ABSTRACT
The cornerstone of love and intimacy is being emotionally available and physically present through prolonged physical contact. These activities have been grossly underemphasized in the clinical literature. This technique is designed to stress the importance of extensive, non-erotic affectionate hugging, holding, huddling, and cuddling. Hugging used to be reserved for people in very close relationships and held special meaning. Holding each other in whatever manner is comfortable usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. The only difference between huddling and cuddling is the duration of the experience. Huddling with each other can last from 5 to 15 minutes, and cuddling may last for a few minutes to hours. The therapist should stress that these activities are a start to becoming physically and emotionally connected, and the couple is likely to encounter some difficulties along the way.
