The XX Factor: What women really think.

Sugar Daddies We Love

Meghan, this is why I am looking forward to Sudhir Venkatesh's book about the new world of high-end prostitution. In his Slate piece on Eliot Spitzer, he previews some of his findings. The Internet has made it possible for prostitutes to fly solo and not get burned. They interview potential johns in public places, usually expensive restaurants. They "date" for a long time—sometimes months—before agreeing to pair up. They may even hire a private detective to check the guy out. For the men, these relationships are about boosting their egos. "The last time I met him, I gave him a bath," one such call girl told Venkatesh. "I told him he was the most sensitive man I'd ever met. I never tell him he's a piece of shit; I make him feel like Superman." About 40 percent never do anything physical beyond light touching or petting.

Venkatesh is a sociologist. He interviewed several hundred sex workers for his book. So why do we have trouble believing this scenario? I think its because we can't get beyond the image of Belle, the prostitute with the heart of gold. She is always there for Rhett and plays her part but then sighs heavily when he walks out the door. It's hard to accept that women can just participate in the theater of romance without getting caught up. When they do pull it off—Linda Fiorentino in the The Last Seduction, Nicole Kidman in To Die For, they are sociopaths or spies. So, ladies, could you pull off a fake romance?