Setting the Standard
Because Decorum Isn’t a ‘Given’
Adhering to proper decorum is one of the most important things when it comes to meeting new people, full stop. Most people assume that etiquette is a ‘given’ for the ladies and only needs to be laid out for gentlemen. I disagree. I think that in life there are no ‘givens’ for anyone.
To prevent any potential for disappointment on your part and to ensure we’re on the same page, I’m happy to outline what you can expect from me — and what I’ll expect from you — when you arrive.
After this, take the next step and choose the best R for you.
“All time is borrowed. And in this, there's beauty.”
—Ysera
What is Expected
You truly will meet the woman in the photos, the woman from the words, the woman from the website — freshly showered and faintly floral, wearing light makeup, and nails freshly done. Hair may be curly or straight based on preference, package, and activity. What you see is what you get — I've always felt lying on your website is pointless because it's exposed the second someone meets you and realises none of it is real.
You can expect me to be clean, well-mannered, well-dressed, and always appropriate for whatever situation we are in. I am infinitely adaptable and can blend in wherever you’d like — whether it’s a cosy coffeehouse, a night at the symphony, or a day on the river. With a background in Creative Technologies — a fusion of STEM and the arts — I can move effortlessly through opera houses, gallery openings, museums, and other cultural spaces. At the same time — having grown up on the back of a motorcycle — I’m just as at home in more laid back 'down to earth' spaces. When I say 'infinitely adaptable', it’s not lip service.
Privately, I am vivacious – sometimes bordering on rambling – but feel free to stop me at any time and take our visit in a new direction. I only want to talk if you want to hear what I have to say. Never feel bad about interjecting and having your turn (or as I said, steering our visit into an entirely different direction). I also love to listen. I have a genuine smile, and a laugh like bells. Life is about being happy, and I am a happy person. You’ll probably make me laugh quite a bit, as I am quite easy to please. I will only drink if you're drinking, and I am well aware of my limitations.
I expect you to be polite in all correspondence, well-groomed, and — please — wash your ass. Arrive on time or inform me promptly of any lateness. It is my expectation that you’ve read this website and will not bring your altruistic contribution in a plain white envelope. A card, book, tin, or a leather envelope are a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and show your personality — or just use an ATM envelope in a pinch. Please give me the contribution immediately upon your arrival. Gifts/tips are never expected but always appreciated. Please see my Philanthropy section if you really want to make my heart sing.
I believe in treating others the way I wish to be treated and respect that both your time and money are valuable. I expect reciprocity in that. If you need to alter or cancel our plans, please let me know as soon as possible. Many of the arrangements I make — such as pet-sitting or travel — are non-refundable and require advance notice to adjust. I truly appreciate your understanding and consideration in this matter.
On our visit, I expect you to be clean and well mannered. You are welcome to take a shower if you feel you need one. I have a solo shower and toiletries available for your use, and I do not deduct a reasonable shower from our time. Please use common sense and your best judgement on what a reasonable shower is. I request that you wash your hands upon arrival, even if you do not wish to shower. If you don’t, I will know you did not read this. Yeah, it’s a test. Neat, huh? I did say there would be a test later – that's just called 'truth in advertising'. I have mints to freshen your breath and an assortment of wet wipes — but honestly if you feel you need those things, it’s probably best to take a shower. It’s no fun to spend time with someone who isn’t as fresh as I am.
If you smoke, I strongly request that you shower when you arrive (or before I arrive), brush your teeth beforehand, and use mouthwash. Smoking around me is not permitted. I cannot tolerate smoke and do not visit smoking rooms. Vaping and e-cigarette use are fine during our encounter as long as it’s not excessive.
I expect you to conduct yourself in a polite, respectful manner at all times. I have a live-and-let-live philosophy, so my space is a judgement free zone. If it doesn’t hurt us, it’s not our business, full stop. Being judgemental and supporting divisionism aren’t my deal. We’re all human beings just trying to get through life and have the nicest human experience we can. We have more in common than what separates us. This is not to say anything is off-limits for you to talk or vent about. We can discuss anything you want, but TV buzzwords and over-the-top vitriol? Best left for arguing on the internet when you’re bored.
A small good faith deposit is requested of new patrons. I have a multitude of discreet and 'paperless' methods to make your deposit, and I give you a % range so you can select an amount that makes you comfortable. I want both of us to go into our meeting feeling safe and secure.
If I cancel of my own volition through no fault of yours, I refund the deposit.
If you are worried I will steal your deposit, I don't want to spend time with you. Why would I want to share my space and self with someone who thinks so little of me? If I can trust you with my life, you can trust me with a token amount of money.
Life happens, and I appreciate that you respect my time enough to ensure I am not out of pocket if you should need to cancel.
Rescheduling
Visits may be rescheduled instead of cancelled for NO FEE. If you need to cancel and reschedule your visit, your deposit can be applied to a future visit as follows:
- More than 7 days in advance: The full deposit can be applied to reschedule.
- 7 days or less in advance: ½ of the deposit can be applied to reschedule.
- Less than 5 days in advance: The deposit is forfeit.
Rescheduling Less Than 72 Hours Before the Visit:
If you reschedule less than 72 hours before the visit, I kindly ask that you cover any costs I incur (e.g., hotel/flight cancellations) beyond the deposit, if applicable, so I am not out of pocket. Please note there is no additional cancellation fee in this scenario.
Cancellation Fees (If NOT Rescheduling)
If you choose to cancel instead of rescheduling, the following fees apply:
- 3 days — 5 days before the visit: Deposit is forfeit.
- Within 72 hours of visit: 50% of the scheduled time fee.
- 71 hours or less before the visit: 100% of the scheduled time fee.
Your deposit will be deducted from these fees. If the deposit covers the full fee, no additional payment is required. If the fee exceeds the deposit, the remaining balance will be requested.
Exceptions for Emergencies and Inclement Weather:
Exceptions to this policy can be made for legitimate emergencies, illness, or inclement weather (and other acts of God) with proof of the event in question. I am not a monster. In these cases, please contact me as early as possible so we can work it out fairly for both parties. Once you’re feeling better or the situation is resolved, we can discuss what happens next. The goal isn’t to screw you figuratively here — it’s to make sure everything plays out fairly for everyone in the worst case scenario.
You must confirm our visit 24 hours in advance for local visits or 3 days in advance for travel-based visits, or it will be considered a cancellation.
Health Mitigation
I don’t care if you’ve had shots or not — that’s not what this is about. I don’t want RSV, either flu strain, Norovirus, strep thoat, or even a cold. If you feel even slightly off, please reschedule. Don’t tell me it’s “just allergies” or a scratchy throat. I will send you away and keep the money. I’m asthmatic, and my dad has cancer with a rapidly deteriorating immune system. I've lived in an N95 since 2020 for a reason. Let’s work together to not end the borrowed time on which he lives.
Please take a C19 rapid test just before coming to see me. If it’s positive, we can reschedule. The only thing I want either of us to spread is joy. If you have health coverage, you can likely get several tests for free. If you can get the ones that test for multiple illnesses, even better. IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR ANYTHING CONTAGIOUS WITHIN A WEEK OF SEEING ME, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! There’s no stigma, no judgement, and I expect nothing else from you. Accidents happen. But I need to know so I can test, treat, and avoid spreading it to others.
As far as what I do? I keep a close eye on the PMC as well as wastewater reports for other illnesses, wear a well-fitted N95 indoors, plan trips and visits when it seems to make the most sense, and take time off when it doesn't. I ensure 72 hours between seeing people and take a test before meeting anyone. Post-viral syndromes are very real, and I’m doing everything I can to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on my body for the longevity of my career and life. Make no mistakes here, I'm not scared of anything. Health is literal wealth for me. These are what I consider practical decisions for my financial future and have paid off well so far (knock on wood).
I neither judge nor monitor your health choices. What you do daily doesn't concern me. What does concern me is sharing space with someone symptomatic or asymptomatically positive with something easily tested for.
Occasionally Asked Questions
Sometimes people ask these things
If they’re an important thing to you before you see me, I totally understand. We live in a review-driven society and you want to make sure you’re getting a quality experience. Google my name and reviews in quotes. You should find what you’re looking for.
If not:
- My profile on ECCIE is still active. After a dry spell of 7 years, someone reviewed me! If that's important to you, please enjoy.
- You can see the list of reviews I had on the other site here. You can’t read them, but you can see they existed. I de-listed when they said you couldn’t give a 10 to someone without specific activities. Who are they to determine what you consider a 10?
- In this PERB thread are some kind words from patrons in Vancouver wishing I was back.
- This enthusiastic gentleman once started an effort to get me to Winnipeg.
- I did an AMA on reddit once. I can’t do all the work for you though so if you want that one, you’ll have to dig a little. It’ll be fun.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.”
— Albert Einstein
Sarcastically Answered Questions
These are stupid questions that get the answers they deserve
No.
“Sin, young man, is when you treat people like things.”
— Granny Weatherwax