Video: Dori meets Mitchell the professional cuddler
"
Everybody needs a little human touch, and one enterprising Seattle man is hoping some people will pay for it.
One time actor and ballroom dance instructor Mitchell Diers has started a new business called Snuggle Up Seattle that offers hugs, cuddles and other touch - for a fee.
The single father stopped by the Dori Monson Show to explain his service, and because producer Jake knew it would make Dori really uncomfortable.
Mitchell says he either meets clients in a public place like a coffee shop, or visits them in their homes. He'll hold their hands, snuggle, spoon or even cuddle up and watch a movie together.
"Touching is a basic human need, and it's something that I believe in," he says.
It sounds a little weird, but Mitchell says it's perfectly normal and healthy. He insists it's completely non-sexual and has strict rules prohibiting inappropriate touching. He wears fuzzy pajamas for many of his sessions, as he did when he visited the studio.
Mitchell charges $35 for 30 minutes and $60 for an hour. He says he also offers his services at corporate events.
More and more people are living alone, they go sit in a cubicle all day, they go home and have virtual friends, why should it be exclusive to people who are in a relationship to actually have somebody be there for them," he says.
He got the idea from others who are providing professional cuddling in Portland and New York, and expects the popularity to continue growing.
Dori thinks it's a great idea - for everybody else. But you have to give him credit for being willing to try out Mitchell's services in the studio.
Would you pay for a professional cuddler? "
http://mynorthwest.com/76/2478988/Hugs-for-sale-Dori-gets-up-close-with-professional-cuddler
Tags
Who is online
27 visitors
....Oh, so that'swhy they wanted Corporate Personhood so badly!
LOL... I expected some good, funny and unique replies - but that one never occurred to me! True, he could help do chores around the house!! [You must keep your co-workers laughing so hard that they have to go home early due to a stomach ache...hmmm, another business opportunity??!!]
mmm I don't know...it sounds a little weird to me. But, that's just me.
LOL... I thought 'you' seeded this!
OOOOPPPPSSSS! I see I forgot BF commented in March. Thank you for bringing it back up!
It sounds weird to me, too. I don't think it would be something I'd be comfortable with.
I follow his thinking that someone that is lonely might benefit from a hug, but the rest of it - cuddling with a stranger? There isn't any emotion behind it. 'Just because they are there' -- wouldn't be enough for me.
Not me and no charge either or obligation. I don't know if I'm a little unique, but don't you ever run across someone who you feel could use a big hug? I do and I've never had anyone complain or act as though they didn't appreciate it. I think a big hug with some people is beneficial to both of us.
I don't grab their butts or anything like that. It is a sincere hug and I think the feeling radiates that's exactly what it is.
I understand what you are saying, Six. There are a lot of huggers out there; it is just part of their 'greeting,' it seems. I can't say that I have met someone that I thought 'needed' a hug, but maybe they did?
There have been times when the discussion was emotional and that caused me to 'want' to hug them, but I'm not one of those 'huggers' that seems to hug strangers we've just met, or 'just for the heck of it' hugging with people we know - if you know what I mean. Ok, I'm going to say it - I've thought some men do it for chest contact.
Pulling women in a little too up close and personal.
I think hugging loved ones is the absolute best.
Cuddling or any physical contact has to have an emotional element for me. Maybe I'm the weird one.
Not the same here. I believe I inherited it as a child going to the little white church in the Vail. There were a lot of old folks in that church and a lot of hugging going on.
A group of older people that have been friends or have known of each other for a long time sometimes give quick hugs (to each other and their kids) usually implying "good to see you." That can be a nice gesture.
An older man bear-hugging a young girl, especially pressing into her breasts, using the act of 'well-wishing hugging' as an excuse to anyone watching - was what I meant.
I'm a hugger, i guess the idea of "Paying" someone in order to get a hug is what is weird to me.
True!
'Cuddling' with someone we have no emotional [and physical] attraction and attachment to - is what would be difficult for me.
Ummmmmmmm.... No.
Different, that's for sure!
Trying to envision this: Customer answers the door: "Hello. Come in. Our task area (
is the brown sofa to the left." Cuddler removes his jacket, pulls out a stop watch, and asks, " Do you want to be charged by the half hour or hour?" Customer thinks for a minute, and then replies, " By the half hour. Sixty dollars is a bit much for me tonight. If you can schedule me in next week-end, after payday, we can go for an hour." Cuddler replies, "Fine. Are you ready to start now?" Customer replies after looking at the clock, " No, let's wait 12 minutes for my favorite show to start. I have a few things to finish up and will be back." Customer returns just in time for the program to start, quickly snuggles in next to him, and says, " Ready? Start the timer! " The timer ends, they release, he stands up, puts on his jacket and heads for the door, while she is getting her $35.00 and meets him at the door, " Thank you for the cuddle. Are you free at the same next Friday? " He quickly checks his planner and says, " No, but I have an hour later open for an hour. " "Ok," she says. " I'll rent a movie and will pay you for an hour and a half, if you can stay." He notes the appointment and says, " See you then. Have a good night," and closes the door.