. I'm used to being misunderstood
@gingerroot I completely agree on the sadness of the situation, though I see it more as it's sad that so few people are actually kind and compassionate and care that we have to monetize it in order to spread the love far enough. I would be much happier if I wasn't needed because everyone felt safe and cared for in their everyday lives. 😔
@gingerroot I have a completely different take......some of the cuddle pros I session with truly look at their work seriously, prepare for each client differently, and approach the work of cuddling as a therapeutic practice. It's not the same thing as cuddling or hanging out with friends, any more than speaking with a talk therapist is like sharing feelings and ideas with friends. There is something quite healing about sharing intimacy with a stranger in a transactional setting.
Seeing someone to talk about your feelings, issues, life in general.....who is being paid to pay attention to you fully....who also brings a level of expertise combined with compassion....is worth compensating, in my opinion. I do hear you regarding feeling pathetic having to pay for touch, but I would encourage you to try looking at it differently, perhaps as the service it is, providing you with affection, care, and a non-biased ear. I
Absolutely yes. I don't tell anyone that I pay for sessions because I'm ashamed of it.
Wow.
@TxTom Just curious, why “wow”? Each person has their own situation going on, different lives and different perceptions? Resorting or choosing to hire a cuddler may feel like a second choice to some, but the best choice to others. Just my opinion of course.
@Briiyan 🤗
@g_w_t_w I understand first or second choices regarding hiring a Pro, it's not even my ideal situation. But feeling ashamed of hiring a Pro?
I'm curious to know how a Pro would feel if she knows her client is ashamed of hiring her. It seems to insinuate that she's doing something bad.
@TxTom I’m guessing that he’s not the first one to feel that way. When I was a pro I imagine someone might’ve felt that way about hiring me, but it would never have bothered me, I certainly wouldn’t take it personally since I consider it sort of a service. I just wanted to try to help, and I don’t get involved in other people‘s emotions. Also, I think haven’t there been threads in the forum talking about being embarrassed to be on this site? Isn’t that why so many men here don’t post their picture?? it is in fact a reason why many don’t post their photos, they’ve actually told me that.
@g_w_t_w Okay, then. I guess.
I've never understood being embarrassed about wanting a hug. But, whatever.
@TxTom Personally I feel the same as you, not embarrassed about hugging but I can’t profess to know what someone else is going through, that’s all. 😊 So much has surprised me here that nothing surprises me anymore!
Like someone else here said it 'I couldn't get a date if I had a fistfull of pardons at a woman's prison ' haha for some of us the traditional romantic approach is a long shot , but it's ok for me , I have even begun setting up a little cuddle budget each month , same thing like paying for professional massage or chiropractor