CuriousByNature

And maybe by next week there'll be a profile for a 6'5" 270lb 53-year old advertising as a twink... ?

I would think if someone is serious about the work they are doing they would reply to you in a way that reflects that. But maybe Im an old fashioned 40-something. Well, not maybe, its definitely. Anyhoo if a reply is flakey, standoffish, arrogant, dismissive or just bizarre, it might be providing you a glimpse of what you'll encounter if you meet in person.

And at the other end of the intelligence spectrum, I was the only kid in grade 7 driving to school in his own car. JK...LOL

Im not a super politically-correct person at the best of times, and everyone is absolutely free to use whichever terms they wish. That may be part of freedom of expression I suppose. But I think it is important for people to realize that certain terms have a meaning that is far deeper and more painful for some than for others. And a lot of people probably wouldn't mind using an alternate term if it helps prevent triggering someone else. The OP was clear that he did not chastise the client in any way, and I take it he doesn't expect people to not use the word 'rape'. I didn't get the impression at all that there was an expectation for anyone to conform to his understanding and change their behaviour accordingly. I do think he gave all of us useful food for thought, as you have in your comment. You mentioned the term 'slave' as well, and this could also be a term that is hurtful to some but is used in a widespread manner. People will continue to use such terminology without meaning any harm, but it is good for us to be reminded that it can be harmful even if it wasn't intended to be.

A bit off topic, but when I used to go on cruises I noticed how the daily program often had meetings and receptions for 'Friends of Dorothy'. On my third cruise I was shaking my head at the bizarre coincidence of being on yet another cruise with this Dorothy. Who the heck is this woman, and why is she getting so much attention? So I went to the Purser's Desk and asked the staff there. It was difficult to understand the answer amidst all of their laughter. I think one may have even snorted.

The British Museum is one of my favourite places. I could spend weeks in there.

Thanks! I was mistaken... the slave trade was abolished in 1807, and slavery itself in 1833 according to Wikipedia.

You were vulnerable, but please dont ever confuse that with being weak. Those who took advantage of you were the true weak ones. Thank you for sharing such personal details - that takes courage. Blessings and peace to you ?

Three's Company....lol

Interesting that the last execution for sodomy was 1835 - still horrendous, but I would have expected it to be later in the 19th century. The 1830s seemed to be a period of social change, after the death of George III in 1820, followed by George IV and William IV before Victoria ascended in 1837. I think Britain abolished the slave trade around that time too... like 1833 or 1834.

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but does anyone have any opinions about how differences in height can either enhance or detract from an experience? Im not asking about a person's preference for taller or shorter, but more about the 'mechanical' implications. Are things generally better when two people are the same height? Are there advantages or challenges when one is 5-foot-6 and the other is 6-foot-5? For those who find that kissing is important during the activities I imagine height differences can affect how things 'line up' so to speak... and I fully realize I am revealing profound ignorance by even asking ?.

404 page not found...

I know your post is not seeking sympathy, but I just want to say Im really sorry that happened to you. I happen to agree that the term should be avoided. Rape isnt about sex, its about violence - which is more than simple dominance or control, though those are certainly aspects of it. The thing is that some people, for whatever reason, are turned on by violence - a tiny minority even to the point of murder. And there are people use the term 'rape' even though violence doesnt turn them on but without fully appreciating how it might affect others. They aren't looking to trigger anyone, but that is invariably what can happen.

There's such a thing? Please let me know where I can get one so I can put away the paper bag I normally wear...?

There's such a thing? Please let me know where I can get one so I can put away the paper bag I normally wear...?

So her rescues may survive drowning only to die from blood loss.

I don't want to sound like prude, but.... How does one get past the knowledge of what comes out of that orifice? No matter how squeaky clean a person might be, somewhere up that digestive tract is something most people would never want near their mouth. And wouldn't there be some unpleasant smell wafting down from further up? I find that taste is highly affected by smell, so thats why I'm asking.

I don't want to sound like prude, but.... How does one get past the knowledge of what comes out of that orifice? No matter how squeaky clean a person might be, somewhere up that digestive tract is something most people would never want near their mouth. And wouldn't there be some unpleasant smell wafting down from further up? I find that taste is highly affected by smell, so thats why I'm asking.

I've run into him before and he's a super nice guy.

Well, count me in as a fellow dweeb. I figured a soy boy was the offspring of an edamame mama.

Thank you for this very encouraging update. I am really glad you are doing well.

When someone who isn't feeling well says they have 'a temperature' instead of 'a fever'. Umm yeah, even a corpse has a temperature.

Perhaps one option would be for sites to offer an 'Avoid List' feature as well as a 'Buddy List'. There are many reasons why someone may not be adviseable for contacting aside from racist and political attitudes they may harbour. But I completely understand why the OP has focused on the racism factor given the horrendous things that are going on currently and the terrible history of discrimination in the US (and here in Canada).

On a side note, I hope the McRib never makes a return.

Not an easy situation. When a relative says something I find disturbing I usually respond with, 'You don't actually believe that, do you?' This invariably leads to a discussion, some defensiveness and justifying on their part, and often finishing by simply agreeing to disagree. But as long as I remain calm and rational in my arguments, things rarely get out of control. Even though I may think what they are saying is evil, I remind myself that they themselves are not evil - just ignorant or misinformed. I always hope that by confronting their opinions in a patient and fact-based manner they might realize their position does not have a solid foundation after all. Most of the time there is no obvious breakthrough, but I also cannot see what small changes may be happening in their hearts.