Cuddlers offer far more than just a hug
Clients find service satisfies a longing for closeness, without a hint of sexual activity
Everyone needs a hug once in a while but sometimes there isn’t always someone around to provide it.
Whether someone has gone through a breakup, is new to the city or is without family, there are now cuddling professionals who are willing to wrap their loving arms around you.
For example, the Cuddlery (www.cuddlery.ca) offers a professional cuddle service where screened professionals are hired to provide a platonic, cuddling experience at an agreed location.
The national business touts the power of touch, which releases oxytocin in the brain that helps to lower blood pressure and stress levels, relieve pain and depression.
Ottawa-Gatineau-based cuddler Maya Arbach, 27, who also works as a nutrition consultant, spoke to the Citizen about what makes someone a good cuddler and the precautions taken to ensure a safe experience.
Q What does it take to be a good cuddler?
A “A good cuddler needs to have affection, and by affection I mean being a really good listener,” says Arbach, who says sessions average $80 per hour. “People will confide in you; you’d be surprised in what people can tell you. And you really have to be non-judgmental because of what people will say and even people’s body language. When people first start cuddling, most people are a bit shy. So if you are kind of forceful or judgmental or really awkward, that’s definitely not going to work.”
Q How did you get into it?
A “I saw an ad that they were looking for cuddlers, and at first when I saw it I was dismissive. Then I kept seeing it, and then I looked more into it. And I really sat down and thought about it. And I thought, ‘Wow, this is actually a unique idea.’ It’s unique but yet everyone technically needs it, as a component of well-being.”
Q How many clients have you had so far?
A “The company itself has been around for about a year and a half in Vancouver, and I was one of the first people to be hired (in Ottawa-Gatineau) just over a month ago, and so far I’ve had about six clients that I do see fairly regularly. So clients will say, ‘This is awkward,’ before we even get started. Then within literally five minutes to 10 minutes they feel really comfortable and by the end of the session they are comfortable.”
Q Are you worried about your safety? Has that ever been an issue?
A “I am not because there is a safety protocol. First of all, when you go to the client’s place or they come over to yours, you take a picture of their ID, you send it, the company receives it, they have to sign the waiver that details all the legalities, they sign that, the session is videotaped. And as well you do advise the company when the session is done. You can also add any (other) safety procedures, too.”
Q How is this not prostitution? How is this different?
A “First of all, there is no nudity, sexual activity, it is specifically, explicitly detailed what is considered sexual activity. There’s no touching of areas covered by undergarments. And, as well, because of the safety protocol and all those things in place, it’s very clear. Like if any sort of infraction happens, or if ever the client is forceful or anything like that, you have the right to completely end the session. Plus everything is on videotape. It’s very explicit what the cuddler and the cuddlee can and cannot do, and the consequences of those actions.”
Q What kind of feedback are you getting from clients?
A “A lot of times the client, say after the first session, will usually tell me, ‘Thank you, this was awesome, I feel really good, this has lifted my spirits,’ things like that. And I feel really good about that in general because when something can uplift your spirits or your morale, that’s very powerful.”