Dating: From SLebrities to Real Life Young'ns

People always say there are codes of ethics that one must follow in both life and society. In the world of Second life it seems those ethics, codes & morals that we all choose to live our real lives by some how slip through the virtual cracks as we take on new identities and craft a history and story of our avatars.


One of the biggest virtual past times in SL is that of dating. While the ceremonious mating game that we play in RL bathes in similarity to that of our second lives, the game is played at hyperspeed. While yes, some intentions (mostly 'males') in our world seem to waiver towards the sexual, it is possible to have authentic relationships in SL....but then again, its funner to play ;)

Often times, Brig and I will play little games to both boost our social reportire, our financial situation and the inevitable, snagging a mate in the quickest time flat. One bet, who could entice and have tangible benefit from a partner the fastest was a challenge. I was able to not only charm, entice and captivate a male avatar "Sheffield", but get a house, land and clothes that night.

Playing the game somewhat detached, one is able to reap the collective benefits to one or more avatars with charm and wit. After meeting an out of work photographer in the BGSU sandbox, I was able to get profile photos for all three of my female avatars nixing his demands for sex by playing coy. While this 'relationship' was somewhat temporary, it represented the anthisis of our game--to gain.

You're probably thinking "Wow, what bitches." But I have to turn the game on you for a second--this out of work photographer who was trolling around for sex on SL was also thrice married and had a 2 year old. This is where the ethics between RL and SL become grey, blurred. What makes one form of play more ok then others?

While the average man or shall we say "slag," is often easiest to ensnare, it is often a little bit different to tame and stroke the ego of what is known as an SLebrity. SLebrities are individual avatars that have made names for themselves in-world by designing, building, modeling, photographing or other means.

My first brush with fame came with a few bloggers. Daily, I would check, re-check and check again their blog, and salivate over their good finds and ingenious combinations. On a trip to Mai Bodyshop (coincidentally also one of my alt's last names) I met a male blogger ("NYC") whom I had secretly crushed on his witty posts, and charming somewhat aloof nature that led to a fantastic mysterious character. Upon meeting, we friended, shared, and enjoyed some time together. Over the past few months, I have not been able to capture the full captive attention of NYC, but we have stolen a few kisses, natch. Meaning, hopefully, slow and steady will win the race.

Another short lived SL relationship served with a not-so-out-of-work photographer. From Ms. Virtual World, to countless agencies, Mr. Show Me the Money, while flashy, grand, and endlessly sexy, was unable to maintain anything more than a few minutes a day for fear he would lose a client in his studio. He came home to our loft stressed, angry, and biting. I clutched on to the sad remains of our broken union for longer than I should have, waiting countless hours in blacklace lingerie on the asian printed sofa. His studio became his first love, I was merely his toy at the end of a stressful day. Who is playing who now you might be wondering?

My most recent adventure into SLebritisim was flanked by "Jim"'s ownership and creation of the most well known and enjoyed sims in SL. While short lived, Jim was able to purchase for me a skin, shape, and hair. More so, when the relationship ended, it was that I had lost a good chase, a new challenge , perhaps the biggest I had embarked on.

So how does all this translate or apply to RL? In SL, as you know I take pleasure in the tricks and beneficial treats I receive. But what happens when my SL tricks, games and ploys transfer to my RL?

This isn't all uncommon, lovers, partners, and friends often happen to transcend the SL world into RL. My problem however happened this past weekend when I found myself going out with a (much) younger man. I found myself playing the same tricks "would you carry this for me?" (you=my sub) "I'm thirsty..." (buy me a drink) .

I had to stop myself, I realized that RL is less of a game than SL is, or is it?

As for next weekend? I have another date. ;)
xoxo
V