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Guidelines

At our community cuddle events, we prioritize consent, respect, and care for the whole group. The vibe can be playful, cozy, a little silly, sometimes vulnerable, and very human, but it works because people are actually paying attention to each other.

 

This means asking for what you want, being honest about your yes, no, or maybe, and being able to hear a no without it meaning something is wrong or that connection is lost. This is a nonsexual space, and touch is platonic and only happens when everyone genuinely wants it.

 

This space is for folks who want real, authentic connection, who have empathy, and who care about the impact they have on others, and it’s also a place to practice being honest and finding out that the world does not fall apart when someone says no.

Here's more info so that we're all on the same page:

Consent
 

Consent means an enthusiastic yes given freely, clearly, and without pressure. It is ongoing and can change at any time.

Consent is not they didn't say no, they didn't move away, or they said yes once so it's always okay. ​

Silence, freezing, or a half hearted maybe isn't consent. Check in, listen, and respect the the answers participants give. You can change your mind at any time, for any reason.

Asking for What You Want

You are encouraged to ask for what you want, clearly and simply.

Examples include things like would you be open to sitting back to back, can I hold your hand, or would you like a hug?

A no is not rejection of you as a person. It's simply information about what is right for someone in that moment.

Saying No

No is a complete sentence. You never need to explain, justify, or soften a boundary. You're allowed to say no thank you, not right now, I'm not available for touch, or any other wording that feels right for you.

Honoring your own boundaries helps create safety for everyone.

Hearing No

When someone says no, while it might sting, to keep things feeling safe for everyone, receive it with grace. Don't persuade, negotiate, or take it personally. A simple “thank you for telling me” or "thank you for taking care of yourself" is enough. 

Respect

Respect means treating others as full humans with real boundaries, needs, and inner worlds.

This includes:

  • Keeping what happens here confidential

  • Arriving clean and with minimal scent. Please avoid strong body odor, smoke, or heavy fragrance

  • Caring for shared spaces, blankets, and props

  • Respecting different comfort levels with touch. Some people may prefer little to no touch and are still welcome here

  • Respecting pronouns, gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, neurodivergence, disabilities, and race

  • Bringing emotional safety by not overwhelming others with heavy personal processing. 

Attunement

Pay attention to nonverbal cues. If someone becomes still, quiet, pulls away, or stops responding, check in or gently disengage.

 

Mutuality matters. Connection is something we co-create, not something we take.

Stay aware of your own body as well. Notice when you feel open, closed, tired, or activated. You are always allowed to pause, step away, or change your level of participation.

Boundaries Around Touch

All touch must be clearly agreed upon. Avoid areas typically considered more intimate, such as where you'd be covered up by a swimsuit. 

If you're unsure, ask. If something has not been clearly agreed to, don't do it. 

This is not a space for sexual touch, sexual energy, or erotic escalation.

If arousal happens, that is a normal body response. Take space, adjust your position, or step away as needed.Sexual behavior, sexual comments, or repeated boundary pushing will result in removal from the space.

Why This Matters

When consent and respect are practiced consistently, something deeper becomes possible. Often held tension might soften away. On edge nervous systems settle. Trust begins to grow.

This space is about reconnecting with safe, platonic touch and authentic human connection without pressure or expectation. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and free to choose your level of engagement. So does everyone else.

Participation and Fit

While we aim to be welcoming, attendance is not guaranteed. Out of care for the community, we reserve the right to decline or revoke participation if someone’s behavior, presence, or intentions do not align with the values above.

This includes ignoring boundaries, treating the space as a dating or hookup environment, or repeatedly disrupting the sense of safety.

In some cases, we may also decline participation based on publicly available information or responses that suggest the space may not be a good fit.

Disclaimer

By attending, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own body, boundaries, nervous system, and belongings. This is a trauma-aware space, not a trauma-free one. You are responsible for noticing your own activation and caring for yourself as needed. You agree to respect others, communicate clearly, and participate at your own pace and risk.

Consent and Participation Form

Please answer the following questions honestly and thoughtfully. This helps us ensure that everyone entering the space understands how to engage with care.

We collect name and date of birth to run a basic public records check for violent or sexual offenses as part of community safety.

Your information is kept confidential and stored in an encrypted platform. If approved, you'll be emailed a door code to attend. Thank you!

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