Abstract
Inspired by the concept of bounded authenticity, this chapter reveals how compensated dating (CD) relationships can be transformed from commercial ones to non-commercial interpersonal or romantic relationships. I argue that a major attraction of CD lies in its great potential to be extended beyond a bounded context. This chapter elaborates Brothers’ fantasy of girlfriend experience (GFE) and explores its authenticity. While some Brothers are aware that GFE is merely a performance, some believe that the emotion displayed by the CCs is genuine. In either case, some Brothers would experience a sense of frustration and despair. The chapter points out that GFE is not only an emotion work performed by CCs, but also an experience actively constructed by Brothers. I explicate three major emotional conditions in which Brothers would situate themselves in CD relationships. Finally, this chapter illustrates how cyberspace extends the dimensions of CD relationships.
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Notes
- 1.
Besides the CD forums and MSN , some Brothers and CCs use Facebook to connect and communicate with each other. To protect the identity of the involved CCs and Brothers in the non-commercial gatherings, the photos on Facebook don’t usually show the faces of the involved parties, but only the food, the restaurant, etc. A description of the photo and the feelings of the involved parties are usually included as well.
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Chu, C.S.K. (2018). More than Bounded Authenticity. In: Compensated Dating. Gender, Sexualities and Culture in Asia. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6974-1_7
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