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I agree with Buffy's response to this post. 

Once again too many people look at segments of society without consideration to the context of society as a whole.  Anonymous' comment is one like that. My own firsthand observations and experiences, as well as personally knowing several providers, belie his/her blanket statement.  Yes, there are individuals who struggle with various forms of addiction, but one doesn't have to be a provider to have that struggle. 

"Prostitution is about using each other" - How is this different than a scantilly-clad model in a car commercial?  Even many marriages can be construed to fulfill one party's physical desires in exchange for the comforts of a home.  We all use people in one way or another.  The difference is in the honesty of the exchange.

p

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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I caught portions of this discussion on the radio earlier in the day, but unfortunately unable to either call or email in until now. 

I have been with many providers over the past four years, have become close to several, and still maintain a close friendship with some.  The ones I know bear no resemblance to the stereotypes one thinks of when one hears the news reports about the drug-addled streetwalkers on 82nd Avenue...on the contrary.  Many are college-educated, erudite and articulate people who simply happen to enjoy sex and have decided to earn a living doing so.  Others I have met who didn't have the benefit of a college education were as intelligent and smart as many in my own profession with a Master's degree. 

The other preconceived notion that I had prior to my involvement in this industry and which was summarily demolished, was that providers and escorts are only in it for the money and don't care about their customers.  Again, not always true.  I know many who are extremely loving individuals who truly care about others and have developed strong feelings for their clients...and likewise clients with providers.   I know that one first-hand.

Are my observations representative of the entire cross-section of this industry?  Of course not!  It is true that there is indeed a seedy aspect to it.  I have also met drug-addicted individuals...who HAPPEN to be providers.  I have also met some who have an alcohol problem, or a gambling problem, or who perhaps smoke too much.  There are some who cannot maintain a house to save their lives, yet others who would put Martha Stewart to shame.  There are others with persistent financial struggles, and others who own several properties and a portfolio that looks a heck of a lot better than mine.  (Maybe I should listen to her advice!)

My point?  Just like any other societal group, providers run the gamut of socio-economic levels.  I have found they defy our efforts to stereotype, and we will invariably be surprised at who is really in this business.  Just like the difference between the guy asking for change at the freeway ramp and the executive on his or her way to the boardroom, so it is with the streetwalker and the woman next door to you who is discreetly augmenting her income. 

Pablo 

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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