“Itʼs an orgy! Minus sex and hidden camera Web-casts!” claims FHM, a magazine that gives a whole new meaning to ethics in journalism. “The cuddling itself was more pleasing than freaky” wrote Noah Tarnow of Time Out New York.Even Hollywood-based magazine Star stated that “Cuddling parties are in! One night stands are out!” Wow. Hollywood is shaking its promiscuous finger at one-night stands? What has the world come to? These gatherings are taking the nation by storm. A “cuddle party,” which sounds like the Beaver Cleaver equivalent of a sex-fest or therapy for the hugseeking Dr. Evil from Austin Powers, actually claims to be very innocent in nature.
According to “professional cuddlers” (yes, it is actually a profession) Reid Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski, a cuddle party is “an event for adults to get together and explore affectionate touch and communication without it becoming sexualized. At these events, we create the safe space to
talk about and explore what our needs are as adults when it comes to affection, intimacy and welcomed touch.”
Mihalko and Baczynski feel that the American culture is derived of muchneeded cuddling. Their Web site, www.cuddleparty. com, explains,
“In todayʼs world, many of us arenʼt getting our Recommended Daily Allowance of Welcomed Touch.”
So how are cuddle parties conducted? Well, for one, they donʼt allow you to show up late! Before the cuddle party begins, a necessary therapeutic-like “welcome circle” is conducted to introduce everyone and
a “safe space” force field is created. People, dressed only in their pajamass, state who they are and why they have attended, while the “Cuddle Party Lifeguard on Duty” and “Cuddle Caddy” explain the rules and regulations. The welcome circle is integral to maintaining the comfort zone, so if you show up late thereʼll be no cuddles for you.