Have your cake and eat it too. Pun intended...
Posted By: PheonixRising
I think I need to clear up a couple of points.
First, I have not had all the negative experiences that I have described in my OP. I hear from and see others posting about these things and I just stay cautious. The worst thing that has happened to me in the hobby is finding out that another hobbyist was repeating what I had said in confidence to others.
Those that know me well know that above all I value loyalty and confidentiality. I do not know very many people or have a large quantity of friends in the hobby or in my life for that matter. However, the people who I include in that are people I admire and/or have shown me I can trust them and be myself with them. The other thing that has been a disappointment was when someone I was getting to know very well thought they could manipulate me and lie to me without me knowing or finding out. But as for heart break and other harm's to the heart and life I have been fortunate. I am very clear about boundaries as others have mentioned. I do my best to not over step other's boundaries and I am very clear about keeping my own.
Sure, I have had some ladies get angry with me and scorn me and I have had my full blown fall outs with some in the hobby, but I am not one that hangs onto negativity. It is bad for the soul. So I get over the petty BS and move along. This isn't my life although it is a pretty big piece time and entertainment wise. I love the Hobby. I have met more really neat, sexy and beautiful women, had my insights and horizons broadened more by many of these women and the sex, well the sex has at times been beyond what any man could reasonably ask for.
So I will probably try to find one or two ladies to see on a more regular basis but in order to do that I suspect the "rascal" in me will still have to see who's on the other side of that door.
Have a great day, enjoy the snow!!
Pheonix