How do you handle public sessions?

edited July 12 in Pro Cuddling

I am new to cuddling as a whole, but I came to this site with clear goals that I hope to accomplish through cuddling. As someone who overthinks his plans WAY TOO MUCH I’m trying to get some general ideas so that the “schematics” become a little more clearer in my head. Part of my plan includes public sessions, especially in the beginning.

You see, I have the goal to find a regular cuddler. I usually compare it to my bartender and barber: I do not change them. I’m just a stickler for routine and consistency. Perks of being on the Spectrum. In an effort to find this person I obviously have to “feel” some cuddlers out. Now, since I would most likely have to travel a good distance to find a cuddler I mesh well with it makes sense that in order for a cuddle session to be held in a private space I would need to book a hotel or something similar. (That is the assuming the cuddler doesn’t host.) However, that is an additional cost and investment on my end. So, personally, I would prefer to hold a public session, perhaps a few, to see whether or not I really want to invest that much time and money in doing so for that specific cuddler. (I’ll also add that I do hope to find a cuddler who will be willing to act as a platonic companion to do things with.) To that end, I have some questions so please bear with me.

(1) What are appropriate venues or venues that you prefer? What are some places that you have enjoyed with a client?

I have mentally bookmarked several zoos and aquariums in key areas since everyone likes animals. (Right?) I can picture receiving head scratches while rambling about the difference between albino and leucistic alligators and such. What are your thoughts on places like that? Are there other general places that you might suggest?

(2) What about additional expenses outside of the ones that may be mentioned in your profile?

For instance, say that I book a cuddler for a few hours to go to the aquarium or zoo nearest to them. The ticket I would 100% bear the cost of. But, let’s say, lunch time comes around. Would you expect the client to pay for your meal? Would you be willing to let the client pay for it? I personally have no qualms paying for it. I just wonder whether or not a cuddler would assume I’m trying to turn the session into a date. The same principle would apply if I wanted to give them a small gift from the gift shop. Again, I can see how the act could be misinterpreted, but gift-giving is a large part of my personality. It is one of the primary ways I show appreciation because I am not always the best with my words. For example, if a cuddler told me that they loved Diet Coke, then I would never arrive to a session without one. It would make them happy, and the feeling of making people happy and smile is something I often find myself chasing. In this context, it’s simply my way of saying thank you for them even willing to accept me as a client. (I suffer through a lot of self-doubt, but that’s a whole different conversation.) I do things like that for all my friends and even my co-workers, even those who I don’t get along with. It’s just my way of saying thank you.

I’m probably WAY overthinking this one. I know that it will depend on the cuddler, but a general opinion would be nice.

(3) How is the cuddling aspect affected when in the public eye?

I can appreciate how having a public session would be perfect for platonic companionship. I don’t like doing things on my own, so to have someone go see that one movie I desperately want to watch would be awesome. (I used to do that with my mother, but when I moved out I stopped. It wasn’t possible to take her, and I don’t keeping the experience to myself.) Or to go to an aquarium and ramble about marine life would be such a relief. But we are still cuddlers; I do long for touch. Naturally, when in public, you can only go so far before you attract wandering, misunderstanding eyes. I can see things like hand holding, head pats, and head scratches, but what else can be achieved?

I know this may have been a bit of a long read, but I’ve seen how some of y’all have answered questions in other threads. It honestly impressed me. It’s not like the YouTube or Reddit comment section. It’s professional and respectful, and honestly a bit of a relief to see people online who come across as pretty chill. To all those who comment like that, I appreciate you and I hope things always turn out well for you!

Thanks for reading!

Comments

  • Welcome to the site, @PerfectFlyer01 !

    Yes, you are overthinking things a bit, but that's ok! 😊 It's completely normal to have some anxiety about new situations, and having the curiously and self-awareness to ask these sorts of questions is a good thing.

    There are several past discussion of public cuddle location ideas. You can use the forum search bar to look for them.

    Re: extra expenses like lunch - every cuddler is going to be different, as they all set their own business policies. It's best to negotiate beforehand. You're already doing great thinking ahead to potential issues that might come up, which means you're leagues ahead of most. After you start talking with a prospective cuddle partner/pro, just being up any logistical concerns you may have.

    As for what types of cuddling can happen in public, it's very much going to depend on the individuals' comfort and the setting. A dark movie theater is going to be a very different vibe from an isolated bench in a park, and both very different from a crowded aquarium or zoo with lots of children around. All you can do is feel it out and discuss with your cuddle partner. If they're more experienced, they'll likely have plenty of ideas! There are many less entwined cuddle positions than full on spooning in bed. Hugging from behind while seated, one seated with the other's head in their lap, sitting back to back, etc.

    Basically, what it all comes down to: connect with a potential cuddle partner, and then communicate and negotiate. The biggest thing with consent in cuddling is proactive communication. Every person and situation is going to be different and there are very few hard rules, so best practice is just to talk it out.

    I'm happy to answer more questions in depth in DM if you'd like. Best of luck with your cuddle journey! 🤗

    P.S. I loved the Georgia Aquarium. It definitely rivaled even my beloved Monterey Bay Aquarium here in NorCal. I can absolutely imagine cuddling with someone in the big tank viewing room and just watching the animals & people doing their thing.

  • Just a reminder that Companion services aren’t allowed here. It’s a Cuddle site, some cuddling must take place during the session. This isn’t a Rent a Friend/Rent a Date website, there are really strict rules about what’s allowed.
    I will try to find a link….

  • @Carrie_Anne @BlueIris I edited my post to highlight the fact that I do still want cuddling to be involved as that is still the primary goal. Everything else would compliment cuddling and not replace it. For me, there would need to be some form of visual activity and since I cannot picture myself cuddling on a park bench or sprawled out on the grass for an hour or more, I find places that allow for walking from place to place (like going into an aquarium and “parking” at different areas throughout the session) to be most appealing in concept.

    But I do see your point. It’s definitely going to be something I keep in mind when making my goals clear as I go forward. Thanks! 😊

  • @cuddlefaery Thank for your message. Yeah, overthinking is definitely my number one weakness. Comes in handy when you need something done extremely precisely and extremely well, but boy does it cause a headache. Don’t even ask me how long I’ve spent trying to write out these responses. 😅 Reputation for me is everything and I really want to make a good impression in the community. But I digress.

    I do appreciate you providing some overall principles that can carry over into a variety of scenarios. That point on communication is definitely the most vital. For me, I don’t struggle to communicate is I feel uncomfortable. That comes easy. What’s more difficult is advocating for what I want and need. But you’re right, if they are an experienced cuddler then they probably do have ideas I could inquire about. Makes it easier than trying to spawn one out of thin air, especially if I’m traveling to a city I don’t know anything about.

    I’m going to spend sometime looking through those threads and writing down my favorite ideas. And I’ll make sure to let you know if I have any more questions! (I do but I need a break from thinking lol)

    Oh, and the Georgia Aquarium is awesome! There are so many cozy spots there that I sometimes sit at for hours just watching the sea life. Going there with a cuddler would be like going shopping at the mall. What store do you want to stop at first? Or in this case, which exhibit do you want to cuddle at first? I recently made it my goal to go to visit an aquarium in each state that has one, so that’s going to definitely give me some reasons to travel.

Sign In or Register to comment.