No, there’s nothing lewd or degrading about the latest craze to sweep Australia , which comes in the form of what is know as “cuddle parties.” Yes you read correctly…
Try to imagine if you will a safe, warm environment, where complete strangers congregate, fully clothed, usually laying on the floor and cuddling, just cuddle and maybe caress just a little.
Having made the news headlines in America, a woman who charged strangers $60 for the best cuddle of their lives was reportedly quite successful.
Her success seems to have made its way across the proverbial pond, all the way to Melbourne, Australia, where cuddle enthusiast Maru? Wegrzyn has been holding the parties in a safe, non-sexual environment.
Aptly named Sensual Healing, business is booming for Wegrzyn who offers the parties in order to help people who are interested to experience, “compassion, affection and touch.”
There are, of course, a number of rules that apply to the parties, including showing up promptly, no drugs or alcohol, and the wearing of only the comfiest most cuddle-friendly and unsexy clothes.
As Wegrzyn explained to reporters recently, “It basically allows them to connect more freely and openly and authentically with family, friends, their work environment and colleagues. It’s such a serious world out there.There’s so much trauma and so much turmoil going on. Even as adults when do we create time for ourselves to have a play and have a bit of fun?”
He added that people who attend his parties shouldn’t feel embarrassed if and when they find themselves getting aroused, as that, he said, was a “perfectly normal and natural” reaction.
Wegrzyn added, “I say to the guys if they’re concerned about that: ‘Don’t worry it happens to the ladies as well but it doesn’t stick out as far.’”
While the cuddle parties seem to be a new craze, it remains to be seen whether the trend will take of in other countries around the world, as after all, the parties are considered to be nothing more than a mass orgy minus the sex.
[Image credit: cuddleparty.com]
