A Look Inside Local Cuddle Parties

Reporting
Mary Stoker Smith

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― In today's non-stop rush to get here and there, maneuvering through a crowd of hundreds and in and out of lines of traffic, some people worry that they are losing touch with each other. Now as CBS 3's Mary Stoker-Smith reports there's a way to really reach out and touch somebody else. You can do it a cuddle party.

A Cuddle Party may look like a pajama party for grown-ups. It's fun but there are rules. The number one rule, pajamas stay on the whole time. This is a non-sexual event.

Okay, now that we have that out of the way you may ask yourself, what's a cuddle party?

"This is a way of framing touch in a positive way," says cuddle party facilitator Edie Weinstein-Moser.

Edie says the parties which are held around the country and in our area are meant to help people achieve better intimacy, and communication. And it allows people to express themselves in a comfortable and safe environment.

There's snuggling, nuzzling and even spooning. But not everyone's ready for a group hug right away since you may not know everyone. So to get comfortable there are a few steps to start with.

The first step, whether you're with a partner or by yourself, is to sit and chat in a welcome circle. You hear the rules which include asking permission and getting a verbal yes before you touch anybody. And if everyone agrees to all of the rules, the cuddling begins.

"I love experiencing the feelings that come up when you connect with each individual person," said cuddle party-goer Linda Hunter at a recent Phoenixville party.

"Day to day life can get isolating so it's nice to have something to break out of that pattern," says Eric Merlino, another cuddle guest.

For Eric Hunter, "I have finally completely overcome my social anxiety that I had for decades."

Cuddle parties last for about 3 hours and pajamas and stuffed animals are optional.

"These folks enjoyed themselves, they tell me they leave feeling lighter emotionally and physically," said Edie. "You can't help but smile being around this."

And who doesn't love a good hug once in a while?
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