The hug economy: cuddling salon becomes the ultimate comfort for lonely souls
A Polish entrepreneur's cuddling salon is so popular that it's generating a waitlist, especially for clients aged 40-60 seeking companionship. For $37, people can indulge in a safe, non-sexual snuggle session that offers both emotional support and physical comfort. But there's a strict no-sex policy — and a few unexpected fees.
A Snuggle So Sweet, It’s Almost Too Good to Be True
Meet the cuddle queen, Aleksandra Kasperek, who turned the simple act of a hug into a booming business. Her snuggling salon, Ania Od Przytulania, is now so popular that appointments are booked up days in advance. For just $37 an hour (or $72 for two), lonely souls, particularly those aged 40-60, can engage in a safe-for-work embrace to relieve stress and loneliness. Kasperek offers clients a plush, cozy environment, complete with fluffy pillows, a lit fireplace, and even champagne, but don’t expect to feel any heat beyond the hugs. The session includes heartfelt, non-sexual contact, with a touch of emotional coaching thrown in.
Hugging Isn’t Just for Kids: Therapy for the Lonely Heart
In a world where people increasingly struggle with emotional closeness and physical touch, this cuddling salon offers a sanctuary. Many of Kasperek’s clients have endured traumas, from domestic abuse to emotional neglect. The therapeutic touch they receive isn’t just comforting— it can be healing. Physical touch has been scientifically shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones, making a cuddle session feel like a powerful reset for the body and mind. Clients don’t just pay for snuggles, but for a therapeutic space where touch is comforting rather than painful, offering a new sense of safety and understanding.
Rules of the Cuddle: Where Snuggling Gets Serious
While the cuddles are comforting, there are strict rules in place to maintain boundaries. No sexual advances allowed—if any such behavior arises, the session is immediately terminated. Kasperek screens all clients, ensuring they’re in the right physical and emotional condition to proceed with a snuggle. After all, this isn’t just about the embrace—it’s about offering a comforting, non-judgmental experience that fosters healing. She even takes it a step further, requiring guests to shower and wear robes before entering the cuddle room, which is equipped with luxurious amenities designed to enhance relaxation and comfort.
Loneliness Is Real: Why Cuddling Is More Than Just a Trend
In the wake of the global loneliness epidemic, the demand for touch therapy has skyrocketed. People are increasingly seeking out non-sexual forms of affection, and Kasperek’s cuddle business has capitalized on this. Despite sounding like something out of a romantic comedy, her clients are real people struggling with isolation, trauma, and emotional pain. As the world becomes more disconnected, professional cuddling has become a lifeline for those craving human connection. Kasperek sums it up best: “By properly stimulating the sense of touch, cares and worries disappear and life becomes beautiful and safe again.”
