In last week’s family secrets , a divorced single mother described how she pays Justin, a male escort, up to £600 for sex once or twice a month. Here are your responses . . .

Go for it! That would be my advice – or, rather, keep going for it. Having recently left a marriage that was not loveless but was largely sexless, it is something that I miss immensely. I only wish that I had the funds – and the guts – to do the same as you. Anonymous

Why not say instead “I see a male prostitute occasionally”, as this is what Justin is. Of course he will light candles for you. At £600 a time, who wouldn’t? After all, you are a good business deal. The real challenge is to find a man who will do such things without being paid. Liz

I think it’s great that this woman is having such a wonderful time. Sex is the best thing to keep a single mother balanced. Who cares if she pays for it? We all pay in one form or another. Shelley, Santa Ana, US

Personally, I think that being paid – or paying for – sex is a valid choice, provided it delivers an appropriate return for investment. It’s no different from marrying for money (and, Lord knows, there are plenty who do that) and a damn sight more honest. Caroline d’Argent, Middle East

What would one say about a man who pays £600 a month for sex with a prostitute? The poor woman should be saving that money for her old age and/or her children’s education and future. Garth Strong, San Diego, US

I went out for dinner with some female friends last week and this very topic came up. After some discussion, we agreed that if we found ourselves in exactly the situation that the author describes (children, divorced, the love of her life gone), then using the services of a male prostitute would be very much an option. There is much to be said for getting it exactly the way you want it, when you want it, from an attractive man. Nevertheless, women do tend to become emotionally attached and, after three years of seeing the same man, I would hazard a guess that this is the case here. Anonymous

Good for you, girl. It works, no one gets hurt and no one is likely to get hurt. Enjoy it for as long as you want. I’d be cautious if your exhusband is paying you maintenance, though. If he finds out that you pay £600 a month, you may well find yourself in a bit of bother. Anonymous

Male friends assure me that the prostitutes they meet are often very sensitive. All the same, the sad lives of young male and female sex workers on the street are truly awful to witness. I know that Justin belongs to a more upmarket escort service, but I still can’t help but think that the service provider would prefer to do something else if he could earn similar money in other ways. Dean, Sydney, Australia

To read the original letter: timesonline.co.uk/women

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