Some are couples. Others are complete strangers. But they all share a common interest: they just want to cuddle with each other.
The social phenomenon and business enterprise known as Cuddle Parties has made its way across the country and is allowing people to exercise what is referred to as "touch-positive behavior." This Thanksgiving, the movement comes to Phoenix with a Nov. 20 party.
Reid Mihalko, a sex and relationship educator and the creator of the trademarked Cuddle Parties, says the inspiration to start the social experiment came from an informal workshop he created for massage therapists. He encouraged them to take a night off and practice receiving touch.
"The point of Cuddle Parties is to help people get back in touch with touch — [to] educate people that safe, nurturing social affection is possible and that touch is a basic human need," Mihalko says.
The premise of Cuddle Parties centers on creating a positive feeling through touch.
"Touch-positive behavior is about consensual touch," Mihalko says. "Asking and getting a verbal 'yes' before you touch anyone is as much a part of [touch-positive behavior] as being someone who identifies as 'cuddly.' "
The first Cuddle Party took place in February 2004 in an apartment in New York City. There are now Cuddle Party facilitators that are certified by the creators, who run the cuddle sessions across America as well as Toronto, London and Sydney.
While the Cuddle Parties are not limited to large cities, they have yet to reach small towns. Most have taken place in large urban areas, Mihalko says.
The events, which usually cost between $30 and $40 to attend, are non-sexual and drug- and alcohol-free. The typical Cuddle Party can have anywhere from eight to 30 people, all of whom are at least 18 years old.
Mihalko says that a variety of people attend the events, and sometimes the Cuddle Parties are directed toward a certain group of people.
"We've had people as young as 18 and as old as 83 attend so far," Mihalko says. "We often do 'singles-only,' 'men-only' and holiday-themed Cuddle Parties."
Cuddle Party participants are able to pick their cuddle partners in an opening session called "the welcome circle." The introductory session allows first-timers to become comfortable with others.
Mihalko says "the welcome circle" is run by the cuddle party facilitator who establishes the non-sexual vibe.
"Enforcing the non-sexual nature of a Cuddle Party is easy because the adults can control themselves," Mihalko says.
Cuddle Parties have gained popularity throughout the country; even ASU students have created a "Love to Cuddle!" group on Facebook. The group had 23 members as of Monday night.
People may be wary when they hear about the parties, but Mihalko says Cuddle Parties are a healthy way to communicate through affection.
"We're teaching people better communication skills around touch and social affection," he says. "We hope to make the world a more cuddly and intimate place."
If you go ...
Thanksgiving Cuddle
Tuesday, Nov. 20
Phoenix (exact location distributed after sign-up)
6-10 p.m. $20-$30. 18 and older.
cuddleparty.com
Reach the reporter: lindsay.d.walker@asu.edu.
