Cuddle party
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A cuddle party is an event designed with the intention of allowing people to experience non-sexual group physical intimacy through cuddling. Cuddle parties are described by organizers as "workshop/social-events" that gives adults an opportunity to "give and receive welcomed affectionate touch in a no-expectation, friendly setting, according to your needs, desires, interests, and boundaries." Cuddle parties are described as non-sexual events but kissing may occur at some parties.[1]
A cuddle party is a group experience, while the one-on-one analog is a cuddlebuddy relationship.
Events have occurred across the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Montgomery, Boston, Minneapolis, Chapel Hill, and Kansas City, Howland, Ohio; and abroad reaching Toronto, London, and Melbourne.
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[edit] History
Reid Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski, a pair of self-described "relationship coaches" in New York City, founded Cuddle Party in New York on February 29, 2004. According to their website, the events were initially created for friends who were too intimidated to attend Mihalko's informal massage workshops. Upon publication of the Cuddle Party website, the events were opened to the general public, and, thanks to a swarm of media attention, became a phenomenon in New York.
In order to meet the demand for Cuddle Parties in other cities, Mihalko and Baczynski began a training and certification program in January 2005, and have since trained a number of individuals to facilitate Cuddle Parties in various cities. As the Cuddle Party people decided there were to be rules and restrictions they instituted the no sex rule.
[edit] Format
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A cuddle party is described by organizers as having the following format:
- A "Welcome Circle" led by the event's facilitators, the purpose of which is to establish the structure of the event, and in which participants are given an opportunity to introduce themselves, be led through several communication/ice-breaker exercises, and learn the Cuddle Party rules.
- A two-hour socializing/cuddling portion of the event, in which participants socialize and cuddle, in accordance with the event's rules.
- A "Closing Circle," in which the facilitators sum up the evening's activities.
The Rules
WHAT TO WEAR: Pajamas - nothing too risqué. Think more comfy than sexy. (More drawstrings, less lace! No shorts.)
WHAT TO BRING: A pillow or stuffed animal if you like. Juice or sparkling cider is always welcome. Sorry, no liquor folks. Otherwise, just bring your smiling self.
STICK TO THE RULES:
Pajamas stay on the whole time. You don't have to cuddle anyone at a Cuddle Party, ever. You must ask permission and receive a verbal YES before you touch anyone. (Be as specific in your request as you can.) If you're a yes, say YES. If you're a no, say NO. If you're a maybe, say NO. You are encouraged to change your mind anytime you want. Respect your relationship agreements and communicate with your partner. Get your Cuddle Lifeguard On Duty or Cuddle Caddy if you have a question or concern or need assistance with anything during the Cuddle Party. Tears and laughter are both welcome. Respect people's privacy when sharing about Cuddle Parties and do not gossip. Arrive on time. Be hygienically savvy.
[edit] Media
- A cuddle party was featured on an episode of CSI: New York titled "Grand Murder at Central Station".[2][3][4]
- Cuddle parties received a 'Wag of the Finger' from Stephen Colbert on the April 29, 2008 episode of The Colbert Report.
- Penn & Teller's Bullshit!, season 3, episode 4 includes a short segment about a cuddle party.
- In King of the Hill Peggy asks Boomhauer, Bill, and Dale if they have heard of cuddle parties to determine whether or not they are "cool"
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Need A Lift? It May Be Just A Cuddle Away — Cuddle Parties Are Nonsexual Ways Of Getting The Human Touch". NBC 10 Philadelphia. November 10, 2004. http://www.nbc10.com/news/3900430/detail.html. Retrieved on 2007-05-01.
- ^ "The CSIs Get Cuddly On 'Grand Murder At Central Station'". CSI Files. http://www.csifiles.com/news/310705_01.shtml. Retrieved on 2007-05-01.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Orange County Cuddle Party. http://www.oc-cuddle.com/html/frequently_asked_questions__fa.html#HowAreLimitsEnforced. Retrieved on 2007-05-01.
- ^ "NYDailyNews.com Cuddle Party". NYDailyNews.com. http://www.nyDailyNews.com NYDailyNews.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-01.
