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[Lucky Forward]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Northeast/08/09/cuddling.parties.2.reut/index.html

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- It's not about sex and all about the touchy-feely experience of snuggling up to perfect strangers wearing pajamas. The grab fests are called cuddle parties, and since they started in New York in February, hundreds of people have paid $30 each to touch and embrace others in intimate gatherings. Everyone needs to be cuddled, especially in lonely New York, say creators Reid Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski, who say it's a good way to meet new and interesting people. But the rules are clear. The PJs stay on the whole time.

Curiosity is a big driver for people who attend cuddle parties, and it is a better way to meet people than going to a bar, getting drunk and spending the night with someone just because of the need for some affection, she said. A cuddle party is really about communication and not therapy, say the organizers.

Before any touching begins, participants gather in a circle to hear the rules and voice any questions or concerns. The first rule is that the event is not clothing optional, pajamas must stay on and sex is not permitted. Participants team up into pairs, and to ensure the boundaries of what is permissible are clear, they practice saying "no" to the question, "May I kiss you?"

An introduction to cuddling ensues, first by hugging three people. People then get in a circle on their hands and knees, rub shoulders and moo like cows. After a bit of swaying, everyone falls to their side, which puts them into an easy cuddling position.

Cuddle parties are intended for people who are emotionally sound. People in therapy or who are seeing a mental health professional are asked to consult their doctor before signing up for a party and to tell organizers of their situation.

 

[distantmantra]

My girlfriend emailed that article to me at work yesterday, I find it extremely creepy.

 

[Greekboy]

Sounds like a way that geeky virgins can finally touch a woman without getting arrested.

 

[distantmantra]

In theory and on paper, it's a great idea, considering the stressors many single professionals deal with on a regular basis. But once you really do it, it just seems really scary.

 

[FortNinety]

cough... cough... old... cough....

But yeah, it's so pathetic on so many levels.

 

[Tamanon]

Theoretically, easy way to show off your moves as far as the hands go.

Realistically, what the fuck?

 

[Lucky Forward]

cough... cough... old... cough....

But yeah, it's so pathetic on so many levels.

Yep, looks like FortNinety had it first a month ago...and his thread had this scary picture:

 

[Doth Togo]

Yep, looks like FortNinety had it first a month ago...and his thread had this scary picture:

Those people look like geeks. The girl needs to loose the head scarf.

 

[Diablos]

If some hot chick came up to me and "cuddled" with her PJ's on, I'd prolly get a woodie.

 

[GDGF]

Those youngsters will one day give birth to a child, and name her Zoe-Sunfruit.

 

[Drinky Crow]

It's the "friend zone", only en masse and institutionalized!

 

[Desperado]

It's the "friend zone", only en masse and institutionalized!

In other words, hell.

 

[Belfast]

So what happens if two people decide they want to have sex. You're going to kick them out of the cuddle party? Ooooooooooooo.

Then they'll just go have sex somewhere else.

 

[Cubsfan23]

God help those who encounter a blackout when attending one of these.....

 

[Jill Sandwich]

God help those who encounter a blackout when attending one of these.....

 

[MoxManiac]

Wow, that's pretty pathetic.

 

[Phoenix]

Go to s strip club for goodness sakes!

 

[Pattergen]

What if you get someone ugly or someone that smells really bad and no one will trade with you? Can you get your money back?

 

[Phoenix]

What if you get someone ugly or someone that smells really bad and no one will trade with you? Can you get your money back?

If you're desperate enough to go to one of these things, you probably aren't very particular.

 

[aoi tsuki]

What if you get someone ugly or someone that smells really bad and no one will trade with you? Can you get your money back?

IIRC, according to the cuddling site posted a while back, you have to ask before you hug/cuddle/kiss, plus i'm sure they heavily suggest taking a bath before coming.

 

[StoOgE]

this is still better than dressing up like an animal and having sex.