Cuddling. Platonic, non-sexual, and by mutual consent between two or more persons not in a defined relationship.

There has been a growing movement of people linking up for the purpose of counteracting touch deficit issues where they cuddle or touch simply for the benefit of the release of oxytocins. There is no end to the research done on the benefits of physical contact and the stress relief that comes from it. I say there "has been" because COVID has really decimated the online communities that organize as people withdrew out of concerns for preventing the spread of the disease.

I have long been curious about this community and recently joined a website that provides education and connection to interested parties. I created a profile, much like one would do on a dating site, and went active. I was quite surprised to find that there were a few profiles in my local area, only to become discouraged again when none of them were active. I cast my net wider and wider by expanding the distance I was willing to travel and if I am willing to drive 250 or more miles one way there are a few active cuddlers. Many of those are "pros" that charge $80 or more per hour.

That, in itself, is yet another giant subject for discussion, and I'd rather not bust into that messy can o'worms quite yet.

How about you? Have you heard of this? Do you have experience with the cuddling movement? What are your thoughts on the subject?