They can put a price on a cuddle
Bruce Casagrande, right, gets a hug from Estelle Blush, of Lindenhurst, after delivering her some warm meals as she recovers from superstorm Sandy in Lindenhurst. (Nov. 10, 2012) Credit: Ed Betz
$80 - Need a hug? That seems to be the going rate per hour in the cuddle-for-hire business taking off across the country now that free apps are fueling demand. A little human contact -- fully clothed and nonsexual -- can be therapeutic, reducing stress and perhaps providing a balm for hug-ees unsettled by terrorism, economic uncertainty or even too little daylight on these short winter days.
Still, it's a little sad that some among us have no choice but to pay for a cuddle. Give somebody a hug today for free.
