I'm posting for the last time. I've not been a super-active member of this board, but, I've been a pretty hardcore hobbyist for more than 15 years. After much consideration I have decided to retire. No more hobbying for me. It's taken up too much of my time, money and attention. I recognize it has become an addictive behavior for me and I'm not willing to continue. It's not even that enjoyable anymore. I found myself writing reviews and trying to make them sound like I enjoyed them. I have been fooling myself thinking this was an activity I "chose" to enjoy. It had gotten hold of me and was really affecting my life. If you are feeling like that too I urge you to get help and get out.

Great post and very thought provoking.  I’ve only been in the hobby for about 5-years but this year has really tested me emotionally.  I’ve done a pretty good job at separating reality from fantasy but just within the last several months I’ve lost that perspective.  I’ve met two providers that really struck a cord with me; one just recently retired, which is probably a good thing, the other, well I don’t think I want to stop seeing her, she has everything that I look for not just in a provider but as a friend, girl friend, lover, etc.  That’s where reality and fantasy collide and things start to get a little fuzzy.  I’m a happily married man believe it or not, so I really shouldn’t be having these feelings, being in the hobby for five years should have taught me something, but something has happened that I’m losing control of.

So; crudedog, I believe we’re all going to at some point in our hobby come to the same conclusion as you, is reality better than fantasy or not.  Only time will tell!

Good luck!

I don't know about anyone else but I have been hobbying for about 20 yrs. and I think it's great. I love seeing different girls all the time and I love getting to see them naked for the first time. I think helps to gives a change from our real lives where we have to be with the same woman over and over again.
The other great thing about it is I have been with girls who in real life wouldn't give me a second look or I'd be out of their league. I can also still be with girls 18-25. So I still enjoy it.
As with anything else if you don't enjoy it, then don't do it. As far as getting help what are you going to do go to a meeting and say my name is Bob and I am a pussyahalic? Good luck with that friend.

Everything gets old after a while

Nothing really stronger than the attraction to beautiful women and pussy. The best high there is to have a soft,sweet attentive sex kitten cater to our every whim. Like everything else it can get old and bring on misgivings and maybe some guilt. So move on and pick up golf or motorcycling or sailing or whatever else interests you. Spend the money on your wife or children or your retirement. Good luck in your 'recovery'.

Good luck to you!  I have been playing for only two or so years and have recently realized how addictive this behavior has become. I am somewhat selective on whom I choose to see and some how at the end of the session I feel most of the time empty. If I feel right with someone I will see her again because I develope a mental connection and this for me brings the experience to another level. But still that seems to subside.  I quess I'm looking for something... oh well!  It really  REALLY plays with your head, if you let it. Financially, well thats another story. If you can handle the heat OK but if your having doubts then put it down, at least for a while. As for me, one day at a time. Again, good luck to you.  Your's truly, in the same boat man.  PS would really like to hear providers point of view on this.

I'm with you guys.  I've been married 10 years and hobbying actively for about 15.  I can't stop, though I've tried.  I've been to a therapist, clergy, you name it...  It's addictive.  Maybe we should start our own little support group.  (If you're interested, email me at [email protected])

(P.S.  I'm not saying there's anything wrong with hobbying or hobbyists, as I've probably seen 500 providers in the past 15 years.  But, for me personally, it's time to stop... again.)

Very cool thread.. really appreciate the honesty and the support to stay real with yourself.. definitely what it's all about.