January Cuddle Party

The location will be shared upon ticket purchase, but I can tell you that it is a lovely home near the intersections of Cambie and 33rd.

Please make sure you arrive a half hour to 15 minutes early. At 7pm the doors will be locked and latecomers will not be allowed in. This is to ensure the safety of participants by making sure that everyone is present to learn the cuddle party agreements during the Welcome Circle.

This Welcome Circle is where we create the structure and safe space for the socializing to follow. It is also where we break the ice and get a group of strangers to feel not so strange to one another. This is where you and other Cuddle Party participants can…

• Introduce yourselves,
• Learn about the Cuddle Party philosophy,
• Get oriented to the Cuddle Party rules,
• Practice the Cuddle Party communication skills
• Be led through a few ice-breaker exercises

As the Welcome Circle concludes, most participants find themselves feeling surprised by how comfortable they feel.

The first rule of Cuddle Party is that you never have to cuddle anyone you don’t want to. Consent rules at Cuddle Party, and you are encouraged to practice setting boundaries in a space where they will be honored.

Now it is time for you to ask for what you want, say yes and no to requests and invitations, cuddle according to your desires and comfort (or just talk if you prefer), connect with fascinating people, “cuddle mingle,” and, ultimately, relax into the flow of an unusually playful and respectful social environment.

Some participants cuddle in groups, others one-on-one, while some like to talk and not cuddle for a time, or not at all. Cuddling can mean feet against feet, full-body hugs, head-rubs, spooning — it is, indeed, up to you. And, configurations and positions shift significantly throughout the event, thanks in part to Rule 6 Change your mind & keep yourself happy.

Also throughout the event, the Cuddle Party Facilitators participate with you so that you can feel relaxed and supported and have a great time with your experiences.

At the end of the event, after the optional Puppy Pile, the Cuddle Party Facilitator conducts a brief closing circle to share with you some final thoughts for the road, encourage you to bring your learnings with you as you travel forward, and give everyone a chance to share any parting thoughts with the group.

Participants are often in a state of cuddle intoxication at this point, and feeling a sense of connection with the group that they never would have anticipated at the beginning of the event.

Many participants exchange hugs, some exchange phone numbers, and all receive special thank you’s from the Cuddle Party Facilitator for making this particular Cuddle Party the special event that it was. Some participants may go to a nearby restaurant or cafe to continue the conversations, while others will head home — often to a night of blissfully relaxing sleep.

• Either wear or bring comfortable clothes - think cozy, not sexy
• A water bottle
• A simple finger food snack that is not messy to share - like grapes, energy balls, small sushi, or cookies
• An open mind and heart

Host or Publisher Erica (Tika) Scott