7 replies to this topic

[JBonn]

Not quite about diapers, but very close to some of the AB/Little culture. I saw this one on CNN earlier in the week and surprised no one else posted about it (that I could find).

A woman, only referred to as Jacqueline, has established a business for.... snuggling near Rochester, NY. It's called The Snuggery, and she lists rates of $60/hr to.. yes, snuggle.



A snippet from her bio:

My philosophy is both personal and evidence based. I studied at the University of Rochester where I received a Bachelors Degree in Brain and Cognitive Science. I'm presently completing my Master's Degree in Social Work. I am also an advocate of horticulture therapy and have been dedicated to alternative healing techniques for years.
I am passionate about touch. I've travelled all over the world, interacted with diverse cultures, and noted that Americans distinctly lack non-sexual touch. I understand the role touch plays in our sense of well-being and overall health.

So, to make sure you understand, this is NOT sexual (according to her), just snuggling/cuddling in pajamas.

As...interesting...as it sounds, I somehow think the authorities will find a way to nail her for prostitution. How about it, Angela Bauer or any of our other resident JD's?

[Bettypooh]

Much the same as "Escort Services", if they're doing only what they advertise then it's legal But the moment there is sexual contact or an offer of the same, it's fingerprint time There's nothing illegal about snuggling In fact, snuggling is usually all I really want from intimate contact- sex is overrated

Bettypooh

[Dr_J]

That's not too far away from my house. It was all over the local radio/news before she got all the national attention. Seems legit to me based on her interview.

[JBonn]

The two danger points that stick out for me are that there is no oversight/regulation/certification for this kind of thing, and that it appears her preferred method of snuggling is in pajamas in bed. Those would seem to diverge from any other kind of similar fee for service such as massage, escort, etc.

Still, the idea is not w/o merit and is somewhat intriguing to me. However, I don't know that I could ever bring myself to "pay for it" when it's something available for free at home.

Nor do I think that mainstream America is quite ready for something like this, or would many spouses be accepting of such services.

[sarah_ab]

really? cuddle parties have been around for like 5-8 years now... people get together and just cuddle... there was even an episode about it on Idiot abroad the bucket list last season... i mean this really isn't new.... i guess the fact that this woman is charging for what people can easily get for free is... but cuddle parties had a time a few years back when they were super popular, CSI NY even had an episode about it.

[JDL23]

I kinda like this idea. We definitely have an issue with touching in the US (that and a lot of other hangups about intimacy), and not everyone needs a therapy session or something sexual for relieving stress. Though, yes, I can also appreciate how people might take this the wrong way or abuse the Snuggery's services (because of the aforementioned intimacy hangups).

[Bonsai]

While I would gladly partecipate to a "snuggle party", even with perfect strangers, I would not probably be available to pay for it.

The point about paying is the same for all services: if you pay you can expect a professional treat and can complain if you receive less (or, sometimes worse, more) than agreed. If it's for free... any after-service issue remains yours to deal with.

[BrenB84]

Hey thats not to far from me. I would never use something like that but hey glad to see that there are things for ones that are intersted in the services.