This is a little bit of an aside —
But I’m currently doing the training to become a Cuddle Party facilitator, and part of the application process was to have a ZOOM (like Skype) conversation with Len Daley, the originator of Cuddle Party. Although it didn’t become an ‘official’ thing until sometime in the 2000s (IIRC), he’d been hosting them since the 1970s. He’s a really nice hippie therapist.
Anyway, he said that ‘party’ was the worst word for it and if he could do it again, he would choose a different word, but it got called that somehow and it just stuck. But a lot of introverts go to them and enjoy them...
So, even if you’re not the ‘party’ type (I am TOTALLY NOT the party type — most parties are panic attack material for me!), you might like it. They aren’t perfect, but they might not be as crazy as you might imagine!
@CreativeCuddles - In my case, it was a Sunday late afternoon/early evening and so people were there a few hours and then left because they had to get up for work the next day. The other cuddle parties I went to started and ended later but there were no set hours. Our guests were all friends known to us, we invited people we thought would like it. As such, there's accountability for people's behavior. At my first cuddle party, there was one guy who did kind of push the boundaries a bit. A couple of women, including myself, mentioned it to the host and he politely explained to the guy what was acceptable and what wasn't. I think the guy was more clueless than predatory. Sometimes someone walks into a situation like that and doesn't really understand what's acceptable and what isn't. At one cuddle party, the hosts had a brief pre-party discussion for new people so they knew how things worked. Everyone would ask before cuddling and sometimes we'd have piles of people and someone might start massaging your foot and you had no idea who it was and meanwhile, you're stroking someone's hair and not even sure who it is. When you have a group of people who already feel safe with each other, these issues are not that much of a problem.
What I would say is approach people you know and explain what you want to do and how you want to do it. What clothing is acceptable and what is not? Suggest they ask specifically before cuddling anyone or doing more than cuddling - like, "Do you mind if I stroke your hair?" Let people know they don't have to cuddle. And that cuddling doesn't have to just happen in pairs. In fact, I really like it when three or four or five of us are sandwiched together. In a way, it feels easier because it's not just about you and one other person. We had snacks and drinks but they were in the other room, mostly we did not eat or drink in the cuddle pit. Have lots of pillows and some throws. If you have a few people in a kind of sandwich, switch around occasionally so everyone gets to be in the middle if they want.
@Babichev I think I’d like to do this but not sure if I should look into the facilitator first or just do some research and have a small cuddle at my home some Saturday evening. Have finger foods, drinks, blankets and pillows around the living room and I have a nice soft sectional couch that fills 2 walls. Just thinking about all the people just gives one a warm feeling. I would just want to make sure it starts on the right foot, everyone is involved, rules are kept and more importantly everyone feels welcome and we have a great time. I do think I’ll research quite s bit but definitely think I’ll do a cuddle-movie evening!
No thanks. I prefer one on one stress free intimate cuddling in private. For me these parties defeat the whole purpose of what I'm looking for.
@snugbuddy - same here. To me the whole point of cuddling is to give the other person your undivided attention and for the other person to give you their undivided attention.
It isn’t meant to take the place of 1:1 cuddling it’s just something some of those in the Cuddle world may want to experience. Just like everything in life, it’s not for everyone.
It's an "enthusiast" activity. My reasons for continuing to stay on this site, change frequently. I have experienced healing. I have had fun. I have met some GREAT people. It is, has been a microcosm to explore. If you think you know why you are here and what you want, great! But if you can take a deep breath and look outside your (don't take this as criticism) agenda, some ideas like this can provide unexpected entertainment, joy, and growth. Peace
orgy... sums it up... i mean that respectfully... i think this entire cuddling things is some undercover freakiness... you know and i know... if it's not then you're probably weird
@drunkpartylife , may I kindly ask you what your thought and motive is for being here? It seems by your comment and user name that you are describing your own life view and its not compatable with the accepting and honoring of others persons as we endeavor to hold here. May I respectfully suggest that you do a bit of open minded reading as to the intent of this comunity or that you look for a better fit for yourself.
Guess I am weird ?
@caringtouch exactly. @drunkpartylife orgy in your world is at the opposite end of the spectrum of what a cuddle party is here. I don't think any Cuddler shows up for a Cuddle Party intoxicated. I am thinking you should look into attending one so you understand. I have never been to one yet either but I do know its not a orgy and am excited to attend one. I believe they are to first of all have fun, meet other cuddlers, feel relaxed, comforted, accepted and welcome without judgement. Read @UKGuy post, this is for 2 individuals to give each other their undivided attention with no sex involved. @AndiCuddles I would be curious to know what your perception of a Cuddle Party was before the class and how it differs now that you are learning to become a facilitator.
What is the fee at a cuddle party?
@ImNotPerfect24 the reading of parties seems to vary depending on what part of the states you are from. I’m sorry I didn’t check where you were from but it seems like the NorthEast it varies I have seen from 35-60$, out West seems the highest ones I saw ranged from approximately 45-70$ I would guess it depends on the host and how long the party is. I hope that helped you.
would love to go to a party like this. I imagine the biggest issue would be finding a gender balance on this kind of party, as there seem to be loads more men than women online.