James_Bond007 - First off, this "world" is a fantasy world. Most of these providers (and guys) would not open up their checkbooks to help you out if you find yourself in a real-world bind. They might say they would, but most would not actually "buck up" and do it.
It's hard, because you when you find yourself so physically connected with someone it becomes more difficult to separate/differentiate the 2 'worlds'. Especially when you consider them a friend, or possibly have feelings for them.
QUIT LISTENING TO YOUR SOUTHERN HEAD for a minute, and ask yourself this: If you could lay your head down at night peacefully (with no guilt or remorse) would you even be posting this thread?
Ultimately the decision is up to you. I know alot of friends that have "retired" from hobbying and I still consider them my friends (even though there has not been any white envelope for quite some time now) that are perfectly happy and have moved on to "real world" relationships & are doing great. We still talk, go to lunch, hang out on occasions with no BCD, and it's nice to see them happy.
Now as for myself....[QUOTE]As for the WOMEN-they have their own set of issues[/quote].....well, let's just say "It's complicated"....
I wish you the best of luck in what you decide, and would not think any less/more of you for it. No one else gets to live your life, except for YOU.
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Be true to yourself & everything else will fall into place.