About The Madison Cuddling Meetup Group

Cuddle Party (tm) was created by REiD Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski in 2004, and they have since trained others to host Cuddle Parties all over the U.S., Canada, Britain, and Australia. Cuddle Parties have been seen on television shows such as Saturday Night Live, Life and Style, Scott Baio is 45 and Single, and numerous local news programs.

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We were featured on Milwaukee's TMJ4 (NBC). To read the article, click here.

We were also featured on the CBS Early Show (CBS), to watch the video, click here.

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Another (2/14/2008) news program is here.
And yet another (4/27/2008) is here.
A radio interview of a Cuddle Party Facilitator on the east coast can be found here.


What is a Cuddle Party?

A Cuddle Party is a workshop that focuses on boundaries, communication, and touch. People who attend a Cuddle Party participate for a variety of reasons. Some attend because they do not receive enough touch on a day-to-day basis. Others attend to practice asking for what they want in order to overcome their fear of rejection. There are even some people who attend to NOT cuddle, because they need to practice saying "no" and telling people to respect their personal space.


What happens at a Cuddle Party?

A Cuddle Party lasts about 4 hours. After checking in, people will be directed to a private changing area where they will slip into their pajamas. The party then begins with a Welcome Circle which gives everyone an opportunity to meet each other, learn about the rules of cuddling, what it means to communcate clearly, common fears people have, ways you can take care of yourself, and provide a few ice-breaking exercises to get you familiar with how a Cuddle Party works. Following this is about 2.5 hours of free-style cuddling. Next comes the Puppy Pile, in which people pile on top of each other like puppies do when they are sleeping. The party then ends with a closing circle.


How do I register for a Cuddle Party?

While it is possible to RSVP for a Cuddle Party on Meetup.com, I'm really only using this website to help promote my events and am not accepting any RSVPs received on this site. You must register for my events at the main Cuddle Party website, and you do not need to be a member of this Meetup group to participate.

Click here for a full listing my Cuddle Parties and to RSVP.


Should I bring anything?

1) Pajamas* - There will be a place for you to change into them after you arrive.

2) Pillows (optional).

3) Stuffed Animals (optional).

4) Snacks (optional). No alcohol or drugs. Avoid food that can create bad breath (like flavored chips and onion dip). Fruits and vegetables are great! Pop, punch, tea, and water are also welcome.

5) Your ID (you can't participate without one).

6) Breath mints (optional).


What kind of pajamas should I wear?

*Think comfy, not sexy. More drawstrings, less lace. No shorts. Please make sure they are clean. I typically wear a T-Shirt, cotton pajama bottoms, and a clean pair of socks.


What will the cover charge be to attend the Cuddle Party?

Normal Charge:
$20 per person.

Student rate (with valid student ID):
$10 per person.

For two people:
$30.


What are the rules?

Rule # 1 - Pajamas stay on the whole time.

Rule # 2 - You don't have to cuddle anyone at a Cuddle Party, EVER.

Rule # 3 - You must ask permission and receive a verbal YES before you touch anyone. (Be as specific in your request as you can.)

Rule # 4 - If you're a Yes to a request, say YES. If you're a No, say NO.

Rule # 5 - If you're a Maybe, say NO.

Rule # 6 - You are encouraged to change your mind at any time.

Rule # 7 - Respect your relationship boundaries and communicate with your partner before you attend a Cuddle Party.

Rule # 8 - Come get the Cuddle-Lifeguard-On-Duty if there's a concern, problem, or should you feel unsafe or need assistance with anything today.

Rule # 9 - Tears and laughter are both welcome.

Rule # 10 - Respect people's privacy when sharing about Cuddle Parties and do not gossip.

Rule #11 - Keep the Cuddle Space Tidy

Rule #12 - Thank you for arriving on time.

Rule #13 - Be hygienically savvy.

Rule #14 - Practice good cuddle manners.


Additional FAQs can be found here.


Who can I contact if I have any questions?

Please write to MadCityCuddle (at) charter (dot) net if you have any questions about Cuddle Parties. You can also read more about Cuddle Parties at www.CuddleParty.com.