Now you can "Rent a Friend" - but no hanky panky (apparently).

[Andee 220524]

Came across an article about a new site where people people looking to "rent friends" by the hours can hook up with people willing to provide their services from as low as $10.00

 

They are adament about the fact they are not a dating or escort site, so we folks at CERB have nothing to worry about. It's only 5 months old and the guy who started it, is apparently cleaning up.

 

It it makes me wonder how many scam artists, opportunists might be attracted to something like this.

 

What are your thoughts? I find it sketchy and feel sorry for those who are going to spend money with memberships and find out no-one wants to be their friend or if they do, it's going to cost them large.

 

Article:

http://thestir.cafemom.com/love_sex/106028/rent_a_friend_ensures_you

 

Questions about it:

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100707031554AAW9MZc

 

Site:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/mar/08/lonely-las-vegas/

[etasman2000 15994]

From a 2009 article about Japan.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7818140.stm

[Andee 220524]

Etasman: I heard that Japan is big on this concept because of their supposed hurried lifestyle (I guess no one has time to invest in cultivating friendships these days).

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

I tried google "rent friend Japan" and was amazed at the hits.

 

Here's one:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/20/japan-relatives-professional-stand-ins

[Capital Hunter 18263]

First off, thank you Angela for the info and attached links. They seem to have lady friends in Ottawa too. But I couldn't find anything about the rate lol.

 

I don't know how real it is. But if it is for real, that would be great for me (and likely many others too). Because sometimes I want a companionship only (intimacy is important too but not always) that I can spent many hours with a lady friend over a dinner or watch TV or dance but not necessarily intimacy. However, I like variety and that is my reason for the hobby rather than picking a GF lol. Something that could cost me thousands (and I can't affort) with escort ladies. If as you say their rate is more affordable, and they offer what I sometimes look for (dinner, dancing, kissing, companionship), then it would be great. Lets hope that it is for real. Only time will tell. This is likely more like pay for date concept that I perceive than pay for sex. But for now I rather sit back and watch how it developes.

[Andee 220524]

I am thinking that there would be prostitutes that might try to rope guys in by meeting for platonic and then soliciting for more. I can see how this has the potential for abuse. It's like the personal ads for dating where you have to "read between the lines".

 

There's also speculation that the site is filled with profiles that have been lifted from FB and that the people paying are being offered potential friends who really don't exist.

 

And then what about the guys who say they want platonic, but want something more and figure this might be a way to get that friend with benefits for $10 an hour.

 

I am not generally a negative person, but I have a bad feeling about it.

 

It's a wait and see thing.

[40ishsxaddict 203]

I like the concept , it think it will fill a void of eating alone and doing other activities with a companion. Not everyone has the social skills or time to find and cultivate friendships, yet as humans we need company sometimes. I for one, originally came on here (when i was new and naive), hoping to find an occasional dinner date or outing partner w no sex, but soon realized this isnt a dating/friendship site, its definitely sex related, unless you want to pay the hourly rate for a dinner + the dinner. I'm not complaining, I understand the time and company of the beautiful ladies here on Cerb is valuable and its a business. I guess what i'm trying to say is that there's a lot of lonely people out there who just need some company sometimes...

 

Having said that, I agree w you Angela that there is the potential for abuse on both sides... guys wanting more ie/sex, woman preying on vulnerable people, elderly getting ripped off by people they come to think of as ' friends'... i definitely think problems will arise, but I do like the concept...

[Old Dog 179138]

Hmmmm... I wonder if you could rent a whole bunch of burly friends when you need to move... would be cheaper than professionals....

[Cowboy kenny 50799]

Hmmmm... I wonder if you could rent a whole bunch of burly friends when you need to move... would be cheaper than professionals....

 

 

LOL I was thinking the same thing as I am in the midst of a move myself, great minds think alike! I bet these "friends" don't do windows either.

 

Yes after 20 years in the west end I return to the downtown core and a new hirise ranch. I'm gonna miss my riverside ranch and it's spectacular views but I welcome the busy downtown metropolitan pulse.

[Old Dog 179138]

CK... if ya can't get them to help lift stuff, at least hire a few pretty ones to help you unpack!

[Andee 220524]

LOL I was thinking the same thing as I am in the midst of a move myself, great minds think alike! I bet these "friends" don't do windows either.

 

Yes after 20 years in the west end I return to the downtown core and a new hirise ranch. I'm gonna miss my riverside ranch and it's spectacular views but I welcome the busy downtown metropolitan pulse.

 

Where you gonna hitch up your horse? Don't see many hitching posts downtown anymore, Hoss!

[Lexy Grace 103696]

Hmmmm... I wonder if you could rent a whole bunch of burly friends when you need to move... would be cheaper than professionals....

Good one!!

[Guest O***wa**W]

 

 

If as you say their rate is more affordable, and they offer what I sometimes look for (dinner, dancing, kissing, companionship), then it would be great.

 

I think that is the whole point - No touching allowed. Strictly platonic friends/activity partners, which means no kissing.