a warm place

CuddleBuddies is a community of warm people who like to hug and cuddle. CuddleBuddies was formed to encourage events where people can have safe touch - non-sexual physical closeness.

We have known for a long time that everyone, adults as well as children, need safe touch in their lives, yet touch is very hard to get for many people. In our society, it is very difficult to find ways of getting full nurturing touch from others without the complications of sexual or romantic involvement. CuddleBuddies provides a place where we can meet our needs for safe touch and physical intimacy without worrying about leading somewhere we don't want.

GUIDELINES FOR CUDDLEBUDDIES EVENTS

SAFE TOUCH

CuddleBuddies events are non-sexual. The emphasis at a CuddleBuddies event is on nurturing and connecting touch, not sensual touch. We specifically seek to avoid raising sexual feelings because it can cause frustration rather than a sense of abundance and nurturing. Typical activities at a CuddleBuddies event are massage, puppy piles (a group cuddle), and hot tubbing.

CuddleBuddies allows much more physical closeness than we normally get at social events. Physical closeness does not imply romantic or sexual interest. "Hitting" on someone is a big "no-no". It is the lack of negative consequences that allows people to be physically free and open.

CuddleBuddies encourages gender-neutrality. We seek to connect with everyone, regardless of gender or desirability. Men especially, in our culture, tend to suffer by limiting their touch needs to sexual connection with women. We seek to create an atmosphere where all touch is sacred and safe, regardless of gender.

BOUNDARIES

CuddleBuddies usually has unstructured time where people may cuddle, hug, or massage freely. Much of the physical closeness comes about because of comfort between people that has been developed over time, not merely because "it is the thing to do".

No one ever has to participate in any activity they are uncomfortable with. This includes touching, hugging, cuddling, nudity, or any group activity. Your "No" will always be honored.

If you are a newcomer, realize that people may not be comfortable with your touch until they get to know you. Always ask someone for permission before you touch, massage, or hug. Do not be offended if someone turns you down. It may be their issue, not yours.

If you are a regular, realize that newcomers are at a disadvantage because they do not have the connections that you have already established. Take the initiative to make newcomers feel welcome and part of the group. Avoid situations that appear unwelcoming or excluding, such as coupling apart from the group.

NUDE-FRIENDLY

Many of our events are nude-friendly (clothing-optional) - you can wear as much or as little as you like. We view the body as a natural expression of who we are, and nothing to be ashamed of. Nudity both requires and allows a sense of trust - we become vulnerable to each other, hiding nothing. Nudity is less about being seen and more about being free, feeling that your body is acceptable as it is, without adornment.

For those not used to nude-friendly events, everyone is always at choice regarding how much to wear. it is a way of accepting our bodies as a natural part of who we are, rather than associating nudity with sexuality. Simple nudity is often less erotic than sexy clothing.

Non-sexual does not mean that we don't have sexual feelings. It simply means we don't act on them. Men often worry about getting an erection. If this happens, which is rare, it is simply ignored.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED

CuddleBuddies is community-oriented. This means we are generally not announced to the public, but the word spreads among friends who know each other. During our events, we spend time talking and getting to know each other, to become vulnerable, to let our real selves out. Emotional intimacy is what makes physical intimacy a deep connecting experience.

We strive in all we do to honor each other, to accept each other as we are. We strive to open our bodies and our souls to release fear and judgments we may have from our past. We strive to learn to be trusting of the love of others, and to be safe for others to trust.

CuddleBuddies was started in 1998 in Virginia by a community called Aliantha. CuddleBuddies is not related to Cuddle Party, which is a pay event originating in New York, and now franchised in different areas.

For more information, write to info@freeheart.net

"Touch - the one thing you can't get on the net"