There has been a lot of talk here recently about Provider/Hobbyist friendships and relationships. I have been hanging around here for a few months,now and have noticed a few things. One is that the ladies seem to have, for the most part, a sort of sisterhood. I think that's a wonderful thing. The other thing I've noticed is that, aside from the mostly good natured ribbing, a lot of the guys who have been around a while seem to have developed some genuine frienships, as well as mutual respect for one another.

What I'm wondering is, how many of you guys have actually met each other, whether it's a couple of guys in the same area, or in your travels, or at M&G's?

As I said, I haven't been around that long, but there are several of you guys that I'd just like to sit down with and bullshit with over a cup of coffee sometime. Does it ever happen?

Most in philly.  and all I have met - are nice guys... sincere - and they do care about the ladies with much affection.

As to men I have met - while in Vegas it was my privalege to meet with several I have traded messages with.  Dr. Gonzo stands out.  I would enjoy his company, no matter how I met him.  He is indeed a kind and caring individual - he is sincere in his beliefs and generous with his hospitality - which I wish I had taken greater advantage of - cause as I get to know him better, I realize that he is indeed someone who I can learn from.  

I also met another gent in Vegas, and to be honest, I monopolized his time... He was (and is) one of the most interesting people I have ever met... much I wanted to ask him, but time and my reticence to ask questions until I know someone better prevented it.

there are others, but these are examples that stand out in my mind.  I hope this helps...

We can only meet up if I can have vanilla ice-cream in my root-beer.

You got it, my friend, and it's on me!!!

with both other hobbyists and providers too. There a few days that I don't speak to at least one person that I know through the hobby.

I think it great to see the guys battling it out on the boards about politics.  Then the next thing you know they are talking about their latest golf game they had just played together.  Male bonding at its finest!

GG has given me some good advise when I got in trouble on the Atlanta board, and it helped me out.

GG is my friend, but we have never met, maybe sometime at an Atlanta M&G.

GT

Its really funny to me how the ladies of this board and other similar boards are able to bring men together to bond and form male friendships. I have attended meet and greets of other boards where I have seen  that the men who are kind of shy and awkward at  first, really take to one another and are able to find "male things" to connect and bond over such as business and sports. Its really cute and very heart warming actually!--Sitara

I've been at this about a year, and have yet to meet another hobbyist. I don't know that I ever will. Who knows.

Re: I've connected with many TER members who I would like to meet someday. (eom)

-- Modified on 5/2/2008 4:04:16 PM

It's a bargain really when you consider what most providers charge for that.

Actually, I've probably met at least 50 hobbyists, some of whom I certainly consider friends. The hobby just wouldn't be complete for me if I didn't have friends to share stories with. A bunch of nameless, faceless dudes on a discussion board just doesn't measure up.

I consider a friend to be someone who you can call at 3:00 AM to come give you a ride and there won't be any questions asked. Haven't spent that kind of time with any hobbyist folks yet.

I agree that the "idea" of being friends with fellow hobbyists seems like a good time, but I try very hard to remain anonymous while hobbying as well as posting on these boards.  I have been playing for several years, but only in the past month or so have I become a little more vocal on the boards.

I think we all use nicknames and such as our handles to keep UTR and to remain private.

Wouldn't it be fuckin' hysterical to find out that one of your close civvie friends is a hobbyist you "know" on these boards??  I have come close once or twice to sharing my secret hobby-life with one of my closest buddies, but I always sober up just in time! LOL

We know we have at least one thing in common. Sounds like it could be fun to sit in person and chat. Who knows, one of you might be my neighbor. Or worse yet, one of my customers. LOL
Maybe we could even have a provider join us! On second thought, forget I said that. I can justify in my mind paying her for her company but it might be like feeding her to the sharks. Some of you guys are just plain nuts!!

We ladies try to get along and for the most part, I think we do, but as in any "sisterhood" that people try to develop, there's always some left out, some too nuts to really join, and some that just sort of fuck it up for the rest.

As for friendships, I feel I've made some super friendships with the guys I've seen and with some of the ladies I've met as well.

It's nice when it happens...

Katie

It's not a large community, but I have made many friends in, and because of the hobby.

Cold one???

Have met one guy for a beer and a burger.  Have several cyber buddies on a local site that I have not met in person and we chat all the time.  

I have become good friends with some providers I have seen and we talk regularly without seeing each other professionally.

This is a tight-knit community.  I have many pals I have only met on line.  All good guys, and of course, wonderful ladies.

It's nice to have a female friend who cares about you without any requirements.

Swim

One of the sweetest most interesting, men I have ever met in this adventure.

He's been promising me a beer for months, LOL.