Athos

I'll join the consensus. Love animals, and have no issues with them. I'd prefer them not to be in the bedroom, or scratching at the door, or chewing my shoes. But beyond that it's cool. Sophia, I'd love to meet your dogs!! Hell, thinking back to Samantha's post in another thread, I'd even be willing to walk your dogs!! Porthos

To the OP, one thing to keep in mind, is that it sounds like you are on the rebound! In my view, that may be the worst time to see SPs. When I first started seeing SPs, I'll readily admit, my marriage was in rough shape. The SPs I saw were younger, fitter, sexually adventurous, and made me feel like a million dollars. In short, they were consummate professionals who provided me with exactly what I hoped for. It was hard not to fall in love with every single one of them. And to be totally honest, with one or two I did, although I hope they never realized. Years later, I know better. Experience is your friend. It may be a bad time to try creating practice dating/relationship scenarios when you may be emotionally vulnerable. That's not to say hiring an SP for dating coaching might not be exactly what the doctor ordered. But go into it letting her know ... Don't just say you want a dinner companion, or someone to go to the theatre with, full stop. Because if you do that, she will be your perfect date!! Eyes wide open and go with care my friend, and you'll be just fine. Porthos

Really sorry to hear that. It might be cold comfort, but I can assure you that as soon as you rang off she was speed dialing the next client in her address book. Porthos

I have two goddesses today, both of whom have been named in this thread a couple of times already, but who are so worthy of being named again. The first, is Ms. Gabriella Laurence. I had the pleasure of meeting Gabriella this week, and she epitomizes all the qualities of a goddess. Meeting this heavenly creature has been a highlight of my career in this hobby! The second lady I would like to nominate as today's goddess is the wonderful and always sparkling Sophia Varoushka. I have yet to meet Sophia, but plans are definitely in the works to remedy that situation. I always enjoy her posts, which never fail to make me smile and I enjoy the witty and flirty conversations we have. It's good to have things to look forward to, and meeting this wonderful goddess is high on my list.

And as a musketeer, we will retire to a friendly tavern, drink heartily, slap each other merrily on the back, and admire the lovely serving wenches! Things will get better my friend. Hang in there. I'll even give you a manly hug to cheer you up, although I'm sure you'd prefer one from the ladies! Porthos

Having just had to endure my birthday ... you know you're old, when you wake up and realize that now you actually are old!!! *sigh* Porthos

Great advice! You will rarely impress a woman by talking about yourself. You'll impress her by taking an interest in her and listening to what she has to say. Once you've done that then she'll want to know all about you! But it's her wanting to know, rather than you telling her she should want to know!! Porthos

As Boomer suggests, The other worry about the strategy is that you might fall for the lady. It may only be "practice", but it could start to feel real. The ladies I see are genuinely wonderful people whose company I enjoy. If circumstances were different, I could well imagine several of them being the sort of person I might ask out. But, and it's a big but: circumstances are not different and I know where the line is, and it's a line never to be crossed! If you were to go down this road of practice dating I wouldn't take the same lady out more than once or twice, unless you are able to keep that line firmly in your sights at all times. To be honest, it sounds like you need to find ways to meet women, more than practice talking to them. Frankly, I love talking to the SPs I see, and enjoy engaging in conversation with them. But that can also happen in the bedroom! You might as well enjoy conversation and physical intimacy! I'd agree with Backrubman, give the social dating sites a whirl. I think on a place like lavalife, most of the guys are looking for quick sex, but the women are more interested in serious dating. If you present yourself as honest and with integrity, you'll do well. Porthos

After 3 days, the rain has stopped (for now) and the fog has lifted. You can feel everyone's spirits soar!

I must confess to being a huge Sci Fi fan. One my favourite current authors is Charles Stross. Glasshouse is an amazing futuristic gender bending commentary on culture wars. His Laundry Files ... The Atrocity Archives, the Jennifer Morgue and the Fuller Memorandum are wonderful. A combination of sci Fi, the occult, and espionage! Some of his books can be pretty far out there, like Singularity Sky, but hugely entertaining. I also love mysteries. Ian Rankin, who created Rebus, the taciturn Scottish detective, has a new series looking at police Internal Affairs in Scotland. The first two, The Complaints and The Impossible Dead, are great reads. I've also become very fond of Scandinavian mystery writers, admittedly after reading Stieg Larson's Millenium trilogy. (enjoyed the Swedish movies, haven't seen the American). My current fav is Jo Nesbo's series of Harry Hole detective novels, about an alcolohic detective with a knack for self destruction and catching serial killers. I'm just about to start his latest, entitled Phantom. Porthos

One thing I would suggest, though, is that practice is always just that: practice. Make sure your paid companion knows what you are looking for. Otherwise you are in danger of her trying to fulfill your fantasy ... That your jokes, small talk, flirtations, are dead on the money, and she may therefore act like they are! RG's point, though, that SPs are real people is well taken. Some, you may find no trouble carrying on a sparkling conversation, whereas others you might find it difficult to find anything to talk about. In this respect, it could be very much like a real date. My advice, join a recreational sports league, a running club, an environmental group, take a general interest night class. Whatever it is that is of interest. Start going to Church. Get a dog and go to the dog park!! Even if you hone your skills with a SP, at some point you still need to meet women. And I shutter to even suggest it, but I actually do know several people that have found their life mate through online dating sites like e-harmony. Porthos

Congratulations and very well deserved.

I can remember my Aunt's wringer washer in the farm house!! Looked a lot like this

BBFS has to be off everyone's list. After that, people need to manage their risk level. The key is to be well informed and keep yourself educated, and go for testing reasonably regularly. Each of us has a responsibility to Play safe and play smart. Porthos

Spending time with the amazing and incomparable Gabriella Laurence! It may be a highlight of my life!!! Porthos

I like Phaedrus because he has such a clever user name, and is pretty darn clever himself. Porthos

Unless you are planning to explore beyond St. John's I wouldn't bother renting a car. The downtown core is quite compact, and an easy walk (2 minutes) from the Delta or Sheraton. Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi are only a short cab ride. If you want to explore the Island, renting a car is a must. Porthos

Insane Temple

Threatening something like this is simply atrocious behaviour. The person also clearly doesn't know much about CERB as negative reviews are not permitted. If he posts something, on this board or any other, simply ask the moderators to remove it. Just explain what he threatened and the fact that you've never seen the person. Porthos

Despite the fact it's only 6 degrees and cold here in NL, it's great to be home!!