What is a Cuddle Party?
What Is A Cuddle Party?
Cuddle Party is a workshop and a playful social event designed for adults to explore communication, boundaries and connection. You can come to a Cuddle Party to meet new people, to enjoy amazing conversations, to touch, to be touched, to have fun, to practice asking for what you want, to practice saying “no” to what you don’t want — all in a setting structured to be a supportive place for exploration and enjoyment. You can even come to a Cuddle Party just to cuddle!
What Happens At Cuddle Party
A Welcome Circle & Mini-Workshop
After you arrive at the event location, sign in, and change into comfy clothes or pajamas in the private changing area, the Cuddle Party starts with an hour-long Welcome Circle, led by a Certified Cuddle Party Facilitator.
This Welcome Circle is where we create the structure and supportive space for the socializing to follow. It is also where we break the ice and get to know each other. This is where you and other Cuddle Party participants can…
- Introduce yourselves,
- Learn about the Cuddle Party philosophy,
- Get oriented to the Cuddle Party rules,
- Practice the Cuddle Party communication skills
- Be led through a few ice-breaker exercises
As the Welcome Circle concludes, most participants find themselves feeling surprised by how comfortable they feel.
Multiple Hours of Self-Directed Connection
Now it is time for you to ask for what you want, say yes and no to requests and invitations, Invite connection, cuddle according to your desires and comfort (or just talk if you prefer), connect with fascinating people, “cuddle mingle,” and, ultimately, relax into the flow of an unusually playful and respectful social environment.
Some participants cuddle in groups, others one-on-one, while some like to talk and not cuddle for a time, or not at all. Cuddling can look like feet against feet, leaning shoulder to shoulder or back to back, full-body hugs, head-rubs, spooning, holding hands, or just talking – it is, indeed, up to you. And, configurations and positions shift significantly throughout the event, thanks in part to Agreement 6 – You are encouraged to Change your mind & only do what you feel good about doing.
Also throughout the event, the Cuddle Party Facilitators participate with you so that you can feel relaxed and supported and have a great time with your experiences.
The socializing and cuddling, like the Welcome Circle, all take place in our cozy supportive environment, enhanced by an eclectic and charming mix of music played at a volume that allows easily for conversation. There are cookies, fruit, munchies, juice and no intoxicants (other than the oxytocin, that is).
A Closing Circle
At the end of the event, the Cuddle Party Facilitator conducts a Closing Circle to share with you some final thoughts for the road, encourage you to bring your learnings with you as you travel forward, and give everyone a chance to share any parting thoughts with the group.
Participants are often in a state of oxytocin bliss at this point, and feeling a sense of connection with the group that they never would have anticipated at the beginning of the event.
Many participants exchange hugs, and all receive special thank you’s from the Cuddle Party Facilitator for making this particular Cuddle Party the special event that it was.
Still Curious?
What defines a Cuddle Party?
1. Consistent Welcome Circle Workshop script. The Agreements are delivered in the opening workshop the same every time. The Welcome Circle usually takes from 1-2 hours.
2. The Welcome Circle is Interactive, not passive. Participants are invited to engage intentionally with the discussion around the Agreements. There are interactive exercises to help us practice communication skills and also to get to know each other.
3. Open, Unstructured connection time. This is a supportive space for participants to connect with others and have room for practice and experimentation.
4. Cuddle Party ends with a Closing Circle. All participants are invited to share what the experience is feeling like for them, we talk about what is next and how to transition out of the Cuddle Party.
5. Substance-Free Environment Presence is the point. Participants arrive sober and clear so that consent and awareness stay intact. Medications that don’t impair judgment are fine; anything that alters perception or decision-making is not. Cuddle Parties are alcohol and substance free.
6. Closed Container Late arrivals aren’t admitted once participants start introducing themselves. Everyone who participates must be part of creating the shared agreements during the Welcome Circle at that event.
7. Certified Facilitator Required Only certified facilitators in good standing with Cuddle Party Inc. may use the name Cuddle Party.
8. Ideal Group Size About 25 participants per certified facilitator is the recommended maximum. Larger events require additional certified facilitators or assistants and often work best when divided into smaller circles during the Welcome Circle.