Kari PSCW's blog: "Random Thoughts..."

So I keep seeing these stories about all these professional cuddling businesses starting up in multiple cities.  These people apparently have a contract for the cuddle-ee to sign - promising not to get all pervy, they cuddle fully clothed in a "safe place" and they get paid like $50+ an hour to do this.  First time I read about this I was thinking "WTF???" But as I read on they stated that studies have been done to prove that cuddling significantly reduces stress, which in turn lowers blood pressure and relieves symptoms of certain illnesses and maladies.  Hmmmmm, interesting...  Furthermore, there are people out there who live busy lives and don't have a significant other.  Apparently this service is becoming quite popular around the globe.  Fascinating stuff...  I've always been fascinated by psychology, the human condition, even abnormal psychology - so I find this really interesting.  Part of me jokingly thinks "Geez, I think I missed my calling in life" because I was raised in a very cuddly family.  I'm definitely high-maintenance when it comes to cuddling in a relationship.  I can't imagine not being affectionate with the person I've chosen to spend my time with in life.  I'm also very cuddly with family members and close friends (ok, so I gently coerce some non-cuddly friends into cuddling, but eventually even the biggest non-cuddlers get used to it... lol).  Hell, I still curl up with my parents every chance I get.  That's just how I roll people, it's how I was raised.  BUT...  I am not however cuddly with strangers.  In fact, I have a hard time getting a pro massage because having strangers touch me in an intimate way just creeps me right the hell out.  So hmmmm, it seems perhaps that career choice isn't for me.  I'd have to go hugging a bunch of random strangers just to prepare for something like that and I really don't think I'm up to it.  Maybe if they let me talk to them for awhile first and get comfy with them I'd be ok, who knows.

Anyway...  my point was that I find this new career choice interesting.  Though a small part of me finds it a bit strange I find it comforting to know that people who are in need of physical affection of a non-sexual nature and have no means of receiving it elsewhere have an option available to them.  I mean really, all the emotional and physical benefits shouldn't be exclusive to those with cuddly partners, family and friends.  We all deserve a little tlc in life.  So go forth people and cuddle...  And if you happen to make a living from it, color me jealous as I sit here at my desk explaining where the START button is on a pc...