“Cuddle bunny” is a term usually used to express endearment for a romantic partner. In many scenarios, people say, “I need a cuddle bunny” when they crave a lover who they can get physical with.
Someone might say “I need a cuddle bunny” to you in a situation where they are feeling lonely, stressed, or in need of physical affection. It could also be a romantic partner expressing their desire for intimacy or a friend who is going through a tough time and wants someone to comfort them.
Oddly enough, this statement could come from a casual acquaintance or a stranger on a social media platform who is looking for someone to cuddle with.
Whatever the case is, it’s quite important to understand the context and the relationship you have with the person who made this statement before responding.
Here are the best possible ways to respond when someone tells you they need a cuddle bunny.
1. “How can I help?”
If you and the person asking are getting along well and you are comfortable moving forward with the person, you can reply with “How can I help?” to know what exactly the person has in mind before reading any meaning to it.
Many requests people make about physical affection can be misconstrued. With this kind of response, you can get a clear picture of their request and see how you can be of help (if you are comfortable doing so)
2. “I’m sorry, I’m all cuddled out. Maybe try asking again next week.”
This is a subtle way to decline and honestly communicate your disinterest in being their cuddle bunny.
I recommend you use this response if, genuinely, you don’t see yourself getting that close to the person making the request. It also sounds quite humorous, which makes it a perfect way to decline while respecting the person’s feelings.
3. “I’m not a cuddle bunny, I’m a cuddle kangaroo; I’ll hold you tight in my pouch.”
This is one of the sweetest ways you can let them know you are willing to be comforting and supportive.
When someone tells you they need a cuddle bunny, it means they need emotional and physical closeness, and if you share similar feelings with the person, this is one of the sweetest and most creative ways to express that.
I was able to work out this response by picturing how a kangaroo keeps its young safe in its pouch. It is a flirty and playful way to inform the person that you are willing to be physically affectionate with them.
4. “You want a cuddle bunny? I think you might be asking the wrong person.”
If you are not interested in being physically affectionate with the person, then this response will help you express that respectfully and precisely.
It is also a way of telling the person that they should look for someone else who is more willing or capable of becoming that in their lives.
You want to turn down the request but still maintain the relationship you have with the person. This is the right response.
5. “Why are you telling me?”
Even though you pretty much understand what they’re asking for, pretending that you are confused as to why they are telling you they need a “cuddle bunny” will make things clearer.
If you are quite surprised by the request, you can communicate how you don’t see yourself fitting into the situation by asking them the above question.
It is a good way to make the person explain better before giving an actual response—more like flipping the script.
6. “I’d love to cuddle, but I’m currently booked for the next decade or so.”
Asking for a cuddle bunny could mean that the person is ready to take the relationship to another level of intimacy. If you are not ready for such a commitment, then this exaggerated response will best suit your needs.
You can use this to express that you are not available for that sort of relationship in the foreseeable future or that you are not into the person.
7. “I know of this cute pet store online…”
You are probably smiling already because this response has “playing dumb” written all over it. Pretending to take the request for its literal meaning can be a smooth way to make the person explain what they really need.
When someone tells you they need a cuddle bunny, pretend like you understand its literal meaning and offer to get them a bunny. They will most likely contextualize their request and open up.
8. “What’s on your mind?”
Again, it is important to gain clarity before giving any response that has to do with physical affection.
When someone tells you they need a cuddle bunny, it’s smart to want to know what’s on their mind before reacting, especially if the request was made via text.
The person could now explain in clearer terms what they crave, and if they share similar feelings, good luck being loved up.
9. “I’m not a cuddle bunny; I’m a cuddle porcupine. Good luck with that.”
As opposed to the cozy feeling you get when you cuddle a bunny, no one would want to cuddle a large rodent with defensive spines and quills on the body and tail.
If you don’t want to be the person’s cuddle bunny, this is a clever yet hilarious way to let them know.
The use of the word “porcupine” gives the impression that you are not comfortable with physical contact (in the romantic context) and would rather not be involved in a physical or emotional comforting role with the person.
10. “I’ll cuddle with you, but you have to promise not to snore.”
Teasers work well for this kind of scenario. If you are willing to be the person’s physical and emotional comfort but don’t want to give it away just like that, then you can use this reply to tease the person.
11. “I’ll cuddle with you, but only if you let me pick the movie.”
This is a playful or flirty way of showing your interest in cuddling with the person as requested while also expressing that you want to have some control over the situation. It is also a nice way to initiate an activity or plan. In this case, it is Netflix and chill.
12. “I’m flattered, but I think I need some time to myself right now.”
If you want to respectfully turn down the person’s request, then this is a good response to reply with.
The request to have a cuddle bunny is rampant in the online dating world, and if you appreciate the sentiment behind someone asking you to be their cuddle bunny but are not willing to provide that at the moment, there is no harm in turning down the request.
13. “I’m not feeling it, let’s just chill and do something else”
Suggesting doing something else after declining the request to be the person’s cuddle bunny is a way to avoid an uncomfortable situation and remain polite.
If you are not feeling the desire or inclination to cuddle with the person or become intimate, there is no harm in communicating that.
14: “I’m not feeling up for cuddling, but I have an alternative plan; would you like to hear it?”
Everyone needs a level of emotional and physical comfort, and you don’t necessarily have to be their cuddle bunny to offer them that. You can decline the request and then offer an alternative. This response helps you convey such thoughts.
15. “I’m not comfortable with moving so fast.”
The request for a cuddle bunny could even come from someone you barely know on Snapchat or any social media app. They have such poise to ask because you both have been talking for a while.
If you are not comfortable with the level of physical closeness that they’re asking for, then it is best to reply with this response.
It means you believe the relationship is moving too quickly and that you need more time or space before engaging in that kind of activity with the person.
The bottom line
When someone says they need a “cuddle bunny,” it doesn’t always mean they are making a booty call. Sometimes, it could be that they enjoy physical intimacy and affection, such as cuddling and holding hands, and they want that person to be you.
So, the best reply to “I need a cuddle bunny” depends on the context of the situation, your personal feelings towards cuddling, and the person who made the request. Ultimately, you want to communicate your feelings honestly and respectfully.
In the above article, I have suggested different ways to do that using wit, sarcasm, figurative expressions, deflection, script flipping, or straightforward responses.
If you read between the lines, you will notice that these responses help you to be honest and clear about your feelings while also being respectful of the other person’s feelings.
Now over to you, what reply example would you rather smash or pass?