You can now hire someone to just snuggle, if that's what you need
I remember seeing the Saturday Night Live episode with "Lady Sitters" and laughing with my lady. The reality of male and female differences was being put on display for everyone to laugh at, but there wasn't really such a thing was there?
Well, never wanting to be the lowest of the low, TLC is introducing a new television show that takes this parody into the real world of reality. When I heard about it, I thought it was a joke, but apparently, there are people who are willing to pay others to just snuggle, unless a little more intimacy is requested. Then we get into the sex-for-hire business, also known as prostituting yourself, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet.
Sleeping in separate beds may be the next step after snuggles for hire
Certainly, relationships go through ups and downs and discussions about open relationships, alternative intimacy and other modern lifestyle changes seem to be seeping into a lot of discussions lately. so should we be so surprised to hear about snuggles for hire? The typical comment today is that we shouldn't be surprised when we hear about services like these, even if they were the butt of well known comedians not that long ago.
It appears that it isn't women only that are looking for snuggles either. Just like a concierge for dating, romance or any other matter of the heart, these snuggle professionals provide just what the lonely heart or warmth seeking patrons are looking for. Rather than feeling like they are forcing a partner to snuggle with them, this is a purely un-selfish way to get that intimacy that you would like. No arguments, no feeling guilty and no snoring!
Is this a new low from the producers of so many reality television debacles, or is it simply something the fans are demanding? Or are they legitimizing a form of prostitution? There are many shows that have their place on television today that are related to this soft porn. True Sex is one such program that comes to mind, but it is at least something akin to a documentary as opposed to sensationalist. Do we really want to see someone who replaces their partner, or no partner with a snuggle for hire? Shouldn't we be watching these people on the couch of therapist or psychologist.
Recently my 18 year old daughter explained that when she felt the need for a snuggle, she and her close friend would simply comfort each other, which is an advantage for women over men as very, very few men would admit it if they weren't from the GLBT community. Why can't these lonely, hug demanding people find their friends to help them in their snuggle of need? OK, I'll be fair, since as we get older, our friends, who may be married, living in far flung locations, may not be available as my daughters friend is just down the dorm room hall. Unfortunately, it seems that our society is becoming more accepting of replacing even the most minute relationship aspect.
We can all criticize and lament the continued decline of quality television, but someone is watching this stuff. No matter how difficult it is for some of us to imagine hiring someone to snuggle with, apparently there are enough of them out there to make a series out of it. From my perspective, I hope it is short lived and not a comment on our true culture and society. I always preach about how important it is to keep your relationship intimacy alive and snuggling is a prerequisite. If you have to rent this most basic of oxytocin generating activity, perhaps you should consider changing your current partner and if you don't have one, a concerted effort to develop the right friendships might save you plenty of money and self-esteem, because ultimately you have to be happy with yourself before you can support a multi-faceted relationship with all levels of intimacy. Happy snuggling.
