Sometimes I think I will forever like playing close to the fire (not quite in but very very close) - it's probably why I wander in and out of the P4P arena frequently despite being way beyond the need to support myself financially from behind the veil. Maybe it's hedonism, maybe a perpetual need to feel that 'thrill' of discovery when you meet someone with with whom you have off the charts chemistry over and over and over....who knows.

I can't say that I have a similar adrenaline rush but must admit that the same high you mention regarding the physical/emotional/mental connection is something, that when it does happen, which is pretty rare, I thoroughly love it.  But its been soooo rare in my life that I can't say I know it from a great deal of experience.

I'm not nervous going into an encounter so I don't feel that sort of rush (never really have craved feeling nervous.)

....about adrenaline rushes from excitement rather than nerves. If I'm housing a sense of nervousness (to that level)  about things I am considering doing then I probably shouldn't (and mostly don't) do it...

I think away from this arena a similar parallel for me is diving. I scuba and free dive. I'm qualified to a reasonably high level in diving and as such have had 2 instances where I've had to get people out of trouble fairly quickly. The physical and mental stamina required were of equal parts - one in isolation of the other could easily see you in end up in a bad situation. Combine the 2 successfully and you can end up with a high level of satisfaction....

There have been many times I have said to myself maybe just walk away and save the money and use it to buy something else with the money I've been spending - like a small secluded island lol.  But every time the thought crosses my mind I see an ad or post on TER and think to myself who needs an island when I can ride the adrenaline wave myself and take a chance at having some incredible sex with a perfect stranger who might just some day be a friend I can share all sorts of special times with - and yes, not just sex but conversation and sharing experiences that will indelibly be etched in my brain when I think back to some of the best things I've ever done.  

... as I walk up to the door, then enter and am greeted by a beautiful, sexy woman and we say "hello" in various ways.  

Diving - 'where were you when I needed you?'  An ancient song. You would make one seriously compelling dive buddy.   Interesting that you bring this up.  

Free diving isn't frightening as long as you stay within your limits and push yourself slowly. You've probably done more free diving than you realise - look
Up dynamic freediving and you (and most on this board) will recognise fairly quickly that you have infact indulged
I stay far away from no limits FD - that to me is bat shit crazy! I loved Audrey Mestres but I don't want to meet with the same demise god bless her so I'll stick with constant weight FD. Mastering the fins (both sets in the photo are mine) because they require totally different finning styles is the real challenge and my calves ache like hell if it's been a while 😜

You need to stay away from low budget night diving.  In mine, they give you lights .   Pretty useful accessory it turns out.  

Best dives I've ever had were night dives -- Catalina Island (SoCal), Mexico, Jamaica and the Florida Keys.

Sharks don't come to my house
And I don't go to theirs.

I was definitely an adrenalin junkie, being married and having to sneak out during work hours, etc.

I prefer muff diving.

That's for sure - that expections change as life evolves. So far everyone has spoken about the hobby but no-one has really mentioned whether the risk taking (perceived or otherwise) has parallels in other parts of their lives - how about you Mr F? Were you a habitual risk taker back then or was it limited to life beyond the veil?  

Which I suppose accounts for me having gone broke several times. I am a degenerate gambler, an unrepentant drunk, and an unabashed whore monger among other things.

...I too am an adrenaline junky. It's changed somewhat over the years. When I was younger, I was a huge downhill skier. I loved testing myself against the mountain. Then as I got older I got into riding big loud Harleys, which continues today. There is nothing better to straighten yourself out then a winding two lane road.