As of March 26, we're $27,100 in the red for the quarter. Donate here to support this vital work
Subscribe here and join over 13,000 subscribers to our free weekly newsletter

Pillow Talk With a Professional Cuddler
Key Excerpts from Article on Website of New York Times


New York Times, June 18, 2016
Posted: June 26th, 2016
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/19/fashion/professional-cuddl...

In recent years, cuddling - billed as therapeutic, nonsexual touch on sites like the Snuggle Buddies and Cuddlist - has become the latest thing in wellness, beyond yoga and meditation. A quasi movement that dates back more than a decade thanks to snuggle mixers sponsored by the nonprofit group Cuddle Party has morphed into a cuddle-for-hire industry of one-on-one sessions. Pro cuddlers promise a physical and psychic salve through spooning, arm tickling and deep embraces. One such practitioner, at $80 an hour, is Brianna Quijada. A manager at a vegan restaurant on the Upper East Side by day, she recently discussed her second career on the Cuddlist network, plying the worlds newest profession by night. What drew you to cuddling? "I just wanted touch. It seemed like a safe way to explore that," [said Quijada]. "It seems weird to think that if I wasnt in a monogamous relationship and wasnt having sex, I wasnt getting that kind of touch." What is the value of touch? "When I experience consensual touch, I am more in my body, Im more comfortable. Its like a feeling of being understood. It raises your oxytocin, it calms the fight-or-flight response. At the same time, theres a feeling of vulnerability, so its a really interesting way to connect." What do private clients ask for? "It could be hand holding, synchronized breathing, eye-gazing. Ive done cuddling while sitting, whether its an embrace, holding hands, or their head in my lap, or standing and holding each other. They come to me for relaxation."

Note: Explore a treasure trove of concise summaries of incredibly inspiring news articles which will inspire you to make a difference.


Top Inspiring News Articles


Top Inspiring News Articles from Years Past