Hugs Are Free, But Snuggling Ain't Cheap

O

n college campuses and during some parades, the "Free Hugs" groups seem to be ubiquitous, and the concept is alright: sometimes you just need a quick pick me up, and it doesn't matter from who. But one woman has made a career of it, except instead of hugs, she's offering up snuggling—at the steep rate of $60 per hour. But how close is this to prostitution, and more importantly, why would you want to cuddle up with a stranger?

Jacqueline Samuel, 29, opened The Snuggery last month. At the storefront, clients pay upwards of $60 per hour to snuggle up with Samuel for sessions up to 90 minutes long. Meanwhile, friends and family members mill around the business, offering protection in case clients become overzealous or handsy; Samuel's policy is that contact must remain strictly non-sexual.

Most of Samuel's clients are men, and she offers a list of acceptable behavior and clothing on her website.

Most of her customers are men, and she has a list of frequently asked questions that address what sort of behavior is appropriate and what type of clothing is required.

She's not naive about it, either, as her website notes, "Sexual arousal is perfectly normal and should not make anyone feel uncomfortable, but acting on those impulses is forbidden."

She says, "This is not about sex, and I'm really straightforward about that. I always liked to snuggle. It seemed pretty simple to me."

Customers are advised to dress in loose clothing made of natural fibers, presumably to avoid any awkward situations or sweatiness (let's be honest here, polyester isn't known for its breathability).

Though she says she's read The Cuddle Sutra (that's apparently a thing), she says she's normally the little spoon, as she is "pretty small."

And although she has started to promote her services with ads featuring her wearing pajamas and cute dresses, she says she's not yet at a point where she can give up her full-time day job in real estate, and remains realistic about that idea.

"It's cuddling. Either you want it or you don't," she said.

Photo Source

Would you pay to snuggle up to a stranger? We think we'll pass.