Dear Tell All: I'm grossed out by the Snuggle House, the "touch therapy" business proposed for downtown Madison. It has promised to be a legitimate place for people seeking nonsexual human contact. But the city has expressed skepticism about its business plan, and media have raised other concerns about the operation.
On top of all that, isn't it just wrong to pay people to touch you? Shouldn't I give a wide berth to any stranger who wants to charge by the hour to give me a hug?
Hands Off
Dear Hands Off: I'm not a city attorney, so I can't speak to the Snuggle House's business plan. I'm not God, so I can't say whether it's right or wrong to pay for human touch. And I'm not you, so I can't say whether you should give the Snuggle House a wide berth. The decision to patronize such a place is a very personal one, so in this case I can speak only for myself.
As far as I'm concerned, bring on the hugs.
Regular readers know Tell All is pro-human contact. I agree that, in an ideal world, we wouldn't have to pay for it. But we don't always live in an ideal world. I admit there are times when I'd gladly open my wallet to get a friendly hug. Of course, this assumes that the Snuggle House is true to its word on being friendly rather than sleazy.
Last week I ran into two Snuggle House employees -- one male and one female -- on the Capitol Square. They were trying to drum up excitement by offering free hugs to passersby. As you can guess, I took them up on their offer. And you know what? The hugs gave me a lift. Yes, these were professional snugglers, not real friends of mine, but they radiated a sort of cosmic love for everybody. I'd pay a few bucks a month for some cosmic love.
What about you, readers? Any other potential Snuggle House patrons out there?
Do you have a question about life or love in Madison? Write Tell All, 101 King St., Madison, WI 53703. Or email tellall@isthmus.com.
