Not as a pro, but in my personal life.
I haven't, and I don't think I would be comfortable cuddling without the means to communicate verbally.
I can recall at least three happy memories of such experiences, before google translate existed. Communication is possible through eye contact, facial expression, gestures, tone and cadence of voice and other nonverbal signals.
I once had a brief relationship with a deaf guy. A "deafy" as he called himself. I tried to learn Auslan and even started a course and man it was hard. In bed we had to text to communicate. It was kinda funny at first. Well it was better than filling up pads with writing. 2 hearing people is def easier or 2 deafys.
Yes in another country and have used translation apps. I am generally in touch by email prior (with translation) to go over expectations and all. Worked well
I think a lot of people have taken creative liberties with the OP's intent for this thread...I'm pretty sure the use of "someone" in the title makes it clear he is not asking about babies or animals, but full-grown adults who speak a different language, AKA they are fluent in Mandarin, only, and you are fluent in Swahili, only.
Therefore, I certainly haven't...those types of encounters would be extremely rare, as to reach a point of cuddling with a random stranger, you have to have a reason or a shared emotional experience, and that is typically unlikely if you cannot even say hello to each other.
Now, have I had cuddles with people whose mother tongue was different from mine? Where I spoke 0% of their language, but they spoke enough of mine for us to have a conversation? Yes. They occurred at group cuddles, in a safe space of consent.
I've also cuddled numerous people whose mother tongue is different from my own, where we chatted on the site and met on our own...but their fluency in my language was such that there were zero concerns about communication.
@JohnR1972 posted: "I think it would create a huge problem with consent if you cannot verbally communicate."
I agree, this certainly is a risk, as thus far, my main form of consent communication has been verbal. At the beginning of a first-time cuddle, I am frequently asking questions... "Do you like your hair played with? What's your favorite cuddle position? Do you prefer rubs or scratches? Is this too rough? Can I drape my leg across you? Are you getting sore? Can we switch sides?" There's a ton of information exchange in a compact amount of time, and I would definitely have to adjust greatly, and employ the use of strong body language, Google Translate, and gestures, to ensure the same communication were happening. (Which I would happily do. Just saying, it would be a change for me.)
@CharlesGrove posted: "Nods, gentle touching, squeezing, holding closer, relaxed posture and breathing, soft voices, no pulling back, or elbows and knees between you both, no frowns, no growls."
Love this. So many people have failed to express what you just did here, with such clarity. Consent absolutely can be made loud and clear through body language...if we are "listening".
I will add though, many users are here due to social struggles, emotional trauma, PTSD, and so many other reasons, that can and do affect both their body language, and their ability to speak up. This can make even happy, willing cuddlers seem stiff and uncomfortable, or make extremely uncomfortable people unable to say "no".
@lovingspoonfull posted: "There’s many ways to communicate and yet miscommunication still occurs, even with good intentions."
Yes, yes, yes. Very important point, here.
Loving this thread.
~ Sunset Snuggles
🫂 Enthusiast 🌄 Travel Junkie 📸 Shutter Bug
Thanks @SunsetSnuggles . One thing I didn’t say was that when I first came here I thought it would be the cuddling itself that was the point.
Since that time I’ve realized it was the human connection that was facilitated by open and honest communication that is the star of the show.
Either alone are really nice. Both together are … so much more, so that it’s actually mystifying why this isn’t a normal and common thing.
Accordingly while I am leery of the potential for miscommunication and boundaries being violated, I’m also less interested in it as it feels like a compromise of what it could be. Communication is key.
I personally have not , but would be completely interested in it. I see it as an experience to read signs and body language and not be trying to fill the gaps with conversation. Only because sometimes I get all awkward and in my head and feel like I constantly have to talk or my cuddle buddy will get bored.
I’m updating my previous response to this one. I have now cuddled with someone that does not speak my language.
I got by with my awkward blend of high school and construction site Spanish and my verdict…. It was great. We had a great time teaching each other our language, and she was one of the brightest and most cheerful people I’ve met in a long time.
It was actually this thread that made me willing to try and I’m glad I did.
EDITED: Deleted my response.