posted October 22, 2005 03:11 AM         

Cuddle Party is a playful social event designed for adults to explore communication, boundaries and affection. Facilitated by a "Cuddle Lifeguard on Duty," who creates a comfortable, non-threatening environment, it's a great place to make new friends and to learn about yourself.

The brainchild of two relationship coaches, Cuddle Party was conceived in Feburary 2004. Since then, Reid Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski have sought to bring clean, safe, welcomed affection to the world through these events.

In a society that is increasingly touch-phobic, many of us aren't getting our Recommended Daily Allowance of welcomed touch. For many people, the only options for getting their touch needs met consist of paying for a massage, having a drunken hookup or getting a pat-down from airport security. Cuddle Parties seek to change that in a way that's conscious, healthy and nutritious.

People come to Cuddle Party events for all sorts of reasons. Some are really touchy-huggy types who can't wait to be in an environment where that's okay. Others are more skittish and aren't even sure that they want to cuddle. Some people come to work on their boundaries with the opposite sex. Some come to make new friends, or to practice their communication skills. Some even come just to take a nap!

Whatever your reasons for coming, Cuddle Party is the perfect playground for exploring new ways of connecting with others and discovering more about yourself. Come to a Cuddle Party, and get back in TOUCH!

To find an event near you, visit our calendar. More questions? Check our our Frequently Asked Questions.

posted October 22, 2005 03:42 AM         

They have a branch somewhat near where I live, so I may actually check it out. Can't hurt, right?

It is quite odd I'll grant you, but maybe that's part of the fascination.

posted October 22, 2005 07:37 AM         

Are you really going to give it a whirl AG.....you are a brave one....and am sure very cuddly.....aaahh bless ya !!!

love to all

posted October 22, 2005 11:24 AM         

Yeah, Yang....had thought I was entering a cuddle-fest.

posted October 22, 2005 11:28 AM         

I read that if you receive 12 hugs a day it helps to boost
the immune systm.....hey maybe these guys are onto something. The same goes for crying....very healthy !!!

Love and hugs

posted October 22, 2005 12:11 PM         

It makes me sad to think that there are people who feel so out of touch and isolated that they would go to such lengths.

posted October 22, 2005 01:16 PM         

Those people have issues.

posted October 22, 2005 02:21 PM         

I feel bad for that guy though. Everyone should have someone to cuddle - and I don't mean a stranger. But I'm not voluntering. Maybe if he spent less time at cuddle parties, he'd find someone?

posted October 22, 2005 03:40 PM         

respect that auric space

posted October 22, 2005 04:59 PM         

what are these women doing
LOL

posted October 22, 2005 06:44 PM         

quote:

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To me this form of "let's snuggle first and then get to know each other" is not only backwards and contrary to my own personal nature, it rings very hollow to me. Real intimacy and bonding isn't so easily acchieved by mere physical approximity and casual chatter. But hey, apparently other people are buying into it. Then again, many people buy into a lot things to be true that aren't. Whatever.

---

Well, that's a very judgemental way of looking at it.

I can understand why you feel that way about what Sue said. I hadn't originally read it that way, but I can see how you did. She did say that she thought I'd be brave to try it, so that seems to indicate a certain trepidation.

posted October 22, 2005 08:27 PM         

Lots of harmful or wasteful actions could easily be considered "pleasurable" in an immediate sense. Possibly "pleasurable" alone is not such a good criteria for "good"?

My question is ... what are these people missing from their real lives that they are willing to put on their pj's, get down on the floor, and spoon with a perfect stranger?

Why do want to go, AG? Just to satisfy your curiosity? Or do you need a good cuddle?

If it's the former .. well I can understand that. It is a curious thing. But if it's the latter ... do you really think you will satisfy that need with a bunch of people you've known for 10 minutes? If you can, then I say, why stop at cuddling?

posted October 22, 2005 09:00 PM         

Astrologically speaking, I've got enough Sagittarius and Capricornian influence that I don't have a particularly terrible time with boundaries. Plus if you read the thing, you have to ask a person if you can cuddle with them, so you're never cuddling with someone you don't want to cuddle with. I was thinking I would just go, and see who wanted to cuddle with me. Could be interesting to see who finds me cuddly.

I think it's important to note that as a guy I don't have the same reasons to feel threatened by it. I don't see myself choosing to cuddle with guys, and I don't see the threat in a woman in pj's wanting to cuddle. If I end up speaking with and making friends with a woman, well, I can think of worse things.

posted October 22, 2005 09:05 PM         

quote:

---

Could be interesting to see who finds me cuddly.

---

Ahhhh

Wish I could continue this but I'm on my way out the door.

I'm sure all the girls here think you're cuddly. However, I'm going to bet that most of them will want to get to know you first. Does that help?

But you're a guy - by all means, cuddle first and ask questions later. It's your nature.