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I’m sure I’m not the only person who hides such a guilty secret, and I’m equally sure that anyone in my position would guard it as ferociously as I do.
Once, sometimes twice, a month I meet up with Justin, a 36-year-old divorcé. We go out for a meal and maybe to a club before spending the night in a hotel. I am a divorced mum and work part time to spend as much time as I can with my four children. Justin also has four children. But what differentiates our dates from the norm is that I pay for Justin’s company, including having sex with him.
This arrangement has worked very well for me for the past three years and I hope it continues. My exhusband and I get on pretty well, but I don’t want all the complications involved in getting into a relationship – I want to be able to concentrate on my children, my job and my life without introducing a man who might well walk out at some point, thus upsetting the children. Although I know I could go out a couple of times a month and find someone for sex I don’t have the time or energy for a series of one-night stands – I want to know exactly what’s going to happen without any worries about the next day.
My exhusband and I had a great sex life, so when our marriage ended, I decided to go online and see if anyone out there could fill the gap. I found a huge number of websites and adverts offering a wide range of services. In the end I found Justin. He costs £200 for an hour, £270 for three hours and £600 for overnight – and every penny is well spent.
Our first encounter was nerve-racking and my main worry was that I might not find him attractive, although I definitely went out with sex on my mind. I booked into a hotel and spent ages getting ready, then Justin came to collect me and we went out to dinner. He’s very good-looking and extremely fit, so despite my nerves there was an instant spark and we had a great time.
He makes me feel that I’m the centre of attention, he’s very protective and caring, we have a laugh and a chat and the sex gets better and better. He always makes it special with candles and things. How many men would still be doing that after three years in an ordinary relationship?
I live in quite a small village and we meet up in a nearby big city at weekends when my ex has the children. On these weekends I always go for a night out with my girlfriends on the Friday, or have them round to mine, so nobody really expects to see me on the Saturday night. I’ve always enjoyed creative writing and walking, so I occasionally casually mention going away with my walking group or to a writing seminar. I phone the children to say good-night, and on the one occasion when their dad phoned me I just chatted away as if I were at home.
Before I leave the house on Saturday I phone my parents and sisters for long, leisurely chats, knowing that they’re then unlikely to phone me back for a few days, though I always make a point of checking for messages last thing on the Saturday night and first thing Sunday morning. My mobile is always on, so I can be reached any time, and I tend not to have more than two drinks, so I could get home in a hurry if I had to.
I don’t leave home all dressed up, and even go out of my way to make it look as if I’ve just popped out – I can reach my garage from the kitchen so I put my case in the boot and then drive out casually dressed in jeans and T-shirt. Getting all done up at the hotel is part of the fun – my transition period from one life to another.
This way I’m very satisfied sexually, which makes me a much calmer and happier person, and I do like the secrecy element of this arrangement. I keep both lives totally separate and Justin doesn’t know where I live, what I do or even my real surname. I get a real buzz out of my elegant, controlled image and the fact that no one knows I’ve got a secret side – one that would shock everyone.
Do you live with a family secret?
How has it affected your life? Do you still struggle with it? E-mail us at familysecrets@thetimes.co.uk
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I think she's brilliant.
Nikki, Nicosia,
What a wonderful article! I thank the woman the wrote it and praise the beauty of female sexuality. The only thing that doesn't add up here is how our society is twistedly afraid of the honest expression of sexuality. We want to use sex to sell & manipulate but attack every genuine expression of it
Joshua, Atlanta, USA
Paxalot.....A woman prefers a pulse followed by an orgasm and not just a vibrator. You have alot to learn about female sexuality.
Christine, Sacramento, USA
Lady, it's called a vibrator - costs next to nothing. Get one.
Paxalot, Ottawa, Canada
Somethng doesn't add up in this story. The woman says that her husband and she had a great sex life and yet down bellow describing Justin's candles and his attention, she poses a question: "how many men still be doing that after trhee years in an ordinary relationship". Apparently her husband did.
Elena, NY, US
The good lady has her head properly screwed on. She has the situation under her control; that is the way it should be. If she obtains the satisfaction she needs from such an arrangement, then good for her. Everything is clear, both parties understand the arrangement and no-one is hurt. Surely, this is an example of good honest dealing, No betrayals, no affair behind a partner's back. Ideal! I only wish I had the staying power for such an occupation!!
Derek, Baliwag, Philippines
I think that this is great. Good for her. She has found something that works for her, is not destructive, is enjoyable. The money aspect is an energy exchange thing and, as everyone knows, is necessary for any relationship. There has to be some kind of energy exchange that works for both parties. Money is not the root of all evil just like men/women are not the root of all evil, either. Here, money works for her, rather than an emotional payment or laundry or whatever. She's been married, she's has a working relationship with her kids and family and friends. Way to go! If everyone were as honest about energy exchange in their relationships as this story, we'd all be happier - or else screwing our lives up differently. Kiss!
Barry, St. Louis, USA
It's fun to believe we can be just as happy by taking the easier route. We now in our hearts that it's hollow, lonely, and unfulfilling, but it's fun to believe that wickedness can bring happiness. The women all praise her saying, "Good for her, but I could never do that." The author writes to convince herself. I don't feel judgment; I feel pity.
Paul, Pasadena, California
I think this is marvelous. The lady in question has definately thought it through. Who is to say wether it is right or wrong, the answer is different for everyone.
I myself have been divorced since my children were very young, they are now grown up.
I have never remarried and believe this could be the answer to my prayers.
We are like a classic car, we all need a good service now and again.
Stacy davies, cardiff, uk
Completely ridiculous to pay a man for sex! And the other way round!
Stan Wang, Boston, USA
I hope for the protection of her dear family, she is having safe and protected sex.
Mike Slaughter, Altamonte Springs, Florida USA
Justin is not exactly a great name for a Male gigolo and certainly does not sound value for that money!
Rosanna, Vancouver, Canada BC
Unsurprising outcome of the feminist struggle for equality.
Entertaining fad.
A Skeptical Empiricist, London, England
now how bout ..getting paid for sex ..ever think of that?why waste money, when there are loads of me who would pay to have sex with you
rob, az, us
Oh, brother. Women love to vilify men that pay for sex. But when they do it, it is considered a "lifestyle choice". The sexism in this world is rampant, along with the double-standards and hypocrisy. Men that pay for sex are considered sick, perverted puppies. Now isn't this endorsement special?
SGA, Brandon, FL
£200 for one hour?! You must be crazy. I know guys that will do the same, probably even better, for less. Wake up lady, you are been had in more ways then you think.
Fabio C, London, UK
how come when its woman paying for a man ..it doesnt sound as sleazy.
rob, az, us
Hey, if this works for her then more power to her. As long as she is happy, then who are we to judge her choices?
Akinyemi, Miami, Florida
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