As men age, the need for emotional support and physical touch often increases. However, as they may not have a partner or close friends to provide this, they can feel isolated and lonely. This is where a cuddling party can help. A cuddling party is a non-sexual gathering where people can come to cuddle and snuggle with each other, and benefits for aging men in particular can be significant.
Main Benefits
There are multiple benefits for any human, especially
feeling touch deprivation, on attending and actively participating in Cuddling
Parties. And yes, strong macho men may need it as much (if not more) than tender
and sensitive women.
The major benefits:
·
Cuddling can help to reduce feelings of
loneliness and isolation, which can be particularly common for older men. As we
age, our social circles can shrink, and loved ones may have passed away.
Participating in a cuddling party can provide a safe and comforting space for
older men to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging.
·
Regular physical touch has been shown to have
many health benefits. Cuddling releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps to
reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation and happiness. Older men may
be at risk of developing health issues such as high blood pressure or heart
disease, but regular cuddling can help to combat these issues.
·
As men age, they may become less confident in
initiating physical touch with others due to fear of rejection or judgment.
Participating in a cuddling party can help to build confidence and ease social
anxiety surrounding physical touch. Additionally, cuddling parties provide a
non-sexual environment that alleviates concerns about sexual advances or
expectations.
·
Social connection and emotional support are
crucial in maintaining mental well-being, especially as we age. Regular
attendance at cuddling parties can develop strong bonds of friendship, comfort,
and support with others in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Men experiencing
depression or anxiety can benefit from a cuddling party, finding a sense of
support and solace that they may not have received otherwise.
·
Cuddling parties provide an inclusive
environment where older men can feel respected, appreciated, and valued. The
loneliness and isolation that often emerge as men age can be debilitating, with
a negative impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Cuddling parties can help
provide alternative paths for socialization and emotional support that can make
all the difference in the lives of older men.
· Cuddling parties can provide a uniquely valuable source of emotional support and physical touch for aging men. Such events can allow older men to combat feelings of loneliness, social anxiety, and provide physical and mental health benefits. They can also assist in building new friendships, boosting self-confidence, and providing long-term support to combat the negative effects of loneliness as they age.
What Is a Cuddle Party?
Cuddle Party is a playful social event designed for
adults to explore communication, boundaries and affection. You can come to a
Cuddle Party to meet new people, to enjoy amazing conversations, to touch, to
be touched, to have fun, to practice asking for what you want, to practice
saying “no” to what you don’t want — all in a setting structured to be a safe
place for exploration and enjoyment. You can even come to a Cuddle Party just
to cuddle!
What Happens at Cuddle Party?
While the formats may be slightly different, we will
present the standard protocol you may find in most cases.
A Welcome Circle & Mini-Workshop
After you arrive at the event location, sign in, and
change into pajamas in the private changing area, the Cuddle Party starts with
an hour-long Welcome Circle, led by a Certified Cuddle Party Facilitator.
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.
Two Hours of Self-Directed Connection
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.
A Closing Circle
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.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://cuddleparty.com/what-is-a-cuddle-party/
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/07/fighting-loneliness-with-cuddle-parties/373335/
https://www.inquirer.com/health/men-cuddling-group-healing-trauma-mental-health-20190325.html
