Before putting on our own cuddle workshop I attended one the
founding clubs sessions…
All in the name of research
Here’s the back story; I’m about to hit the grand old age of 21, and while my worry
may cause those of you north of the number to give a pitiful ‘you ain’t seen nothing
yet’, my apprehension comes from the impending crossroads that is being burst out
of the comfortable student bubble. Being a keen planner, it’s so frustrating not being
able to plan for the future (with no job offers as of yet…) meanwhile knowing just how
quick that future will come around. To gain some sort of planning satisfaction I had
been speculatively house hunting in London, but had a nagging feeling holding me
back, caused by the thought that whilst in a city still awake after 6pm, and full to brim
of 8 million people, what if I was lonely?
Moving away to university only half counts because everybody is in the same boat,
and are encouraged to bond over organised activities, and lots of alcohol, so you’re
bound to find some pals to help you find your feet over the next three years. So
bearing this in mind, when I was invited to be a guest at a cuddle workshop in North
London, there was a part of me which couldn’t say no. There was another part of me
saying what on earth are you thinking, but for the sake of throwing myself out there
and broadening my horizons, she kept quiet.
As I enter the building the first voice I hear has an American accent, which all of a
sudden makes me very aware that I’m British. No wonder I’m nervous about not only
talking to strangers but touching them; I’m as stiff as my upper lip and my humour is
(cont.)