Because who isn’t down for a good spoon sesh?
The world we live in is growing stranger as strangers are growing familiar due to digital communication.
You’ve heard of Tinder and Grindr unless you live in an igloo somewhere frigid and remote, and if that’s you, you aren’t even reading this article. The newest addition to these free matchmaker phone apps is the fuzziest–and debateably the most ridiculous –yet: Cuddlr, designed to unite willing cuddle buddies not interested in romantic or sexual interactions. It’s like picking the pepperoni off your pizza–sometimes you don’t really need that meat.
Like its brethren applications, Cuddlr locates nearby cuddle buddies (first names only) who users can then send “cuddle requests” to. These requests allow the recipient 15 minutes of contemplation. Does this potential buddy look too talkative? I want strictly snuggles, no BS. Are his/her elbows too sharp for my favorite cuddle position? Will that be too much hair? Stick to your cuddle standards.
Once a request is accepted, the locations of the buddies are revealed to one another and each have 140 characters (what an original number) to arrange a meeting place. Directions are then provided. This app wants to be sure nothing hinders you from the cuddle you desire and deserve.
Then, much like Domino’s, Cuddlr includes real-time updates on your buddy’s movements towards you. Proximity and excitement increase as you watch your buddy approach. You two will hopefully recognize one another somehow and continue to an ideal cuddle location. As a rule, no date invitations or sexual advances are exchanged during the cuddle.
Cuddle and quit it, one might say.
How can you be sure people will stick to the rules? Well, if your cuddle buddy returns home satisfied, he or she will “upvote” or “downvote” your cuddle abilities, and these votes will accumulate as a score that shows on your profile, so keep that score up! This will increase your buddy requests, expanding your options and, subsequently, your happiness.
Bottom line: this application aims to be safe, efficient, and cute. It even lets you post selfies, so you are not allowed any complaints.
I have not used Cuddlr’s services yet, but it is comforting (and a bit sad..?) to know that when I’m feeling that urge for a stranger’s embrace, I have a virtual crowd to choose from.