PhileasFogg

This is true. There is one relevant shade of gray in this particular situation that, in my opinion, matters most - the OP seems genuinely traumatized for the experience. Sure, in any interaction between two people, the potential for misunderstanding, insult, and injury exists. In this case, for whatever reason, the provider took the knife of trauma, twisted it a couple times, and then came back the next day with a different weapon. While we must acknowledge fairly that the OP may have been contributory to the provider's reaction, it seems that the provider's reaction was beyond any measure of insult that might have been directed toward him. Aftre all, if he's a "pro," he's seen it all and should have risen above the fray of the moment. Otherwise, I'd have to question his constitution for this type of work.

I’m really sorry you had such a difficult experience. No one should walk away from an encounter feeling unsafe or unsettled. At the same time, threads like this often reveal that both sides made decisions under stress or uncertainty. That doesn’t minimize what happened to you — it just means that now, with some space and hindsight, you can take steps that give you more control and peace of mind going forward. Here are a few thoughts that might help next time: - Since anxiety is part of this for you, you may want to choose the location — whether it’s your home or a hotel where you feel comfortable and there aren’t distractions. - You’re buying time, not a guaranteed emotional outcome. When nerves kick in, sticking to what was agreed upon can help keep everything grounded. - For the next few encounters, consider seeing only well-reviewed, established providers until you feel steadier. It can make a huge difference in easing the anxiety you described. What happened to you clearly shook you. I hope your next experiences are much smoother and actually enjoyable — they absolutely can be with the right structure around them.

I changed from ExpressVPN to NordVPN. Very satisfied

What do you mean? Wouldn’t you always be a “day ahead” proactively managing the plan???

First, I acknowledge your point about the framing of the question. 😉 And, you’re absolutely right about the cleaner. But, I pay for a clean room. Imagine the Yelp Review if the room wasn’t clean! Again, that’s what I paid for and that’s what they are paid to do. Right?

Well, I’m sure they are appreciated, but tipping is not intended for the free agents. It’s intended for person who has to share part of the price “with the house.” If someone knocks my socks off but had a low price, then I’d probably give them more (as I noted above). But if someone charges an above market price, then I’m going to have already high expectations. I stayed at a Hampton Inn a few weeks ago. I used automated checkin, I arrived late and never say a human, I left in the morning. STILL, there was a placard on the desk with a QR code soliciting tips??

May I suggest contacting PinkIceland to see if they know one? The two greatest groups of tourist to Iceland are US and UK

I spent several days in Iceland recently. I’ve never hired a travel agent but these plans overwhelmed me so I did. I highly recommend PinkIceland I gave them a goal and a budget and they did not disappoint. The online itinerary made details idiot proof for me and I knew exactly when to check out, when to get in the car to drive somewhere, and where I should eat.

While I deviate from topic, one of the owners of my travel agency - PinkIceland - gave us a walking tour of Reykjavik last week. He spoke of the history of the queer movement in Iceland, rooted in sympathy for AIDS victims, and evolving to 1/3 of the country turning out for their annual Pride Events. He said that the first pride parade had about 400 in attendance, the next year 12,000 (~2012??), and then 100,000 the following year. The country only has about 320,000 residents.

Iceland has a lesbian prime minister. Apparently, it wasn’t until after the election that they realized they’d elected the first lesbian. It was just no big deal and no one even thought about that as an “issue” for discussion.

Mint boys is a low rent lower quality version of RM

Well, then you might want to check your number on Mr Number? It’s a choice each of us has to make, but personally, I’d prefer to be criticized first for being kind rather than a jerk. BUT, be sure that, if someone hustles me and refuses to make it right, then I’m capable of responding in kind if I choose. Maybe there are some therapists among us, but might not the concept of “Projective Identification” apply in the response @FaustOust might exoect to receive?

Oak Grove is a very rural area in the edge of Fort Campbell (101st Airborne). Strikes me as an odd place for such drama.

Is it just me or is there a visible evolution in his appearance between the 2024 pictures and the 2025 uploads?

Yeah, I think that’s the excuse I used first time I got laid in HS 🥸😂😉

I spoke with him based on the strength of @jusmeinbr’s recommendation. I was inquiring about travel and his present circumstances limit him to Austin and Houston.

At the beginning of the year, I had one provider in New Orleans (who has traveled to Vegas often) hustle me with the “I’m about to be evicted”,” I need a tire for my car to come visit you” stories. I think people believe he’s credible because he was featured on a podcast a year or two ago and therefore “good at what he does” It’s a shame because when he’s “on” he’s “ON” But when his demons are in control, it’s Jekyll and Hyde Yes, I assisted Yes, I regret it Yes, while I would rather be criticized for the mistakes I make rooted in goodness rather than malevolence, I will never get snookered again by him or others My starting criteria for 2026 (as noted in another post) are maturity, education, and no drugs. While I avoid judging people and rarely “write them off,” I don’t have to get pulled into the cesspool with them.

I’ve just learned that the time atop the profile icon is the last time they logged on to RM. I ERRANTLY thought that it was the last time they viewed my profile…and VERY wrong assumption

To clarify for all - in my OP, the comment is directed to an absence of kindness and civility from clients who treat providers poorly and not vice versa

I have been tricked or disappointed by more than one, but while I may have adjusted my tactics accordingly, I think I treat all with respect in our time together.

Looking at your profile, it’s good to see that you’re marketing yourself as more than just a big…ahem…and able you use the word “y’all” as the more precise and efficient substitute for the plural of “you” preferred in highbrow circles. 🤓

Having just returned from a week in Iceland with a well reviewed young man, I’ve made a stop off to visit another regular before returning home. Both of these men are mutli year advertisers on RM and well reviewed. Anecdotally, we’ve all been hearing that client traffic has been reduced in recent months. But in interactions with these guys, I’m also hearing that kind and polite clients are more rare and that more encounters are with downright rude and mean men. to the providers: is this something you’re seeing? to the clients: are you finding that we are more jaundiced toward providers - perhaps because of our experiences with a small number of bad actors - and therefore leaving civility behind? what am I missing?

Average is when it’s on someone else Well Endowed is when it’s on you 🤪

Fair enough. In a twist, I’ve had some who quoted less than I’m accustomed to paying. In those cases, I paid the customary rate if they exceeded my expectation. That’s a form of tip But, in general, I think tipping culture is getting whacky right now.

I know I’m not the intended respondent, but I’m not accustomed to seeing reference to the practice of tipping directed to the self employed…how common is the practice?