The Washington Post on April 26th published an article titled, “What Professional Cuddlers Can Teach Us about Touch.” which you can find if you click here.
In response, we can honestly say that we were impressed with how the writer seemed to truly understand the importance of touch in people’s lives. The writer interviewed a professional cuddler, Roxanne Krakowski, about what led her to choose this as a secondary career.
Krakowski explained that although she was married, she always felt profoundly alone, not able to shake the feeling even when she and her husband were together in the same room. She describes feeling starved for physical affection because they hardly ever touched one another. Her journey began with the Cuddle Parties she began attending (www.cuddleparty.com) that Adam Lippin, our CEO facilitates monthly in NYC.
Roxanne is one of our Professional Cuddlers at Cuddlist.com
As the interview was winding down, the writer described an unexpected “Aha Moment” for her, which happened as Krakowski and she were parting ways, “She she asked if I wanted a hug. ‘Okay,’ I said. ‘But do you really want one?’ she asked.’ ”
That’s when the writer said she suddenly understood the power of professional cuddlers, “With one simple question, Krakowski made me think about what I wanted vs. what I was doing because it was expected of me.”
That’s the question we all, cuddlists or not, should certainly ask ourselves. We need to stop and think.
When reading any news story, my favorite part is reading the comments that flood in because you can actually see what people think and feel. The comments that came in on this story were a mixed bag. Some readers talked about the “commodification of relationships, etc.” with some comments being very positive and affirming.
One comment that rang absolutely true for me, was made by M.C. Otter, who wrote in response to someone’s negative post:
“Glad you have all the touch you need in your lives. You’re lucky. I recently did an informal survey of friends. All of them said they wouldn’t date someone with serious depression, or an alcoholic, or someone with chronic immune disorders, or disabled, or PTSD . . . the list went on and on. (And let’s not forget that many people have spouses who don’t like to cuddle.) And yet, it’s okay to shame people who may not be able to find a partner for whatever reason. This is not about cuddling with someone you love vs. cuddling with a stranger. It’s about cuddling with a stranger vs. no human touch at all.”
I could not have said it any better myself. And to make myself really clear, I along with my partner Madelon Guinazzo, have seen evidence ourselves of the healing power of cuddling and platonic touch.
Adam Lippin, Co-Founder, CEO
Cuddlist, Professional Cuddling