We're not with you to remember our family, just as likely to forget about it.  If we're married it just reminds us that we're cheating.  I'm no longer married so that doesn't matter.  But I'd still rather  not talk about my kids simply because it crosses a boundary in terms of my privacy and security.  There are some guys who want to talk about this, and that's fine, but let them bring it up.  God knows there are lots of other things to talk about during "down time," such as food, travel, sports, etc.  Politics is probably a bad idea, though.  Why not talk about sex?

Hey Faye,

I rarely discuss my family with a proivder that I see the 1st or 2nd time. If I see the provider on a regular basis, then I may mention my kids briefly, but nothing that will give them away or any other important information about me.  If the provider brings up her family especially her children, then she is giving the OK to discuss my family.

Most of the time, I am asked about my ethnic and heritage backgrounds of my family tree and that's a pretty safe topic to have a conversation on.

Every provider that I have met all have family of some sort, so that's usually a good topic to discuss as long as it's not divulging any incriminating statements and/or comments.

Serpius

I talk to a lot of guys about their families. Now, I'm not saying we get all deep and cross personal boundaries. But when sharing interests, there can be times when you run into an unexpected connection. For example, I was chatting with a client and ended up mentioning that I was excited to go see my sister head off to college. He asked what she majored in, and when I said accounting, he mentioned that he was a CFO and his daughter was a CPA. He was excited to give me what he felt would be valuable advice to pass along to her. We talked about the process it took to get there, a few struggles that were had, and what was done to ensure success.

I don't mind talking about anything that the client feels comfortable sharing (as long as he isn't telling me he's a sexual offender/serial killer of some sort, lol), and I certainly don't mind if the conversation skates on safer ground (i.e. sex, food, traveling). To be honest, sometimes it's better to save the conversation for those moments when you aren't BCD. But, I do agree with inicky concerning the issue of letting the client lead that type of conversation. No matter what you are open to learning about the friends you make, it's never a good thing to come across as the "probing" type.

but the providers I have been with in general don't seem to want to know anything about me.  I seem to get to know a lot about them, but I have been surprised at how little I am ever asked about my personal life, and the conversations have not gone into areas where I would just naturally talk about it.  Actually, I spend an overwhelming majority of my time just listening.

The deepest it ever goes (towards me) is "Are you married?" or "What do you do?" and then it stops.  

Overall, I would say that none of the providers I have been with (and this includes one that I have been with 4 times and one 3) want to know anything about me.  And other than how I conduct myself with them, they have succeeded.  I don't like that, but it is what it is, and I let them define what the boundaries of our interactions are going to be.

But if you start asking about my family I will ask about yours. Or I could just call my wife and have you talk to her about her. I have done that you know. It was fun. I don't mind talking about family at all.

Kind of hard to ignore the ring on finger thing.  I  don't necessarily bring it up.  But if asked, I answer honestly about the SO/off-spring in my life.   I haven't met a provider yet that doesn't  "get it."  I like variety in my life.  Guys can provide any number of reasons for hobbying.  I like variety. MY SO is the best I have ever been with, even to to this day . Do I feel guilty?  No.  I think it is a guy thing.  Attach the appropriate lable to guys here......

As I always answer a provider with honesty and integrity...

I simply reply to that question as follows:

My Mother left us early to seek fame and fortune in Hollywood.  So my step father is mrfisher who has raised me with the honesty and integrity that the entire fisher family exudes.  We also have our Grandma terrilynn who held the same beliefs and why I NEVER lie.  My only brother is prepkid, and he was unable to comment recently as he is studying for his doctoral diploma in TER BS.

Either the gal looks at me totally puzzled, in which case she begins a BBBJCIMNQNS....or wants to hear more about my "family"  

I know many people aren't this honest, but that's how I roll. When a provider asks about my family and my background, I always share this very truthful and honest story with them, as it helps them to understand me much more intimately:

In West Philadelphia I was born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days. Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin all cool, I was shooting some b-ball outside of the school when a couple of guys who were up to no good started making trouble in my neighborhood. I got in one little fight and my mom got scared and said "You're movin' with your auntie and uncle in Bel Air."

I whistled for a cab, and when it came near the license plate said "Fresh" and it had dice in the mirror. If anything I could say that this cat was rare, but I thought "Nah forget it, yo home to Bel Air."

I pulled up to the house about seven or eight and I yelled to the cabby "Yo homes, smell ya later". Looked at my kingdom, I was finally there, to sit on my throne as the Prince of Bel Air.

will never apply across the board because some men have deep rooted issues. My answer is. depends on the provider. Some you connect and trust and some you will not ever.

If I trust the provider then I will discuss family. I usaully play it by ear and gut.

I am not married and have no kids, but I have no problem telling you about my work, my parents, my siblings, my nephews and nieces, my cousins, etc.
However that isn't happening in a one hour meeting. But since I tend to do longer meetings and repeat meetings, we usually get to know a lot about each other.

In fact, talking about family in two way street can be preferred in between awkward silences after an orgasm. LOL