M43

Rent a friend

September 23 2017

Just a question: There are services popping up allowing people to have essentially platonic companions for hire, somewhat like but also not quite like escorts (either no or very limited physical contact), and rates starting at not much more than pocket money. (Escorts are often used on platonic occasions too, but at much higher rates, some have "social" rates). Japan seems to be an origin for many such ideas, especially for older folks wanting basic company, however they have spread across Western countries and other age groups. Just like using escorts is not necessarily an indication that you have problems meeting women, but can be seen by some as simpler, more convenient, and less time consuming, I am curious as to what people think of the "rent a friend" type service? After all, many of us have friends, but some might be in a situation where we want a companion for specific events, sports, games, shows, movies or anything, and our current friend/family networks are often busy with other things, and/or don't share your interest you want a companion to? Would you get confused about that someone not being your "real" friend? And what of services sitting between the two, some describing as "cuddle therapy". Do you think all this is a reaction to a society where general social interaction has moved to more online formats?

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RHP User

7 years ago

Personally, I find most intimate forms of "personal services" a bit bizarre... To my mind, the whole point of personal activities like sex or friendship is that the other person actually likes me and genuinely wants to be spending time with me. If they are simply going through the motions to make money, it would just be awkward and kill most of the motivation for me. Basically, if everybody were wired like me, most forms of sex work probably wouldn't exist. Now, to answer the question - I'm not sure why we would be seeing a proliferation of these things now. I think there's probably some truth in what you said about social interaction moving online. It makes sense with oldies who might have been left behind by technology, and are wandering around the parks and gardens of Japan alone with everyone staring at their smartphones rather than interacting with them, but I can't really see how it would be a general pattern. If anything, online interactions have been a great tool for me for finding and nurturing real life friendships. I'm pretty introverted and a bit of a homebody, so it helps to be able to connect online and make friends via shared interests and such. The Internet is a great tool for facilitating that. Without it, I'd probably be much more socially isolated actually. So yeah, I've got no real answers.

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Mischeviouslad

7 years ago

Is it really that difficult to make friends?! Some people in here certainly seem capable of accumulating them 😂 - Posted from rhpmobile

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OkeyDoke45

7 years ago

Learn to be friends with yourself and be comfortable in your own company. I go to the movies on my own, go to pubs on my own, go on holidays on my own. I like company but have no problem doing things by myself.

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cat_n_the_hatter

7 years ago

of online interactions is an expectation of immediacy and decreased patience among people. Those who grow up with immediate access to media, rapid answers to all questions or finding people for quick encounters may be less likely to take longer routes to find intimacy in all its forms, seeking ‘quick fixes’ rather than taking the time to get to know someone. I wonder if we will even be able to sustain attention on one thing for a few hours—going to a classical concert or film again. Will concerts be reduced to 30 minutes? Will feature-length films become anachronistic? We need that "other", so we can relate to ourselves. It's not about loving ourselves, it's about allowing others to see us for who we are. We are all less than we want to be...but, that will not be possible if discussions based around internet content tend to be pithy, opinion-based, and often only shared using social media with those who will buttress—rather than challenge—political or artistic beliefs. Only a fool believes money buys everything. (Ms)

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RHP User

7 years ago

If you're single and attend a lot of functions alone and happy with that or always the plus one for various girlfriends, occasionally it's nice to have a guy to take to events so why not. Paying for it, depends on the level of greatness you're aiming for 😀 I would be happy to pay a small fee for some eye candy on my arm 😀

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PurePeony

7 years ago

...one can rent a "friend", but you can rent an "acquaintance" or a "companion". I won't go that route because I don't call every Willy, Dick and Harry my "friend". Maybe it's just a matter of different degrees of the definition of "friend". 😛 I agree with OkeyDoke - I love my own company and I do lots of fun things alone. Most of my friends live too far away, or they are busy professionals and their precious weekends are for housework and sleep-in's, or they are married/ coupled up, or they have young children to take care of so they don't exactly get lots of time to meet. I'd hate to "rent a friend" and they end up being loudmouths or motormouths or hyperactive and restless. 🤣 Nightmare scenarios for me! Lol! I'd rather be alone, happy, content and fulfilled. 😊 PS. Why can't all the lonely people get together and form social clubs or something so they can rent each other's company? 😁 Maybe there should be an app for finding like- minded peeps for doing things together like watching movie, picking strawberries, day trips somewhere, check out the new restaurant, etc.

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RHP User

7 years ago

...that ''Money can't buy you love.'' That said, it can rent you one hell of a substitute but damn why does ''that'' have to cost $300 per hour! CM ... who never played in Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

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RHP User

7 years ago

I see you can rent a 'Man Servant' in LA! One of the services they offer is dating and will take you out wining, dining, dancing.... Would be a great option as you don't have to deal with BS! I'd be less likely spend on a Man Servant but sometimes in need of Hire a Hubby service to help me with Jobs I can't do around the house. I'm content with not having alot of friends, happy to spend time on my own. Having a guy take you to an event sometimes is always welcome choice. - Posted from rhpmobile

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MrPlayful

7 years ago

Has summed it up pretty well for me. Although I'm married and have kids an therefore in a similar situation as her married friends... house/yard work and sleep ins take most of our time too. While we do have real friends, if we didn't I couldn't see myself wanting to rent one. I'd just join a group, club or find an activity that I like and find a friend there... or at work... or from here... or anywhere else for that matter.

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RHP User

7 years ago

Rent a Friend What a cool job - like to read the recruitment process

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RHP User

7 years ago

Fake connection or having an accessory. Would it be unsafe for the person being paid? It seems a little desperate to have to depend on someone and pay them to be nice to you... what if that person develops feelings? 😳 Interesting concept...but wouldn't it be better to educate people on how to be more social and meet others that feel scared and lonely as themselves? Im sure there would be something like that. That would be better than a temporary fix. That saying teach a man to fish comes to mind...

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RHP User

7 years ago

I'm not that desperate... but I'm not that social either... PeachyPearL

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