Wow,
Great thought-provoking post!
I've been in and out of hobby, mostly looking for body-rub than FS, primarily b/c not getting the physical intimacy at home.  Our sex drives have always been very different, and now there have been some physical issues that preclude things.  To complicate matters, I have had some affairs in the past, but confessed to them.
I'm nearly 50 (damn that's a big number) and part of me thinks I need to grow up and "grow out" of the hobby.  However, clearly I am getting something that I need and not getting at home.  Someone in a previous thread dubbed providers "illusionists"' and that resonates for me. The physical intimacy that y'all provide is best (for me) coupled with the illusion of a psychological or emotional intimacy: you make me feel wanted.
As long as I am not getting that at home and don't feel like an old fart or dirty old man, I'll probably continue to some extent.

Wow....great question....at first the hobby was just a filler for the loneliness I felt in my marriage.  I had hoped it would just be a filler after the divorce...but 4 years later, I still haven't found that special someone and it seems to be becoming a way of life.  And I have no problem with it.  I am single. Not hurting anyone. Have met some very nice ladies and its a good thing my ATF is 4 hours away or I'd be broke.    

I've not been at this too long(about 6 months). I got married at a young age, 20 so didn't get the wander lust out of my system I guess. Obviously after 14 years of marriage the passion or whatever isn't what it used to be. I figured this would be a one time thing for me but luckily I chose my first provider wisely and now I'm hooked so to speak.  
I enjoy the friendships you can gain through this "hobby" and the experience is at its best when you connect with a lady and there's a natural attraction both ways. It's nice like previous poster said to feel wanted or have a lady tell ya you're a nice looking guy and actually mean it. Yes there are some ladies I've been with I could tell that I enjoyed them more than they might have enjoyed me but still were very accommodating and consider them friends. Then there's been a couple that it was like freaking fireworks going off, just felt natural for both of us. That being said ya gotta leave you're emotions at the door, but it can be hard to do sometimes. A mutual friendship or even ya both just enjoy the pure physical aspect of eachother makes it all worth while. Not sure when I'll hang it up its too much fun. I've got a daughter and maybe when she gets older it will make me second think this lifestyle. Be kind of hard seeing ladies the same age as her. Of course by then I may just hit the older age bracket. Good post Sloan be nice to see what others say here

To Keep My Sanity, and....

After a dance with a Pretty Woman, who has  a personality to match, I feel like God is in His/Her Heaven and all is right with the world)

Because life is short and being with a beautiful, articulate provider is something that simply shouldn't be missed.  I'm not too much older than most of the providers that I've visited, so most of the time I can identify with where they are at in their lives.  Like Sloan and her friend, I have also developed a bond with a provider that I visited recently.  She is without question the smartest person I have met to date. That alone made her incredibly attractive. She expressed an interest in a particular field and I've been assisting her to extent I am able to help her move in that direction.  Will I stop hobbying? Probably not, I love the connection; both physical and mental.  It's part of being human.

Sloan,
Wow, wonderful story! Being fairly new to the hobby world, I have not thought about that situation happening, as I am sure it will. Because of the amount of time invested, this must be a little sad for you, along with wishing the best for him.  

I am going to spin off a little from your question as there are so many factors in your message that really hit home for me. The first being that I also feel that I have bonded with my regulars. It would be very uncomfortable on both sides if we didn't "click" & I went through the routine without any interest of getting to know the person. As it seems in your case, I am always so interested in getting to know my clients & what they are all about. There are a few that I keep in touch with(not daring to over-stepping each other's boundaries, of course.) through text and email just to say, "hi, how are you doing?".  I am open & honest with them; I think it makes for a more relaxed time for them to know that I am a down-to-earth woman, just with an added splash of sexual desires that I am willing to share.

There are many different reasons why men step into the hobby world. There are those that are there just for the physical release, but for many men, it's much more than that. Many that I have crossed paths with are there because they are needing to be emotionally filled. They come to us when they are stressed & in need of a break; when they just want to forget & get away from it all; when they feel beat-up. Like someone stated(wildcat, I think), they need to feel desired & wanted. We make them the center of our world, even if it's only for X amount of time. No matter what is going on in their everyday life, when they are with us, they are our heroes & we put them up on pedestals. When our time comes to an end, we send them off with a kiss, & added stamina to once again take on the world. I am a pleaser by nature, so it gives me great satisfaction knowing that I have made someone happy or have taken stress away even if it's for a short time. Some want to spend just as much time carrying on a conversation as being intimate. We are there for them.  
I have given my advice, opinions, & have even offered suggestions on many areas that they are dealing with from business to their relationships. I have given them a woman's view-point, have offered suggestions on how to spice things up at home, & have suggested gift ideas for special occasions.
 
With that being said, I don't walk away empty-handed; there is much for me to gain as well. Each client is unique & brings something different to the table. Not having a special someone in my personal life, this is how my physical needs are met & my regulars know the little tricks that of course send me over the top. I love to be held, cuddled, and told that I am beautiful as any lady does, & there are those at do just that. There are some that I trust enough to ask their advice & get their opinions on things in my personal life. Hell, some offer suggestions about the hobby lifestyle. There are those that have a great sense of humor & all we do is laugh & joke around(which I love to do). Not to mention, the body rubs, flowers, chocolate, & other gifts of appreciation make me feel very special.  

My point is that the hobby world can be & is so much more than just about sex & money as one initially thinks. I believe that if this is all that one focuses on, then they are in for a not-so-enjoyable experience. Sure it's the common demoninator, but it's also about trust & being able to open up to another. It's about understanding, caring and respect.  

For your friend, I hope for the best in his quest to reclaim what he has been missing. For you, I hope others see what you have shown us here today...a true, caring person...with a hot body, of course! :P

Thanks for putting the wheels in motion today

as you put it counts, and yet I would add that also if part time or full time makes a difference.

I have feen escorting in London for a few years now, but I dont feel it is a way of life, because I have another profession and therefore my routine is probably different to many full time escorts
Serena x