Cuddle parties meant to break down social barriers, meet need for touch

(KUTV) There is a new trend literally taking hold in Utah County called, Happy Valley Cuddle Parties. The facilitator of the party says he started them at the beginning of the year, and has seen the concept grow exponentially.

Rick Priddis says he hopes his cuddle parties are helping to assist people to drop their boundaries, but to do so in a non-sexual way. Priddis says he was raised by a father who wasn't a big hugger, and he says he has learned the importance of seeking human touch ever since.

He says some of his guests don't have enough human contact in their personal lives and come to the cuddle parties to find that. Other people are coming to work on learning to communicate about their needs. Priddis says despite what people might think, the parties are not about sex. In fact the first rule of cuddle parties is: clothes stay on.

He says he hopes to drop boundaries and create a more open society. There is another cuddle party in Sugar House Aug. 14. You can find out about it on meetup.com.

If you are interested in Utah County Cuddle Parties at happyvalleycuddleparties.com.

Follow us on Twitter @KUTV2News and LIKE us on Facebook for breaking news, updates and more.