Would You Cuddle a Stranger for $60/Hour?

Would You Cuddle a Stranger for $60 Hour - picture of two dog noses sticking out of blanket

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A few months ago, we were at a friend’s house playing cards when someone mentioned getting a part-time job for the holidays.  “What kind of part-time job would you get if you needed one?” my friend asked.

I listed off all the things I have been known to do to make some quick cash in the past- babysitting, selling things on craigslist, cleaning houses, and painting.  Hey, I’m not above any of those things.  I used to clean houses part-time and made more than $25/hour most of the time.  For a part-time job, that was a pretty sweet gig. 

But then things got weird…and fast.  Why?  Because my friend asked me if I would be willing to cuddle with strangers for money.

Ummmmmm…..no.

Yes, Cuddling is a Real Business

I thought that was a really strange question until he told me about a business that offers “cuddle therapy” in our area.  After that, a quick Google search turned up IndyCuddles.com, a service that provides cuddles and affection for anyone willing to fork over 60 an hour.  But cuddling?  Really?

According to their website, many people are lacking the personal connection and physical touch they so desperately need, and IndyCuddles.com simply fills that void for them.

“Human touch has an amazing power to comfort us when we are sad, heal us when we are sick, guide us when we feel lost, and above all else, allow us to accept that we are never alone,reads their website.

Ahem.

The Benefits of Cuddling for Cash

First of all, I think “cuddle therapy” is a genius business idea.  Think about it.  Little to no start-up costs, no licensing fees (at least none that I can think of), and no formal education required.  All you would need to get started is a simple website and a willingness to cuddle up with strangers who might have intentions you cannot truly understand.

And for every weird pervert you came across, you would probably get a handful of people who truly need some type of human interaction – even if that means they have to pay for it.  A one-hour cuddle session starts at $60, which seems like a lot to me.  Then again, I’m not sure what the going rate is or should be.  Still, $60?  That’s a pretty sweet hourly rate if you ask me.

Cuddling Logistics

Of course, when I heard about this, the first thing that popped into my mind was the logistics of it all.  For starters, where would they cuddle?  And how do they make sure they don’t end up cuddling with a creepy stalker?  And what about hygiene?  Who spoons who?  What do they wear?  So….many….questions……

The good news is, those questions and many others are answered on the business FAQ page.  If you have time, read it!  It is pretty funny.

Would You Cuddle For Cash?

We talked about it with our friends for a while and decided that none of us would be willing to cuddle strangers for cash. I just can’t imagine wanting to cuddle someone other than my husband at this point, even if they were willing to pay me.  I might not earn $60 an hour cleaning houses, but that seems like a much better option if I ever needed a part-time job.

But who am I to judge?  I think it’s an interesting idea and a great way to make money if you don’t mind getting close and personal with strangers.  And as far as I’m concerned, two consenting adults should be able to do just about anything without government interference or excessive regulation.

What do you think?  Would you cuddle a stranger for $60 an hour? 

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72 Comments

  1. Hmm. I need a lot of personal space. But if I was desperate?

    1. Probably beats flipping burgers! Certainly pays more.

  2. I don’t think I would do it. Even in my most broke days I think I’d pass on this one. Especially as a female, I would be concerned about safety. You never know when someone might turn from a “cuddler” into someone who suddenly wants more than just a cuddle.

  3. I thought it was weird when l first heard about it. It’s not for me though, but l would think a lot of people would, especially younger girls, alternative to hooking maybe? Who knows, it might be comforting for the cuddled and the cuddler (sp) as well, since a lot come from abusive backgrounds.

    1. Very true. I’m sure there are some people actually benefitting out there.

  4. Hah! I’ve never heard of that before. I wouldn’t cuddle a stranger, but hey, if it works for other people, more power to them. I would cuddle a dog, does that count?

    1. I would totally cuddle dogs for my job. I love dogs.

  5. I wouldn’t, but that is a great hourly rate! I’m going to need to read those FAQ now…so many questions (do they watch tv?)

  6. There’s no way on earth I could do it. While that’s an awesome hourly rate I need my personal space, not to mention crossing the creepy line a bit. But, if that doesn’t bother you then why not at that rate?

    1. Yeah, my husband wouldn’t appreciate it either =/

    1. I hear ya. It’s certainly not a “career” for everyone.

  7. I couldn’t do it. In addition to the questions you mentioned, the thought of all the possibilities of what kind of person could open the door to be cuddled…….yikes. (shudders).

    1. Yes! How awkward do you think those initial meetings at a coffee shop are? I would love to be a fly on the wall……..

  8. I could probably do it if were in a safe, controlled environment, like a place that does massage therapy or other kinds of therapy. I would never just start a side business like that in my home. 🙂 But to me it’s no different than hugging a stranger.

    1. Yeah, I could see that. That would feel a lot safer than hugging someone on my couch or bed.

  9. Ummm….probably not. Too weird for me. I understand the human connection thing but it could just get weird too quickly. And how to they make sure that the person you’re going to cuddle isn’t…well…a criminal of some kind.

  10. I like to think I’m a good cuddler to my friends, when they need comfort, but at the same time, I don’t know if I could cuddle strangers. There are just too many perverts out there, and I’d be concerned with someone taking advantage. It’s a bit creepy. I think they’d have to sign some form of waiver, and perhaps even have security cameras around (it’s just cuddling, no hanky panky).

    1. Yes, just cuddling. Nothing that resembles “active cuddling.” =)

  11. I think the hourly rate is pretty sweet but I am not about to become a cuddler. I am pretty protective of my personal bubble so I wouldn’t be a good cuddler candidate.

  12. I think I’m with Tonya. Given a safe and controlled environment, I might be down to work there. But I think in terms of startup costs, the business would have to invest in some thorough insurance!

  13. Love the title, pass on cuddle time. Cuddle time has been reserved for Mrs. Even Steven only and the occasional hug for our Siberian Husky.

  14. I would totally cuddle a stranger… if it was in a room with a glass wall and a security guard on the other side. It probably beats waiting tables!

  15. Wow! This is hilarious. I’d consider it if it was in a safe, public space. But probably not. I do want to make $60/hr though!

    1. Me too! I think I could be a phone sex operator if I really *needed* to do it.

  16. I think probably I’d do it for $200/hr. Hard to say. Also it depends on security measures etc. as Katie above says.

    One of the medical programs on our NPR station suggested that people who need human touch should go get massages. Not sure if this is more or less expensive than that.

      1. Nice! I’m glad you thought this through! LOL!

        I would probably do bikini pose for 500K. Not sure anyone would want to look at it but that’s not my problem. Total nudity is pretty unlikely without A LOT of money on the table. Even then….unlikely. I wouldn’t do porn for a bazillion dollars. Never.

  17. Hell yeah I’d do it! But a) my wife wouldn’t be able to divorce me, and b) I’d only want to cuddle girls please 🙂

    1. I would actually rather cuddle with girls too. LOL At least I would feel safe.

  18. Ha!! I would absolutely do this for $60 an hour. I would just make sure to bring febreze and breath mints with me because you never know about other people’s BO.

  19. I saw a story about this a couple months ago. Definitely not something I would do, but apparently the person who started this business has a lot of demand.

    1. I guess so. Sounds like there is a pent up demand. Who knew?

  20. I actually had this idea years ago, and pitched it to my wife. She thought it was dumb…so now I mercilessly remind her of these businesses’ success now, whenever they pop up in the news.

    My new idea: puppy rental business. When the puppy gets older and less deserving of our love, you just trade it in for a new one: just pay the same monthly fee.

    1. Awwww…but what happens to all of the grown dogs???

    2. If you have to rent a puppy and then get rid of it because it just got older, you do not deserve to have a dog whatsoever. How about if your wife trades you in when you get to be old?

  21. If I was single with a munchkin, yes. But now, I’m not sure my marriage would survive it, lol! Still, $60 an hour is definitely enough to make me think about it. But seriously, what about B.O.?? Isn’t there a reason some of these people can’t get cuddles anywhere else?

  22. While I personally would not cuddle for cash, I can totally see how it’s a business and there is demand for it. cuddling is awesome! It’s something that most people can get from those already in their life. But if you can’t? I can see some people paying for it. I just won’t be offering such services any time soon.

  23. If I was still single I might consider this as a part time job but now I’m happily married, I don’t think this “part time” work would be proved by Mrs. T lol.

  24. No thanks. I would have to wonder about some of the people who actually would be interested in being a paid snuggle-spooner.
    Excuse me pal, thanks for the spoon but please tell me that is a roll of quarters in you pocket….

  25. This post had me laughing all the way through. You’re so funny, Holly! 😀 Now as for the question, no, I would have to be really desperate for money and, no, I’d rather panhandle! But I can see how some people would love this job. Huggers, for one. I, personally, do not like when strangers hug me. Okay, I really hate it. But some people just want to hug everyone they see. Well, why not get paid for it? Something for everyone, I guess.

  26. This is definitely an interesting side hustle! I couldn’t do it, but I bet more people would do it if they knew about it haha.

  27. Ben Luthi says:

    I can only think of a million ways things could go south with that type of a business.

  28. In theory I am all for it. I first learned about the benefits of cuddling 20 years ago when my DS was in the NICU. At the time I knew there were also trusted volunteers that would cuddle the babies in some hospital.

    So it makes complete sense to me to do it as people age. Bust besides the where to do it, making sure nothing further etc. happens part of it there is the pay part of it. I would guess that many people who are lonely like that wouldn’t be able to afford the $60. I don’t think I could take money who just needs my love.

  29. In theory I am all for it. I first learned about the benefits of cuddling 20 years ago when my DS was in the NICU. At the time I knew there were also trusted volunteers that would cuddle the babies in some hospital.

    So it makes complete sense to me to do it as people age. But besides the where to do it, making sure nothing further etc. happens, relationship problems part of it there is the pay part of it. I would guess that many people who are lonely like that wouldn’t be able to afford the $60. I don’t think I could take money who just needs my love.

  30. That’s a little bit weird to cuddle a stranger. But I’m single now! I think it will be fun!

  31. Sixty bucks an hour is not bad for some cuddling work! I think this is a good business idea but a risky one, I think if I were to run this as an official business, I may get a lot of lawsuits. May be if there are some screenings that customers can pass to check if they are really in it for the “cuddling” that would be better. 😉 but still safety is still an issue.

  32. Marla Kay says:

    I feel I could do this…probably because I’m the mother of a special needs teenage son who has NO social life outside of our family. I could totally see him benefiting from a cuddle experience to help fill a possible void of contact with people outside of the family realm. After reading previous posts I get the general impression that people are quick to think about this service in a negative way. I instantly thought of people who are all alone in the world and how an hour of cuddling may be the very thing that puts a smile on their face for the 1st time in days, weeks, months… we need more ways to generate, share, and evoke feelings of happiness in this world.

  33. Very interesting. I guess it would depend on the other person and his/her motivation. If it’s strictly companionship that would feel different to me then if it were a sexual kind of thing. That being said, I agree with you, whatever happens between two consenting adults is their own business.

  34. Sure I would cuddle. Only with a female though and she would have been fairly young and good looking. If not with those qualifications I could not bring myself to cuddle with nobody else.

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