BenjaminNicholas

Chicago is the friendlier, more livable Manhattan. Colder, more bitter winters. You'll acclimate. Beautiful, clean lake in the middle of the city. It's refreshingly cold in the summertime. Chicago also has what I consider the premier museum scene in the States. Their theater scene is well respected with some of the most innovative and longstanding companies around. Chicago's comedy chops are legendary.

Lube and leverage. That's my motto.

I mean, the lease on those- especially at the moment- isn't expensive. Mama said never judge someone's success by what they drive.

I'm just imagining Burgess Meredith doing the voice-over work for this kit

Mostly light flogging, CBT, glue traps and a brief glimpse of pre-80s Jane Fonda films.

Consider the source: Davies (the creator) also did Doctor Who. His vision of implanted tech and how tech ultimately will come to control us is not that far-fetched. It was in the realm of what could be. SPOILER ALERT: One of the characters needed to die and choosing the boyfriend would have been too predictable. The death scene hit me like a ton of bricks, which is EXACTLY what great writing should do. When the shot opened, we expected to see possibly both bodies, but we only got one... The one we never thought we'd see. I like writers who take risks like that. Risks that, sure, could initially piss off an audience, but also make them more connected emotionally to what happens onward.

I'm sorry guys, I am ignoring everyone in this thread and can't quite get up to speed on what's going on here.

The times they are-a-changin' Pro photos are nice, but with mobile phone cameras, you can get great results when you combine with what are now very powerful editing apps. It's quick, kills the middleman and allows an escort to put out a ton of content at the drop of a hat. Just because you use an iPhone to take shots, doesn't mean they have to look like shit- You've just got to learn how to photograph yourself. As for a shift in rates, that's entirely up to the provider and always has been. If you won't accept $200 for an hour, then simply thank him for his communication and walk away from the negotiation. At some point, an escort has to stick to his guns if he wants people to recognize they're buying a premium product. As Hooboy once said to me, 'Benjamin, you don't go to a flea market when you're shopping for Prada.' Far be it from me to tell you how to sell your personal product, but in order to acclimate clients to a higher rate, you can't waver in what you charge. Sure, you might have some initial fall-off, but ultimately you will find a group of guys who will understand why they're paying more. And for you, that means less wear & tear, more income and hopefully with repeat guys you truly enjoy spending time with. From what I can see, you've got everything you need right now to be very successful

In society, it's becoming increasingly more difficult to turn people down in a way that doesn't seemingly shatter their entire existence. Bottom line, a 'thanks, but not my type' or 'not interested, thanks' should work. If someone pushes past that and tries to make it an issue (as many now do), block them (if on an app) or just walk away. You do yourself no favors being wrangled into someone projecting their own insecurities in a feeble attempt to feel stronger or make a statement.

Human contact is healthy and normal. COVID is turning an already socially gun-shy young generation into something even more awkward. Conditioning yourself to only porn is problematic over time, especially when attempting to find a relationship or trying to have a normal, functional, healthy sex life. I have had several clients who have come to me to help them break the habit and get back into the swing of things in a non-judgemental, low-stress sexual environment. Jacking off is just one tool in the box, not the entire box.

This. 100%. People are people. They make snap judgements and split-second attitude changes when it comes to sex. Just be happy you got laid. Keep it simple.

Absolutely correct mister. I'm sure they operate at slim profit margins to begin with. Of all the 'gay' travel operators, I prefer R Family Vacations. The owners are great people and the itens are actually interesting.

Late to the table on this series, but just finished it on a long-haul flight. You can find it on HBO Max. Really enjoyed this show. The ensemble casting was great. I liked that they took immediate chances with the characters, knowing full-well that this wasn't going to be an ongoing series. While I appreciated they included all mixes of race and sexualities on this show, they didn't pander and made it feel very natural... Very real. The show had touches of Black Mirror in it, which I loved. As with reality, it showed the best and worst of the people involved. Neither black, nor white, but shades of gray. Some of the plot felt a little silly towards the end and like others here said, it was a little rushed to finish up.

Charity Hope Valentine

In essence, we're comparing a hookup/dating app to paid services. It's an odd/slippery slope. I'd advise for guys not to confuse the two: Just because he's on an app, doesn't mean he's into you. Never take it personally. I always encourage taking your shot, but also advise to adjust expectations when you're not in hiring mode.

I will add this... Don't expect anything Tucson. It's an entirely different vibe: Not grown-in feeling, an oddly modern barn, perhaps even a little cold. I like the aesthetic from a personal relaxation standpoint, but it will turn a lot of people off who are used to the 'standard' Miraval feeling.

Not 'gay,' but the new Miraval in the Berkshires is beautiful. I was there last week and while they are still working out the opening kinks, it's a really nice spot to spend a few days. https://www.miravalberkshires.com/

I've done a few Atlantis/RSVP trips. Not my scene. Not my style. The other issue already mentioned are the ridiculously inflated prices for what is an, at best, mid-level resort in Punta Cana. I've never been to a Club Med that wowed me. They're all in need of repair and the service standard is usually kinda meh. I'd have liked to see Atlantis spend some money and take over the new Hyatt Zilara property in Cap Cana. While it was not quite finished when I went last year around Thanksgiving, it looked like it was going to be a real stunner when finished.

As I was reading this, I was also humming Sinatra's My Way. It was damned near perfect.

Agreed. When the wind comes sweepin' down the plain, it gets a little dicey.

I've always found it strange that so many gay bars look like windowless shacks. They're relics from the days of us needing to hide out, I suppose. Gay clubs aren't really 'gay' anymore thanks to social acclimation, bachelorette parties and RuPaul having made drag a very normal, TV-friendly thing. Decades ago we fought hard for this and now we have it. We're just like everyone else.

I'll take overdeveloped legs over what most gay men have today... No legs at all. Just upper body.

Lately, my biggest problem with RM messenger is that some escorts are using it like Grindr, sending random, 'sup' type of notes that are basically a waste of time. Even a very professional auto-reply doesn't deter these idiots from attempting to continue a conversation. It's unreal. Luckily, RM still allows us to block people who can't figure simple things out.

I see what you did there. Bravo, sir.

I'm well-established in this business. I don't really give a shit if people want to make up stories. I've got bigger fish to fry. A wise Hooboy used to say to me, pick your battles. And as always, Slater's response above mine is absolutely pitch-perfect