So, my, um, friend, has this client. And they share many common interests, have strong chemistry, and generally enjoy one another's company immensely.
However, the client has very strong political views with which my friend disagrees. She is friends with many people who have differing viewpoints on politics, religion, you name it—and can always find value in respectful conversation with people who disagree with her. She feels she wouldn't learn much if she constantly surrounded yourself with people who felt exactly like she does about every single issue, and welcomes intellectual conflict when it's respectful.
However, her client has made comments that my friend finds offensive and racist. She would prefer to avoid those conversations and stick to topics on which, while they may not agree, they can have productive conversations. She expressed, politely, to her client, her discomfort with certain comments he has made. Offended, her client has since continued to push the issues and encourages her to respond to statements he knows she will find objectionable.
What's a girl to do?
On the one hand, a client is paying for a fantasy, not just a sexual fantasy, but the fantasy of a perfect companion who will cater to his every emotional and intellectual need. But this couple in particular has, in many ways, broken the client/companion boundaries. She is no longer paid hourly, but they have a mutual agreement to care for one another's needs in a less formal arrangement. When should you be yourself, and when should you play the role of fantasy? Is it acceptable to request certain topics of conversation be avoided? In many cases, two people can have a productive, respectful discussion, never agree, but understand and appreciate one another's views. There are also cases, though, when one person is so put off by another's comments and perspective, that it seems better to avoid certain discussions all together in order to preserve the positive aspects of a relationship.
What do you all think?