Why Can’t We Be Friends?
“Why won’t you be my friend?” Your eyes hold that question with such longing. You look young in this moment, like a child; hopeful and tender. My heart aches at the vulnerability of it all. I understand this request. It makes so much sense to me. We’ve shared...
Two Bad Hugs
Last week, I received an email from one of our blog readers describing boundary violations. I was touched by her courage in sharing these painful moments and also by her creative spirit: She transformed her crappy experiences into a thoughtful, relatable essay....
What I’ve Learned as a Professional Cuddler
I almost didn't make it as a professional cuddler. The work didn't look the way I had imagined it at first, and I thought I would have to quit. I didn't know it then, but this is a common occurrence in this industry. Unprepared for what this job entails, many...
Growing Pains
Two weeks ago I joyfully shared the ch-ch-ch changes at Cuddle Sanctuary. I’d been looking for a new space for our events and one fell into my lap like magic. On June 1st, Louis, Susan, Fei and I entered the venue for the first time and hosted a celebratory Saturday...
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!
I was amazed. A few weeks ago it occurred to me to contact Zoe, the landlord who provides the space for Cuddle Sanctuary events. I’d been halfheartedly looking for a new location with safer parking, less traffic noise and more space. (Safer parking was a big factor.)...
The Reason You’re Selfish
Did you open this blog because of the lure of the title? The seductive promise that the writer knows the truth about you? That deep down, even though you recycle plastic or give spare change to the homeless or say hello to strangers - that deep down, you’re kind of...
I Cuddled with Someone I Didn’t Like
“I already love you unconditionally.” That's the opening line of my professional cuddling profile. Sure, it’s a little cheesy. But I sincerely mean this, and believe it to be true. Love and acceptance has always come easily for me. It's why I became a professional...
Professional Cuddling for Grief
As many of you know, my dad died earlier this month. I spent ten days on an emotional roller coaster of sadness, laughter, sibling friction, nostalgia, empathy and pure grief. I’ll never forget the experience of my brother, sister, mom and I in the guest bedroom...
5 Tips To Get Better at Receiving
I love being a giver. It feels *great* to be instrumental in another person's happiness. Lately, however, I've noticed that I've been using giving as a crutch in my relationships. It's time for that to change. A One-Sided Experience Giving has been my default...
At My Father’s Deathbed
I’m in Florida right now because my dad is dying. I’m sitting in the bedroom across from his. A loud oxygen machine whirs incessantly to confirm that my father - for now - is still here. My brother is in there sharing (loud) stories and memories of my dad. I’ve taken...