About this Event
Dear attendees: There's something about hosting a typical Valentine's Day event that feels tone deaf. Too saccharine. My gut is telling me to add an element that has some sort of "edge." I feel a need to include the context we are in right now in Los Angeles and the U.S. I'll amend the description as my "internal instructions" become more clear. You can trust that I'll approach the event design with integrity, instinct and community well-being. It will be platonic as it always is and deeply respectful of consent and boundaries. Hope you'll be with me!
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Welcome to The Cuddle Sanctuary on Valentine's Day - for newcomers and seasoned cuddlers alike. First timers are amazed at how safe they feel. Boundaries are not just respected, but celebrated.
By the end, expect to feel supported, deeply relaxed, and connected.
What are the Health Guidelines?
Please skip this event if you're feeling "off" or may be contagious. You can cancel and get a refund or credit for a future event. Thanks in advance for taking care of our community!
How Does It Work?
We begin with a heart-opening welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, and compassion-themed communication exercises. The event culminates in a voluntary “cuddle lab”. Touch is always consensual, and never a requirement to participate.
Newcomers, please fill out our Release Form and review the Event Guidelines. (Might as well do it now!)
At this event, you may experience an increased sense of well-being and belonging, a boost in compassion, a decrease in blood pressure and a better night’s sleep. And you can leave at any time for any reason. : - )
We hope you fall in love with the idea of celebrating Valentine's Day in community.
What's the Schedule?
1:45 Doors Open
Note: Please be sure to give yourself time to park, arrive and join the opening activities. Doors close at 2:10pm.
2:10 Welcome Circle, Valentine's Day Themed Relaxation Exercises, Guidelines, Open Hearted Connection Activities, Optional Cuddle Laboratory
4:40 Closing Circle
What Do I Wear?
Dress in clothes that are comfortable for snuggling. Think soft, cozy pajamas, cotton tshirts, sweatpants, leggings. Tank tops and shorts are fine (and that is the minimum clothing requirement).
If dressing in theme is fun for you, delight us with your heart patterned pajama pants or pink and purple colored onesie. Your creativity is welcome here.
If you can arrive already in your cuddly clothing, that would be super. (That will minimize the line to the bathroom!)
Hygiene is important at cuddles – it’s easier to get close that way. Please come free of perfumes, smoke, body wash, or colognes.
What Are Some Event Guidelines?
-There’s no touch required, and you can change your mind at any time.
-Respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm.
-Keep any touch Rated G and use the Ask and Wait Method: If you want to touch someone, ask. Then wait for their answer!
-Respect the confidentiality of others attendees
Where is the Venue?
Laughing Frog Yoga: 12217 Santa Monica Blvd, # 205, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Find us on the top level of a shopping plaza on the northwest corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Amherst St. - across from Smart and Final.
Parking
Follow the underground ramp which will lead you to two levels of free underground parking. Walk to the center of the lot where you can take the stairs or ride up the elevator to the top floor.
How Much Does It Cost?
Super Early Bird: $45 (until January 30th or until we run out of these tickets, whichever is sooner)
Early Bird: $55
Day of Event: $65
Pay it Forward: $80 (This price supports the offering below)
Community Care: $30 If this is the highest price you can comfortably afford, please choose it with our compliments.
What if I Need to Cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the event for any reason and get a credit or a refund (less the fees that Eventbrite charges).
And if you’re not feeling well and concerned you may be contagious, we will refund you.
What Do I Bring?
A water bottle would be great. We'll have healthy options to snack on. If you'd like to bring a treat, feel free. Chocolate is welcome! (No alcohol, please.)
Intoxicants
Please arrive and remain sober throughout the event. You may find yourself getting a natural high on oxytocin – often called the Hug Hormone.
Getting Up and Down
Our event space is covered with cushions on the floor and most of our exercises are on these cushions. We'll have some chairs available, too. If you are concerned about your ability to be included in this event, please contact me to discuss accommodation at [email protected].
I'm Worried I May Cry
Our friends at Cuddle Party say it best: "Tears and laughter are both welcome."
Who's Leading This Event?
I'm Jean Franzblau – AKA Cuddle Queen Jean , and I'm the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary which has hosted hundreds of cuddle events since 2014. I've studied facilitation with Cuddle Party and the Association of Talent Development. I've trained with Dr. Betty Martin who teaches the Wheel of Consent and appeared as a cuddle expert on Dr. Phil, BuzzFeed, Keeping Up the Kardashians, The Bachelorette and Rolling Stone. As far as schooling, I graduated cum laude from UCLA with a BA in Communications. I proudly give presentations to universities to teach students about boundaries and consent. I'm also an Intimacy Coordinator for TV & film. You can find my writing in the Consent Guidebook. Find out more at .
Got Any Reviews About These Events?
Being immersed in this world, I'm totally biased about my cuddle events! So let these Yelp reviewers do the talking:
“It was hard for me to wrap my head around what a "cuddle" was and why it would "change my life" but that's exactly what happened. As a single mom and full time caregiver for my disabled child, I had truly stopped taking care of me. Coming to these cuddle nights was the best advice I ever took!”
“This place is an amazing, safe, nurturing container for platonic touch and cuddling...It is a very well run program based on respect, consent and connection. Everyone was warm and friendly and I was completely welcome and comfortable. I'm counting the days to my next workshop.”
I'm a Woman or Nonbinary Person - Got Any Tips for Me?
Yes! Here's a .
I'm Concerned About Gender Balancing - Got Any Advice?
Check out my on this very subject for tips, ideas and strategies to make the most of your experience.
Community Guidelines
1. Before meeting up with or reaching out to someone you’ve just met at an event, give yourself and that person a few days without contact for your “cuddle chemicals” to settle. Consider five days as a good time frame.
2. Once that time has passed, if you want to hang out with someone socially, and the other person says “No thanks,” be gracious and move on.
3. If you experience an issue with a person during an event, speak with them about it if you feel safe to do so.
4. If need be, you can contact the event leader who may put together a Community Care Team to help resolve the issue with a restorative justice process.
5. Any type of discrimination or harassment is prohibited.
Cuddle Sanctuary events are created to be a gentle place to land - especially for our friends in marginalized groups. We strive to create a welcome place regardless of a person's race, sexual and gender identity, ability, body size, immigrant status, and age. To attend Cuddle Sanctuary, you must honor our guidelines and be respectful of each other. As community leaders, if we fall short, please let us know. We commit to listening, learning and growing.
Here's Cuddle Sanctuary 's Code of Ethics.
Land Acknowledgement
This event is located on the unceded lands of the Tongva, Gabrielino, and Kizh peoples. You can discover whose land you’re on by visiting this site.
How Can We Be In Touch?
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When Are Other Cuddle Events Happening in Los Angeles?
Here's a calendar!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Laughing Frog Yoga, 12217 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States
USD 30.00 to USD 80.00
