When I joined ASPD at the end of 1999 it was a growing community in Austin but even back then when people got together for luncheons, dinners, parties and clubbing there was a group of 40-50 people that always seemed present with about 30% in flux.
It led to a lot of camaraderie, friendships and relationships developing. Weekend Pool Parties and Amber's Hot Tub Parties were the Best. Wild Flowers and Amazing John knew how to host their clients as well.
I've always been a social person and participated in the social seen with other johns and whores for most of the 17 years in communities first in Houston, then San Antonio, Dallas, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles and then here in Austin.
A few of us were talking recently about the "good ole days" when we hung out every few weeks doing dinners, karaoke, going to clubs and more.
Most people will agree that it is a huge mistake to mix business with pleasure... I tend to agree that for most it has always been a very bad idea.
Over those years I entered into 4 off the clock relationships with whores I met on ASPD or ECCIE that lasted from as short as 7 months to as long as 4 years...
Yes. I "dated", befriended, romanced, partnered up with, etc... a few whores over the years.... There is NOTHING I preach against I probably haven't done and experienced the negative results of.
Only 1 of the 4 ended badly and it was actually one of the most public (boardwise) breakups with name calling, ugliness, threats and crazy in person antics (she was carried by management from a strip club I was at with others when I refused to talk to her and she got past the door girl). I remain friends with the other 3.
Ever since this came up in conversation recently with a few that participated in all the "socializing" we were doing 67 years ago it has been on my mind.
What has changed?
Over all those years I only know of ONE couple from the community that met, did business, became friends, played, loved and went off to be together never to be heard from again.
BUT..... Over the years most of those things ended quietly without all the social shaming and accusations that seem to accompany it these days.
In the Alert Section today are two active discussions / "alerts" for persons done wrong and a couple of others less than a month old. We see them regularly though where the dirty laundry is making the boards.
Any ideas on why?
Why such ugliness these days from people that come together initially to have fun?
Why so many people that lack humility or feel shame that need to express themselves so publicly?
Having been a guy that "wronged" a whore that had feelings for me once that was the subject of her huge meltdown I found it amazing she wanted it all out there. My crime was taking my wife on a cruise she thought she should have went on with me. (A few months later another member spent 7 of the most uncomfortable days of his life on a cruise ship with her).
Some people seem to handle it.....
Most don't.... this forum has posts today from multiple individuals involved in these messes in the last year.....
Want to share?
A few have talked about "hanging out more". Doing the kinds of things we used to.
But can anyone really do so anymore? Do we have so many unstable people that can't be spotted ahead of time?
I have a few of my own ideas on what made it work better in the past as well as how to avoid some of the pitfalls I'll share if anyone else chooses to discuss the subject.....
But over to all for now.