First off, yes its entertainment for the guys and a business for the girls.
Anyone can and has dialed the number set the date laid the money down and skidaddled.
clean.

But there are many social interaction areas to the hobby as well.
Disscussion board interaction, PM's M&G, socials etc.  Hell  whatever.

Brads post below got me wondering because the term friend get used
alot here and in my business its better and funner to business with friends.
So I ask how do you view the social aspect of our hobby?
Is it a lifestyle?  That is where your main socialization takes place.
or
Maybe a subculture compartimentalized apart from the rest of your life but more
than just your weekly foray.
perhaps
It is just like getting in 18 holes with your golf buddies who you see on the green only.

I'll never say that I've lost the urge to look, but I really don't play any more.  I've made many friends on TER that I've had a meal, a round of drinks, or some good down home conversation with.  The split is pretty even between male & female, and the friendships are different, but I truly enjoy the interaction.  I've got a personal and professional life outside of here, but I'm far more open here than there.

Haven't been to a M&G in almost a year, but I'm always looking for the next one.

Its loads of fun, and I have met people that i consider to be friends now!

I have found friends I will be friends with FOREVER through  the "hobby" or "lifestyle" It's all of the above for me.  Never been to a MnG but even so I have been blessed with so many awsome people in my life that I cherish.
Hugs and kisses
TL

-- Modified on 11/30/2010 9:40:33 PM

I do think that this is a sort of subculture of my life.  While there are a few "civie" friends of mine who know what I do, for the most part, most of my "hobby" friends are separate from my civie friends.  Every now and then, the paths will overlap, as I have one or two female friends that I have met through the hobby that I know no longer think of as "work friends", just friends.  I have also met several gentleman who I communicate with on a friendship level, whether it be over the phone or email, or in person.  Naturally when you spend a considerable amount of time with a person, bonds are formed, even though they are of course formed with limits.  However, no matter how comfy we get, I am probably not going to be taking you out with all my hometown girlfriends, nor are you going to bring me to your golf game and introduce me to all your buddies.  I guess I do consider it a lifestyle.  But it's Alyssa's lifestyle, and not the lifestlye of my other civilian personality.  I love that I get to enjoy BOTH lives.  Even if it's a business, it's virtually impossible not to meet people you like while you're at work.  I think I've got it pretty good.

...as a lady who would want to go to a golf match...

I picture football, boxing, hockey..

Sir Cumalot

No matter what service industry you're in - be it food service, auto service, retail sales, or health care - most of the people you deal with are customers/patients/clients and that's an entirely different relationship to being friends. The rest are co-workers, part of the team you need to succeed in your business and though you spend a good deal of time with them - they're still not your family.  Family and friends can be forgiven for insults and indiscretions, as you've invested part of your heart into those relationships.  Clients and co-workers can literally come and go without as much impact.  Do I like my nurse and/or the cashier @ Publix and cut up with them when I see them? You bet, but they're not my sisters or mom.   For the most part, business is business, personal is personal, and overall Life Is Good.

I know Alyssa, that's pretty much what you said. I'm just saying it from the other side of the bed... hmm, aisle.

For your’s truly, this entire world of the hobby is a subculture.  It is certainly not my lifestyle; I don’t shave my legs on my days off.   It’s definitely not a past time; I don’t do it because I’m bored and I’d never equate it to knitting.  Therefore, it is an entire subculture.



The Hobby.



A place where you keep your skeletons in your closet while creating them behind someone’s closed doors.  An entire world of reality built on fantasy and desire.  A subculture that exists on the revolving door of men and women that are capable of creating an experience within seconds.



Even within The Hobby, several subcultures exist.  There is massage only, streetwalkers, girls with pimps, agency girls, $200 girls, $500 girls, $1000 girls, touring girls, porn stars…  It goes on and on.



I have found a very comfortable place in The Hobby.  I have met some extremely brilliant and amazing men and women who I have learned a lot from and who I genuinely love.  The network of men and women I have chosen to surround myself with know there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for them right now, or even in the future.  The Hobby has made me appreciate that true beauty really does come within, that everything has a price tag, and setting limits is okay.  The Hobby has taught me a lot about my body, my likes and dislikes, friendships, and business.



I’m pretty thankful my friend, Kendall (EC1), introduced me to this little piece of the world.  I wouldn’t have ever discovered it on my own and it’s a pretty kewl place, lol…  I’ll be sticking around for awhile!



Love,

dk

I can't believe you can spell compartmentalized but not discussion or hobby. LOL
Spell check anyone?