Cuddle party

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.

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, and Kansas City; internationally reaching Toronto, London, and Melbourne.

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 web site, the events were opened to the general public, and, due to a swarm of media attention, became a phenomenon in New York.

In order to capitalize on 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.

Cuddle Parties now take place not only in New York, but in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, London, Sydney, Alabama, Seattle, and elsewhere.

Format
A Cuddle Party is described by organizers as having the following format:


 * 1) A "Welcome Circle" led by the event's facilitators, intended to create a "safe space," 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.
 * 2) A two-hour socializing/cuddling portion of the event, in which participants socialize and cuddle, in accordance with the event's rules.
 * 3) A "Closing Circle," in which the facilitators sum up the evening's activities.

Rules
According to the Cuddle Party web site, the rules of Cuddle Party are as follows:


 * 1) Pajamas stay on the whole time.
 * 2) You must ask permission and receive a verbal "yes" before you touch anyone. (Be as specific in your request as you can.)
 * 3) You don't have to cuddle anyone at a Cuddle Party, ever.
 * 4) If you're a yes, say yes. If you're a no, say no.
 * 5) If you're a maybe, say no.
 * 6) You are encouraged to change your mind from a yes to a no or a no to a yes anytime you want.
 * 7) Respect your relationship agreements and communicate with your partner.
 * 8) 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.
 * 9) Tears and laughter are both welcome.
 * 10) Respect people's privacy when sharing about Cuddle Party and do not gossip.
 * 11) Arrive on time.
 * 12) Be hygienically savvy.

Controversy

 * In light of growing popularity and attention by the mainstream media, some critics have argued that Cuddle Parties, a paid-admission variation on an existing "Cuddle Puddle" concept, are inherently gross.

Media

 * A Cuddle party was featured on an episode of CSI: New York titled "Grand Murder at Central Station".
 * A Cuddle party was featured on an episode of Scott Baio is 45 and Single.