Prostitution: Failure or Pragmatic Service?

The debate on prostitution: a sign of failure or pragmatism?

Whether hiring a prostitute signals personal failure or is simply a commercial transaction has sparked intense debate. Opinions are divided between those who view it as a symptom of emotional or social deficits and those who defend it as a legitimate service, comparable to any other exchange.

The 'failure' perspective

The initial premise stems from a user's experience after spending 100 euros on an hour with a prostitute, leaving him feeling bad about himself. He argues that paying for sens, especially when perceived as an unsatisfied basic need by a partner, generates shame and self-devaluation. This view connects with the idea that failure lies in the inability to satisfy personal needs naturally, resorting to a payment that evidences a deficit.

Sens as a service and the 'health' of the transaction

In contrast, other participants defend prostitution as just another service. They argue that, just as one pays for other goods and services, sens can be the object of a transaction. Some even suggest that, in certain contexts, it may be a 'healthier' option than other alternatives, especially when compared to unsatisfying romantic relationships or the fruitless search for a partner. The idea that "who pays for a service and receives it" contrasts with the notion of failure, equating it to a clear, unambiguous sale.

Health risks and 'professionalism'

The debate also addresses health risks associated with prostitution. While some warn about the high prevalence of Sensual Transmitted Infections (STIs), others note that professionals tend to be more careful and undergo regular checks. It is pointed out that 'civil' women of middle age with multiple partners may pose a higher risk than prostitutes who work regularly and under controlled conditions. Hygiene and the use of protection are mentioned as key factors to mitigate these risks.

'Coliving' and conflict avoidance

A current of opinion suggests that many men turn to prostitution not just for the sensual act itself, but to avoid the complexities and frustrations of conventional relationships. The idea of paying for an encounter without complications, without the need for seduction, conquest, or potential emotional conflicts, is presented as an attraction. The search to "avoid headaches" is mentioned as a decisive factor, equating payment to a pragmatic solution for obtaining a specific service without strings attached.

Is it a matter of choice or necessity?

The discussion polarizes between those who consider prostitution a free choice and those who see it as a consequence of being unable to access intimate relationships in other ways. Some argue that the "laziness of the seduction game" and "femicide complaints" (referring to gender-based violence) may be driving demand. Others defend that sens is a human right and that prostitution, like any other form of disposing of one's body, should be accepted. The question of whether one is a "failure" or a "success" ultimately seems to depend on individual perspective and life circumstances.

The value of time and money

The question is raised as to whether investing time and money in finding a partner is more or less 'successful' than paying for a sensual encounter. For some, the value of time is paramount, and paying for a service that satisfies a basic need is a rational economic decision. Others, however, criticize the commodification of sens and advocate for dignity in interpersonal relationships, preferring human connection, even with someone less 'ideal', over a purely physical transaction.