Need a cuddle? Who doesn’t?
A burgeoning industry has sprung up to offer for-profit cuddling, and they’re now seeking out Upper West Side clients. Jamie Lee took the above photo on 95th street and Broadway.
The Wall Street Journal looked into the phenomenon earlier this year and found that cuddling is become a major thing.
“The cuddle-for-hire business is taking off—even though the clothes stay on. Thousands of customers across the country are booking appointments with professional cuddlers in at least 16 states. The snugglers squeeze, tickle and bearhug clients for a fixed rate. Patrons who booked these services out of mere curiosity say they have become hooked on their therapeutic benefits.”
And no, you are not allowed to turn the cuddle into something more… intimate. There are strict rules at most of these places. The Ideal Cuddle, advertised on the poster above, has a male and female cuddler: “We have Charlie, our male cuddle specialist, who is compassionate and sensitive to your needs. And we have Noelia, our female cuddle specialist, who is thoughtful, sweet and upbeat. We want to cuddle and appreciate who you are. Allow us to cuddle peace and happiness back into your life.”
Cuddles start at $60 for 45 minutes.
They also want you to be clean, and tone it down on the Brut: “For the comfort of us all, we ask that you are freshly showered before your appointment. Brushed teeth, fresh breath and clean clothes are all required before the start of your session. We also ask that you wear minimal to no cologne/perfume. We will also adhere to this policy.”
Oh, please.
Spare me.
I’m more than a little creeped out by this.
It is cheaper than a JDate subscription, FWIW…..
In the immortal words of W.C.Fields:
There is a sucker born every minute.
W.C. Fields?
Widely mis-attributed to P.T. Barnum, the quote, “There’s a sucker born every minute.”, appears to have actually been said by David Hannum, a rival of Barnum’s.
First time I’ve seen the quote attributed to Fields.
OK, so: Who wants to cuddle?
Oh. The Wall Street Journal has discovered that this is a major thing?
I see.
I wish I hadn’t read this.
seriously.
This is pathetic.
A cuddling business? Paying for cuddling? That is so wrong on so many levels. Cuddle expert?!
Serious? Cuddling with a stranger for hire? Only in America…or perhaps NY? Our superficiality goes very deep indeed.
What will they think of next?Annette
Sadly, this is the only opportunity some people will get to cuddle with another human being.
From the Ad:
“Feel cherished and loved in the cuddle of your choice…”
Well, I suppose your money will be “cherished and loved”…
If this cuddle-for-hire businesss takes off, I wonder how soon parrallels to the massage industry will begin to show themselves.
ummm… 10 minutes?