Reader: What Kind of Society Has a Need for Professional Huggers?

Professional cuddlers are becoming popular. But some people don't embrace the idea.

February 16, 2025

Cori Redford

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For this week's cover story, "Need a Hug?," Jason Heller got his arms around the world of professional cuddlers. In this world, people pay to attend cuddle parties, where they can experience a professionally-led "welcome circle" of sixty to ninety minutes, during which topics such as consent, etiquette and the benefits of cuddling are discussed, and then therapeutic cuddling embraced.

For additional fees, a cuddling session can be private and one-on-one, often in the home of the cuddler. Professionals advertise on websites such as Cuddlist, Cuddle Comfort and Cuddle Companions, where their profiles feature detailed outlines of services offered, plus photos of the practitioners themselves. Rates vary, but the standard is $100 per hour with a two-hour minimum. On most sites, a strict policy of platonic touch is spelled out.

In their comments on the Westword Facebook post of this story, readers spell out their own feelings about the professional cuddling practice. Says J. Scott:

Gross. Cuddling is for people you are emotionally close to. That's what makes it special.

Wonders Eric:

What kind of society has a need for professional huggers?

Suggests Frankie:

if you need this type of crap, your parents totally failed you to reach adulthood.

Adds Walt:

Talk about new age BS. If you want physical contact so badly, learn how to be a better human being. You can start with meditation and self-analysis.

Offers Neil:

Transactional commodified cuddles...eww.

Concludes Paul:

Is that what the kids are calling it nowadays?

What do you think of professional cuddling? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].

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