My 9th Companionship Anniversary

April 1st I had my first ever professional date. I've always used my anniversary as a time of reflection, as well as celebrating with close friends. Interestingly, this anniversary I find myself more consumed with thoughts of my 10th being just around the corner.

I have often heard, that 10 years is the burn out mark. Most don't last 5, I've seen many lady friends come and go during my time. Someone told me no sane woman would stay beyond that ten year mark, feeling it's unhealthy to do so.

I don't even feel remotely burned out, in fact, I feel it's taken me almost 10 years to find my footing. Now that I've found a way to participate that is joyful and feels natural, I'm eager to see what experiences the next ten years will bring to my life. I'm also hoping that those who have already been around for years and years, don't finally get bored of me. And perhaps I'm being a little self absorbed, but there are the precious ones, who I feel might stick around for life - even if only as friends.

My first date was so dreadful it left me in tears, and I was ready to throw in my towel on the spot. My agency (naturally in their best interest) talked me into at least sticking around for the rest of the day. I was 18 and brand new, the phones were ringing off the hooks for "virgin flesh", as one of the other escorts called me.

It took me three years to stop feeling like a bad person, to shake off the guilt and stop wondering "what's wrong with me?" It took me another two before I truly celebrated my choice in life, and it was on my 5th that I started the tradition of celebrating my anniversary. Each of these turning points were the result of friends willing to listen, and gentlemen who made me feel beautiful and appreciated.

9 years later, I look back at that first day and feel sticking around was the best decision I ever made in my life.

Thanks for listening

I have always enjoyed reading your posts Lauren as well as trying to see things from your perspective. I may not agree with some of the things you write but that is Ok because I am sure the reverse is true. Also, I did not know you were so young but that is a good thing.

I am not one to quote myself but look at my signature line and do the translation... you seem to fit with what I have there and that is a very good thing. I hope you have a great day on this special anniversary.

Thank you for posting.

Your post makes me smile and sparked two thoughts:

It would be incredibly boring if we agreed with each other.

In many spiritual cultures, particularly anything that involved any kind of magical ritual, the number 3 is sacred. 2 represents balance, and when there is balance, there is peace. But there is also stagnation. 3 is the number imbalance, conflict, and ultimately, movement. (1 often representing creation/birth, 0 representing god and the infinite).

Without disagreement, knowledge cannot be furthered

Also: I missed a crucial piece in my story. On that first dreadful day, my second date I don't remember. My third date was a charming, comfortable, and treated me the way a guy normally would on a first date, the whole thing just felt much more condensed lol. That gave me hope, and it's why I stuck around.

That is a post by a woman who has grown as a human being. Nothing impresses me more. Good for you for knowing how to love yourself. You are ahead of the game, kiddo. Congratulations.

Congratulations Lauren. Hope to see you around for many more.

A most happy anniversary to you. All anniversaries are a time of reflection, a moment to contemplate the paths we have chosen for ourselves. You have found the balance in your life and have been rewarded, enjoy the wind and sun on your face as you walk down your path. Stick around; enjoy the time (as my avatar eludes to), raise a glass to yourself, and smile.......happy anniversary........

I didn't realize you were that old.

I didn't realize you were that old. Originally Posted by pjorourke

Kudos to you, Lauren on your 9th year Anniversary.

Happy anniversary Enjoy the time that you are here. We are so lucky, very few people get the chance to choose how they make their living.

Here's hoping the next 9 are just as special. Love you.

Happy Anniversary.

[I'm not sure I believe the 5 and 10 year markers. Miss Kitty lasted 19. ]

I didn't realize you were that old. Originally Posted by pjorourke

You suck!

Happy anniversary Lauren! However old you are in years, your beauty and intellect are timeless.

She is not old until she starts celebrating the anniverseries of her 29th birthday.

Happy Anniversary, Lauren! Whether or not I've agreed - or even understood - what you were saying, I have always enjoyed & admired your ability to put yourself out there on the various boards where our paths have crossed.

As long as you are enjoying who you are & what you do, don't sweat the rest!