A cuddle party (also called a cuddle puddle or snuggle party) is a small, structured social event intended to let people experience nonsexual group physical intimacy through cuddling.12 News coverage typically presents cuddle parties as a response to urban isolation and "touch deprivation."13
History
Cuddle parties originated in 2004 as a series of events in New York City run by relationship coaches Reid Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski, who described it as a safer space for people who felt intimidated by massage or tantra workshops.456 Cuddle parties later emerged in other cities,7 and facilitator training was provided by the originators.8
References
References
- Copeland, Libby (2004-08-29). "A touchy subject". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2011-01-22. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- Morris, Alex (2006-01-25). "The Cuddle Puddle of Stuyvesant High School". New York. Archived from the original on 2006-02-03. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- "Group hugs, for a fee". WHYY. 2025-03-14. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- Lusher, Adam (2006-10-15). "It's a tight squeeze as British reserve meets the cuddle party". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- "Craving Human Touch? Cuddle!". ABC News. 2006-11-30. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- "Group Hugs". People. 2004-09-27. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- "Group hug, anyone?". The Seattle Times. 2004-09-05. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- "CP Facilitator Certification | Cuddle Party Inc". Retrieved 2025-10-28.